Absorbent Article Texture Zones for Fit and Macro Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing absorbent articles for infants and incontinent individuals lack an aesthetically pleasing appearance and comfortable fit, with textures that are irregular and not cost-effective to manufacture.

Innovation Solution

The development of absorbent articles featuring a chassis with a belt portion comprising substrates and elastic elements, where texture zones with different frequency ranges form background and macro patterns, enhancing both fit and appearance without significant cost increases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If textures are added to absorbent articles for aesthetic purposes, then appearance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The belt portion is divided into multiple texture zones (first texture zone with first rugosity frequency range, second texture zone with second rugosity frequency range), where each zone can be independently formed with different patterns. This segmentation allows complex aesthetic designs to be created through modular texture zones rather than requiring complex manufacturing processes for the entire article.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different rugosity frequency ranges are applied to different zones of the belt portion - the first texture zone has a first frequency range forming a background pattern, while the second texture zone has a second frequency range forming a macro pattern. This local differentiation of texture properties enables varied aesthetic appearance in different areas without requiring complex overall manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Shape

If textures are applied throughout the entire surface, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but comfort and fit are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidcomfort and fit

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The textured belt portion is segmented into specific zones (first and second texture zones) rather than applying texture uniformly across the entire surface. This allows aesthetic textures to be concentrated in designated areas while leaving other areas smooth and comfortable against the skin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Texture zones are localized to specific regions of the belt portion with different rugosity frequency ranges creating distinct patterns (background and macro patterns). This local application of texture provides aesthetic appeal in visible areas while maintaining comfort in contact areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9867740B2Absorbent articles having texture zones forming background patterns and macro patterns

Publication Date: 2018.01.16 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

An absorbent article comprises first and second substrates and one or more elastic elements disposed at least partially intermediate the substrates. The second substrate is attached to the first substrate and/or to portions of the elastic elements. The absorbent article comprises an adhesive having a first and second pattern of elements disposed on first substrate, and first and second texture zones. The first texture zone comprises a first portion of the substrates, a first portion of the elastic elements, and the first pattern of elements of the adhesive and forms a background pattern in the first portion of the substrates. The second texture zone comprises a second portion of the substrates, a second portion of the one or more elastic elements, and the second pattern of elements of the adhesive and forms a macro pattern in the second portion of the substrates.