Absorbent Article Topsheet Protrusion for Skin Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent articles cause discomfort when their end edges come into contact with the wearer's skin, as they lack effective cushioning and breathability to reduce friction and strange feelings.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensionally shaped topsheet with projections and recesses, combined with a backsheet, where the projections of the topsheet protrude beyond the end edge of the backsheet, providing enhanced cushioning and breathability to minimize skin contact discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the end edges of the absorbent article directly contact the wearer's skin, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the wearer experiences discomfort due to friction and lack of cushioning
Solution Approach 1:
The topsheet is extended beyond the end edges of the backsheet in the longitudinal direction, adding a dimensional extension that creates an end extension layer. This extension provides a cushioning effect and reduces direct skin contact discomfort without fundamentally changing the core absorbent article structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The end extension portion of the topsheet is specifically designed with different properties than the main body. This localized modification provides enhanced comfort and breathability at the end edges where skin contact occurs, while maintaining the original simple structure of the main absorbent article body.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the topsheet and backsheet extend outward from the longitudinal ends of the absorbent member, then wearer comfort is improved by reducing direct skin contact, but the article length increases
Solution Approach 1:
Only the topsheet is extended beyond the backsheet end edges, not the entire absorbent article structure. This partial extension provides the necessary comfort benefit by creating an end extension layer that reduces direct skin contact, while minimizing the increase in overall article length.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the end edges are treated with extended topsheet and backsheet, then breathability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The topsheet is extended in the longitudinal direction beyond the backsheet end edges, creating an end extension layer. This dimensional extension naturally improves breathability by providing additional air circulation space at the end edges, while the extension process integrates smoothly with existing manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
An absorbent article 1 includes a three-dimensionally shaped topsheet 2 having projections 24 and recesses and a backsheet 3. Opposed end flaps 1E in longitudinal end portions are formed of at least the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3. In at least one of the longitudinal end portions, a plurality of the projections 24 of the topsheet 2 protrude outward in the longitudinal direction X beyond the end edge el of the backsheet.