3D Apertured Nonwoven Web Printing for Depth Perception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable absorbent products with printed color signals require an underlying layer or excessive ink to achieve depth perception, which can increase material usage and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional, fluid pervious nonwoven web with apertures is developed, where a colorant or lotion is deposited on the second surface, allowing for depth perception without an underlying layer and reducing ink usage through flexographic printing on the second surface of the web.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a color signal is printed on a layer below the topsheet, then depth perception is improved, but device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the printing function from a separate underlying layer and integrates it directly into the topsheet structure. By depositing colorant on the second surface of the three-dimensional formed film topsheet, the patent eliminates the need for a separate printing layer while maintaining depth perception, thus reducing device complexity without sacrificing the illumination intensity benefit
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the topsheet and printing layer into a single integrated structure. The three-dimensional formed film topsheet serves dual purposes: as the functional topsheet and as the substrate for colorant deposition. This consolidation reduces material layers and simplifies the overall device structure while preserving depth perception capabilities
2Illumination intensity
If ink is deposited on the first surface of the web, then visual perception is improved, but ink usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies colorant selectively to the second surface of the three-dimensional formed film topsheet, which is the surface farther from the viewer. The three-dimensional structure of the formed film creates light scattering and refraction effects that amplify the visual impact of the colorant, allowing for reduced ink usage while maintaining or enhancing visual perception compared to conventional first-surface printing
Data Source
AI summary
A nonwoven web having printed thereon a colorant and/or a composition providing a skin health benefit. The nonwoven web can be a three-dimensional, fluid pervious, polymeric web. The nonwoven web can comprise apertures. The apertures are defined in a first surface of the nonwoven web in a first plane of the nonwoven web, and extend in sidewall portions to a second surface in a second plane of the nonwoven web. A colorant or lotion composition can be deposited on at least a portion of the second surface of the nonwoven web.