Absorbent Article Stepped Through Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent articles with through holes in the absorbent member do not effectively utilize the cross-sectional surface for fluid absorption, limiting the absorption area and rate.
Innovation Solution
The absorbent article features through holes with a peripheral wall extending down- and inward from the upper opening to the lower opening, creating a stepped region with a larger upper opening area and varying dimensions, and includes liquid diffusion sheets and compressed grooves to enhance absorption capacity and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If through holes with perpendicular cross-sectional surfaces are used in the absorbent member, then urine can be absorbed on both topsheet and backsheet sides, but the cross-sectional surface area available for absorption is not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The through holes are designed with inclined peripheral walls that create additional cross-sectional surface area at angles to the vertical axis. This dimensional change allows bodily fluids to contact and be absorbed by the peripheral walls in addition to the top and bottom surfaces, effectively utilizing three-dimensional absorption pathways rather than just two-dimensional surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent member is designed with through holes that create porous structures extending through the material. These porous pathways allow fluids to penetrate and be absorbed along the entire length of the through holes, including the previously underutilized cross-sectional surfaces of the peripheral walls.
2Area of stationary object
If the upper opening area is enlarged to increase absorption capacity, then more fluid can be absorbed, but the structural stability and flexibility of the through hole may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The through holes feature asymmetric geometry with the upper opening area being larger than the lower opening area. The peripheral walls are inclined at specific angles, creating an asymmetric structure that optimizes fluid contact area while maintaining structural integrity. This asymmetric design allows the upper surface to absorb more fluid while the tapered structure provides structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometry of the through holes is optimized by changing parameters such as the inclination angle of the peripheral walls and the ratio between upper and lower opening areas. These parameter changes allow the structure to achieve optimal balance between absorption capacity and structural stability, with the inclined walls providing both increased surface area and structural reinforcement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enlarges the absorption area, accelerates the absorption rate, and improves the overall absorption capacity by allowing fluid absorption along the peripheral walls and upper surfaces, while maintaining flexibility to prevent closure of the openings.
Implementation Method 1
the peripheral wall extends down- and inward from the front and/or rear end in the longitudinal direction of the upper opening to the front and/or rear end of the lower opening... it is possible to enlarge the absorption area in the absorbent member, to accelerate the absorption rate of the absorbent member
Implementation Method 2
upper and lower surfaces of the absorbent member are covered with liquid diffusion sheets, respectively
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an absorbent article adapted to accelerate an absorption rate of the absorbent member, to enlarge an absorption area in the absorbent member and to improve an absorption capacity of the absorbent member. A urine absorption pad 10 includes a topsheet 20, a backsheet 30, a first layer element 40 and a second layer element 50. The first layer element 40 is formed with a slot-like first through hole 46 extending nearly vertically in a thickness direction from its upper surface 44 to its lower surface 45. The second layer element 50 is formed with a slot-like second through hole 53 extending nearly vertically in the thickness direction from its upper surface 52 to its lower surface 51 and overlapping with the first through hole 46. An opening area of the first through hole 46 is larger than that of the second through hole 53 and, in an overlapping state of the first through hole 46 and the second through hole 53, front and rear ends 53a, 53b and opposite side edges 53c of the second through hole 53 extend inward from front and rear ends 46a, 46b and opposite side edges 46c of the first through hole 46 so as to define a stepped region between the first through hole 46 and the second through hole 53.