3D Apertured Film Fluid Transfer Layer for Absorbent Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Absorbent articles face challenges in maintaining a dry wearer-facing surface due to inefficient fluid transmission and rewet issues, as dynamically-deposited and statically-retained fluids are not effectively managed by existing topsheets, leading to discomfort and leakage.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional apertured film is used as a transfer layer with distinct apertures on continuous and discontinuous surfaces, allowing for rapid transmission of dynamically-deposited fluids by gravity and statically-retained fluids by capillary action, while reducing rewet through physical barriers and fluid dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional topsheet is used to manage fluids, then the structure is simple, but dynamically-deposited fluids are not rapidly transmitted to the absorbent core, causing pooling and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The topsheet is segmented into multiple functional layers including a fluid-acquiring layer with through-apertures, a fluid-distributing layer with channels, and a fluid-transmitting layer with apertures. Each layer performs a specific function in the fluid management sequence, enabling rapid transmission while maintaining structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces three-dimensional channels and apertures that extend through the thickness of the topsheet layers, creating vertical fluid pathways. This dimensional approach allows fluids to be transmitted rapidly through the topsheet structure rather than relying solely on lateral flow through a single plane.
2Quantity of substance
If superabsorbent polymers are used in the absorbent core to increase fluid holding power, then fluid holding capacity is improved, but the absorption rate decreases, causing pooling of unabsorbed fluid on the core surface
Solution Approach 1:
The topsheet acts as an intermediary between the fluid source and the absorbent core, pre-processing fluids through acquisition, distribution, and transmission before they reach the core. This intermediary function ensures fluids are optimally delivered to the core surface, maximizing the absorption rate of superabsorbent polymers and preventing pooling.
3Ease of operation
If the wearer-facing surface is kept dry to maintain comfort, then comfort is improved, but fluids must be rapidly transmitted through the topsheet to the absorbent core, requiring complex fluid management
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid management system is segmented into distinct layers with specialized functions: the fluid-acquiring layer contacts the wearer and captures fluids, the fluid-distributing layer spreads fluids laterally, and the fluid-transmitting layer moves fluids vertically to the core. This segmentation enables dry wearer comfort while managing fluids through a organized multi-layer system.
4Reliability
If a transfer layer is added to provide void space for fluid accumulation and lateral dispersion, then fluid management is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of fluid acquisition, distribution, and transmission into an integrated topsheet assembly where layers work together as a unified system. The fluid-acquiring layer with through-apertures, fluid-distributing layer with channels, and fluid-transmitting layer are combined to provide void space and lateral dispersion capabilities while maintaining reliable fluid management.
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 film effectively manages fluid distribution, maintaining a dry wearer-facing surface, reducing leakage and discomfort by ensuring rapid fluid transmission to the absorbent core and minimizing rewet, thereby enhancing the comfort and performance of absorbent articles.
Implementation Method 1
The apertures in the discontinuous surface comprise at least one large scale aperture, which is capable of transmitting dynamically-deposited fluids through the film by gravity
Implementation Method 2
The discontinuous surface can optionally also include small scale apertures, which are capable of transmitting statically-retained fluids through the film by capillary action
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional film for use as a transfer layer in an absorbent article has a continuous surface and a discontinuous surface disposed generally parallel to and spaced from said continuous surface; both the continuous surface and the discontinuous surface have large scale apertures defined by sidewalls originating on the surface and extending outwardly therefrom and sized to permit acquisition of fluids by gravity, and optionally each surface also includes small scale apertures sized to acquire fluids by capillary action.