Acquisition Layer Stretch Openings for Diaper Profile
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a cost-efficient and simple method to provide a three-dimensional profile on the wearer-facing surface of absorbent articles, such as diapers and incontinence products, to enhance skin dryness and liquid handling capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating longitudinally-extending stretch openings in the acquisition layer of absorbent articles, which are created by slitting and stretching discrete areas of the acquisition material, provides a three-dimensional profile on the wearer-facing side, allowing for better air circulation and breathability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a three-dimensional profile is provided on the wearer-facing surface of absorbent articles, then skin dryness and liquid handling are enhanced, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The acquisition layer is segmented into discrete areas that are slit to form separate stretch openings, creating a three-dimensional profile through distributed channels rather than a continuous complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The acquisition layer material parameters are changed by slitting discrete areas and then stretching them, transforming the flat material into a three-dimensional structure with channels that enhance skin dryness
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a three-dimensional profile is provided on the wearer-facing surface, then breathability and air circulation are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acquisition layer is divided into discrete areas with slits formed in each, creating multiple separate stretch openings that collectively provide air circulation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The acquisition layer is transformed from a two-dimensional flat structure to a three-dimensional profile by stretching slitted areas, creating channels that enable air circulation without requiring complex multi-layer construction
3Shape
If stretch openings are created by slitting and stretching acquisition layer material, then a three-dimensional profile is achieved, but production process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Slits are formed in the acquisition layer material before the stretching step, preparing the material in advance to readily form stretch openings when stretched, thereby simplifying the overall production process
Solution Approach 2:
The acquisition layer material itself is used to form the stretch openings through slitting and stretching, eliminating the need for separate components or complex assembly processes to create the three-dimensional profile
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
The solution effectively creates a recognizable three-dimensional profile on the wearer-facing surface, enhancing skin dryness and liquid handling while maintaining cost-effectiveness and simplicity in production.
Implementation Method 1
The stretch openings can be obtained by slitting or otherwise weakening discrete areas of an acquisition layer material to form openable areas which are then opened by stretching to form the stretch openings
Data Source
AI summary
An absorbent article such as a diaper comprising an acquisition layer with one or more longitudinally-extending stretch openings is provided. The stretch openings may be obtained by slitting and stretching an acquisition layer material. The topsheet forms recesses at the wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article as it folds inside the stretch openings. The stretch openings may provide a three dimensional profile on the wearer-facing side of the absorbent article in a simple and cost effective manner.