Absorbent Article Side Flap Collapse Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Disposable diapers with stretchable side flaps tend to collapse to the non-skin side when pulled outward, leading to a gap that can cause urine leakage due to the uneven distribution of pulling forces.

Innovation Solution

The absorbent article features side flaps with a stretching member and sheet members on both sides, where the dorsal side end is positioned further towards the dorsal side than the imaginary line connecting the edges of the engaging members, allowing the pulling force to be directed more towards the skin side, preventing outward collapse and maintaining contact with the skin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the stretching member is disposed only in the center region of the side flaps, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the dorsal side end of the absorbent body collapses to the non-skin side causing leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure of side flapVSAvoidprevention of excreta leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The side flap is segmented into three distinct layers: a stretching member layer, a first sheet member layer (non-skin side), and a second sheet member layer (skin side). This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the stretching member provides elasticity, while the sheet members distribute the pulling forces to prevent collapse of the dorsal side end.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The side flap is constructed as a composite structure combining different materials with complementary properties: the stretching member (elastomeric material) provides widthwise stretchability, while the sheet members (nonwoven fabrics or films) provide structural support and force distribution. This composite construction resolves the contradiction by maintaining structural integrity while enabling the necessary deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Force

If the dorsal side end of the absorber is positioned closer to the engaging members, then the pulling force is better distributed, but the absorbent body cannot effectively prevent outward collapse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistribution of pulling forceVSAvoidposition of dorsal side end

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet members act as intermediary elements between the stretching member and the absorbent body. They transmit and distribute the pulling forces generated by the stretching member in a controlled manner, preventing direct concentration of forces that would cause collapse of the dorsal side end while maintaining effective force distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the side flaps are made more stretchable, then the fit comfort is improved, but the dorsal side end collapses outward creating gaps for leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit to child's bodyVSAvoidurine leakage through gaps

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The side flap structure exhibits local quality differentiation: the stretching member provides high stretchability and elasticity where needed for fit comfort, while the sheet members provide structural stability and force distribution to prevent collapse. This localized functional differentiation allows the side flap to simultaneously achieve both stretchability for comfort and stability for leakage prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3549564B1Absorbent article

Publication Date: 2020.11.04 UNI CHARM CORP

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AI summary

An absorbent article having side flaps that can expand/contract, wherein an occurrence in which a back side end section falls to a non-skin side is suppressed, and leakage of excrement from the back is prevented. An absorbent article (1) comprises: an absorbent main body (AB) that includes an absorbent body (4); and a pair of side flaps (SF, SF) that extend to outer sides from both width direction end sections of the absorbent main body. The side flaps each comprise a sheet-shaped expansion/contraction member (12) that can expand/contract in the width direction, sheet members (7a, 7b) that are respectively laminated to both thickness direction surfaces of the expansion/contraction member, and a securing member (8) that is connected to a width direction outside end section of the expansion/contraction member and extends to an outer side. Each of the pair of side flaps is bonded further toward a skin side, in the thickness direction, than the absorbent main body. In a length direction, a back side end section of the absorbent body is positioned further toward the back side than an imaginary line that connects, in the width direction, belly side end edges of the securing members.