Disposable Absorbent Article Barrier Leg Cuff Leakage Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing disposable absorbent articles with elasticized outer leg cuffs and barrier leg cuffs fail to provide effective long-term leakage prevention as the inner edge of the T-shaped barrier leg cuff deteriorates due to exposure to body exudates, and the elasticized outer leg cuff does not effectively form a pocket to contain overflowed exudates.

Innovation Solution

A disposable absorbent article design featuring a barrier leg cuff positioned inboard of an elasticized outer leg cuff, with a gasket cuff supported by a base, where the gasket cuff has an inner cuff extending inwardly and an outer cuff extending outwardly, forming a pocket with the barrier leg cuff to enhance leakage prevention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a T-shaped barrier leg cuff is used to provide primary leakage prevention, then the inner edge initially prevents body exudates effectively, but the inner edge deteriorates over time due to continuous exposure to body exudates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprimary leakage preventionVSAvoideffectiveness over wearing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The leg cuff system is segmented into two distinct components: a barrier leg cuff for primary leakage prevention and an elasticized outer leg cuff with gasket action for secondary prevention. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the barrier cuff providing initial containment and the outer cuff providing sustained gasket sealing that does not deteriorate from exudate exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elasticized outer leg cuff acts as an intermediary between the barrier leg cuff and the wearer's skin. It provides a secondary sealing mechanism that maintains continuous gasket action regardless of the barrier cuff's condition, thereby extending the overall duration of effective leakage prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the elasticized outer leg cuff merely extends outwardly from the barrier leg cuff, then the structure is simple, but it cannot effectively form a pocket to contain overflowed exudates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecuff structureVSAvoidleakage containment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elasticized outer leg cuff is configured to extend laterally outwardly from the barrier leg cuff in a dimensional arrangement that creates a pocket space between the two cuffs. This spatial configuration in the lateral dimension enables the containment of overflowed exudates without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If a single seal around the wearer's leg is provided, then the device complexity is low, but secondary leakage prevention is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of sealsVSAvoidleakage prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of relying on a single seal to provide complete leakage prevention, the invention employs a dual-seal system where the barrier leg cuff provides primary containment and the elasticized outer leg cuff provides additional secondary containment. This excessive action of having more than one seal ensures that even if one seal fails or deteriorates, the other continues to provide protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 configuration provides improved primary and secondary leakage prevention by maintaining the effectiveness of the inner cuff over time and effectively containing overflowed exudates, reducing the risk of leakage and maintaining comfort for the wearer.

Implementation Method 1

an elasticized outer leg cuff having a base and a gasket cuff supported by the base at a joint of the base to the gasket cuff. The gasket cuff is provided with elasticity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7435243B2Disposable absorbent article having barrier leg cuff and elasticized outer leg cuff

Publication Date: 2008.10.14 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A disposable absorbent article having a barrier leg cuff and an elasticized outer leg cuff is disclosed. The disposable absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core disposed therebetween, an elasticized outer leg cuff, and a barrier leg cuff. The elasticized outer leg cuff is disposed adjacent to a longitudinal side edge of the absorbent article. The elasticized outer leg cuff has a base and a gasket cuff supported by the base at a joint of the base to the gasket cuff. The gasket cuff is provided with elasticity and has an inner cuff extending laterally inwardly from the joint and an outer cuff extending laterally outwardly from the joint. The barrier leg cuff is disposed inboard of the gasketing cuff and forms a pocket by a combination of the inner cuff, the base and the barrier leg cuff.