Absorbent Article Leak-Proof Wall Welding Pattern Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorbent articles with leak-proof walls face issues of texture degradation and poor fit due to excessive strength and overlapping welded parts, particularly when using nonwoven fabrics pre-embossed with welded parts, which can lead to leakage and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
The absorbent article features leak-proof walls with a sheet member overlaid in the thickness direction, where the second welded parts have a smaller area than the first welded parts, reducing the likelihood of overlap and maintaining sufficient welding strength, thus preventing texture degradation and peeling, and ensuring a stable fit by arranging second welded parts with a smaller area ratio in the central region for reduced rigidity at the groin area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If many welded parts are formed all over the sheet member to increase the strength of the leak-proof wall, then the strength is improved, but the texture and fit are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the welding density in different regions of the leak-proof wall. The central region (groin area) has a lower welding area ratio (5-20%) compared to the end regions (30-50%), providing localized optimization where the central region maintains flexibility and texture while end regions provide structural strength.
2Ease of operation
If the sheet member is made of pre-embossed nonwoven fabric, then the texture is improved, but the texture is further degraded when embossed parts overlap with welded parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality control by restricting welded parts to specific regions that avoid overlapping with pre-existing embossed patterns on the nonwoven fabric. The welding area ratio is controlled to be 5-20% in the central region and 30-50% in end regions, ensuring welded parts are positioned where they will not degrade the embossed texture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the positioning and area ratios of welded parts before the welding process. The welding pattern is planned in advance to avoid overlap with embossed regions, preventing texture degradation before it occurs.
3Strength
If second welded parts have large area, then welding strength is sufficient, but overlap with first welded parts increases causing texture degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the area ratio of second welded parts based on location. In the central region where texture is critical, the welding area ratio is limited to 5-20%. In end regions where structural strength is more important, the welding area ratio can be increased to 30-50%.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by providing welding only in specific regions rather than uniformly across the entire leak-proof wall. This selective welding approach provides sufficient strength where needed while avoiding texture degradation in critical areas.
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 effectively suppresses texture degradation and peeling of the leak-proof walls, maintaining a stable fit and preventing leakage by optimizing the welding strength and distribution of welded parts, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable wear.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member stretching/contracting in the longitudinal direction
Implementation Method 2
the sheet member is welded (embossed) at a plurality of positions
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An absorbent article includes: an absorbent body (11) having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction orthogonal to each other; and a pair of leak-proof walls (50) provided on both lateral sides of the absorbent body (11). Each of the leak-proof walls is formed of a sheet member (50s) including a plurality of first welded parts (61) on a surface of the sheet member (50s). And, each of the leak-proof walls (50) includes an overlaid part (50L) where the sheet member (50s) is overlaid in a thickness direction such that an elastic member (52) stretching/contracting in the longitudinal direction is sandwiched. In at least a part of a region of the overlaid part (50L), a plurality of second welded parts (62) that join the overlaid sheet member (50s) is disposed. An area of the second welded parts (62) is smaller than an area of the first welded parts (61).