Apertured Elastic Film Bonding Pattern for Breathable Nonwoven Composites

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nonwoven elastic composites used in products like diapers and garments are uncomfortable against the skin and the process of aperturing them for enhanced breathability is time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A nonwoven composite is formed by bonding an elastic film to a nonwoven web at strategic geometric bond points, creating a pattern with voided spaces and apertures, using controlled lamination parameters and bonding pins to enhance breathability and comfort without compromising elasticity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the elastic film is apertured to enhance breathability, then breathability is improved, but the process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebreathabilityVSAvoidprocess time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the aperturing process and the bonding process into a single integrated operation. The patterned bonding elements are applied to the elastic film while simultaneously creating apertures, eliminating the need for separate aperturing steps and reducing overall process time while maintaining breathability enhancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates apertures in the elastic film before the bonding process, as a preliminary action. The patterned bonding elements are then applied to the already-apertured film, allowing the apertures to be formed in advance without interfering with the subsequent bonding operation, thus streamlining the overall process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If the elastic film is bonded to the nonwoven web at multiple bond points, then bonding strength is improved, but the number of bond points increases process complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidbonding pattern complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the bonding interface into discrete patterned bonding elements distributed across the elastic film. Each bonding element creates a localized bond point between the film and nonwoven web, providing sufficient bonding strength through multiple distributed attachment points rather than a continuous bond, thereby simplifying the overall bonding structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 process improves breathability and comfort while maintaining elastic properties, reducing the number of bond points and apertures, and enhancing tactile features.

Implementation Method 1

The nonwoven composite is formed by bonding an elastic film to a nonwoven web at strategic geometric bond points... using controlled lamination parameters and bonding pins

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal lamination: Lamination

Implementation Method 2

The resulting elastic composite is stretchable to the extent that the nonwoven web material gathered between the bond locations allows the elastic film to elongate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3233464B1Nonwoven apertured elastic film with improved bonding features
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 KIMBERLY CLARK WORLDWIDE INC
  • EP3233464B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3233464B1 patent drawingFigure 2~2B
  • EP3233464B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a nonwoven composite comprising an elastic film bonded to a nonwoven web at a plurality of strategic, geometric bond points to provide a tactile pattern, enhanced breathability and comfort to the end user.