Apertured Top Sheet for Absorbent Product BM Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorbent products, such as diapers, face challenges in effectively containing bowel movements (BM) due to the tendency of fluid-solid mixtures to leak across the surface, with fully apertured topsheets allowing SAP to escape while inadequate at preventing fluid leakage, and complex BM containment features increasing manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a targeted apertured topsheet with a majority of apertures positioned above the acquisition-distribution layer (ADL), enclosed within the ADL boundary, to enhance BM containment while preventing SAP leakage, eliminating the need for additional containment methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fully apertured topsheet is used to enhance BM containment, then fluid-solid mixture passage is improved, but SAP leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The topsheet transitions from a fully apertured uniform structure to a localized apertured zone positioned directly over the absorbent core. This local quality change ensures apertures are concentrated where BM containment is most needed while maintaining an intact topsheet surface in other areas to prevent SAP escape.
Solution Approach 2:
The topsheet is segmented into distinct functional zones: an apertured zone for BM containment and a non-apertured zone for SAP containment. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
2Ease of operation
If conventional topsheet materials are used, then urine absorption is adequate, but BM containment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The topsheet incorporates an apertured zone with controlled porosity to facilitate passage of fluid-solid mixtures associated with BMs. The apertures provide direct pathways for BM material to reach the absorbent core while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to prevent leakage.
3Reliability
If BM containment features such as pockets or pouches are added, then BM containment is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The BM containment function is merged with the existing topsheet structure by creating an apertured zone within it, rather than adding separate containment features like pockets or pouches. This integration maintains design simplicity while achieving effective BM containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The topsheet serves multiple functions: it acts as a barrier to SAP leakage, provides an apertured zone for BM containment, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated containment features.
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 approach effectively contains BMs by directing fluid through apertures to the ADL and core, reducing the risk of leakage and SAP escape, thus improving absorbency and containment without increasing manufacturing complexity or costs.
Implementation Method 1
a runnym BM, which includes a fluid-solid mixture that does not easily pass through the topsheet and, thus, will have the tendency to run across the surface of the topsheet
Implementation Method 2
the ability of the absorbent core, relative to a similarly sized absorbent core of fluff pulp alone, to retain absorbed liquid against pressure
Implementation Method 3
Conventional absorbent cores often include superabsorbent polymer or 'SAP,' such as hydrogel-forming polymer material
Implementation Method 4
superabsorbent polymer or 'SAP,' such as hydrogel-forming polymer material
Implementation Method 5
an acquisition-distribution layer (ADL) disposed between the topsheet and the absorbent core
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes absorbent products having an apertured zone in the surface facing the wearer for enhanced absorbency and BM containment. Some aspects of the products include a chassis including a topsheet defining a plurality of apertures, and a backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and an acquisition-distribution layer (ADL) disposed between the topsheet and the absorbent core, the ADL including a plurality of external edges that cooperate to define an ADL boundary. In some aspects at least 75% of the plurality of apertures are defined within an apertured region that is disposed vertically above the ADL and is enclosed within the ADL boundary when the chassis is in a flat configuration.