Acquisition Layer Stripes for Diaper 3D Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a cost-efficient and simple method to provide a three-dimensional profile to the wearer-facing surface of absorbent articles, such as diapers and incontinence products, to enhance skin dryness and liquid handling capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The absorbent article features a liquid-permeable topsheet and a liquid-impermeable backsheet with an acquisition layer comprising two or more discrete, longitudinally-orientated stripes of acquisition material, which are at least 25% of the article's length, creating a three-dimensional profile and improving air circulation and breathability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple discrete layer of nonwoven material is used as acquisition layer, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but the wearer-facing surface lacks three-dimensional profile for optimal skin dryness and liquid handling
Solution Approach 1:
The acquisition layer is divided into multiple discrete longitudinally-orientated stripes rather than using a continuous layer. This segmentation creates gaps between stripes that form channels, providing a three-dimensional profile while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of discrete pieces
Solution Approach 2:
The acquisition layer transitions from a two-dimensional continuous layer to a three-dimensional structured layer with vertical channels created by gaps between stripes. This adds a vertical dimension for fluid transport while maintaining the horizontal coverage needed for absorption
2Object-affected harmful factors
If macroscopic channels are added to absorbent core or acquisition layer, then skin dryness and liquid handling are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acquisition layer is segmented into discrete longitudinally-orientated stripes with gaps between them, creating channels as a natural consequence of the segmentation rather than adding separate channel structures. This achieves channel functionality through division rather than addition
Solution Approach 2:
The discrete stripes serve multiple functions: they provide acquisition material for fluid absorption, create structural definition for a three-dimensional profile, and form channels through their arrangement. This multi-functionality reduces overall structural complexity
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 maintains skin dryness and enhances liquid handling by providing a visible and tactile three-dimensional surface, while being cost-effective and easy to produce.
Implementation Method 1
an acquisition layer comprising two or more discrete pieces of an acquisition material between the topsheet and the absorbent core
Implementation Method 2
whose function is to quickly acquire the fluid away from the surface of the article and distribute it to the underlying absorbent core
Implementation Method 3
The presence of channels at the surface of the article may for example help keeping the skin of the user dry, among other benefits such as liquid handling
Data Source
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AI summary
An absorbent article (20) having a front side, a back side, a longitudinal axis notionally extending in a longitudinal direction from the middle of the front side to the middle of the back side. The absorbent article has a length L measured along the longitudinal axis. The article comprises a liquid permeable topsheet (24) on the wearer-facing side, a liquid impermeable backsheet (26) on the garment-facing side, an absorbent core (28) between the topsheet and the backsheet, and an acquisition layer comprising two or more discrete longitudinally-orientated stripes (521, 522) of an acquisition material (52) between the topsheet and the absorbent core. The topsheet forms recesses (86) at the surface of the article in the gaps between the stripes. The absorbent articles can be continuously manufactured and packaged in a package comprising several articles.