Belted Absorbent Article Distinguishable Belt Ends

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing belted absorbent articles are difficult to apply quickly and correctly, especially for adult wearers or caregivers, as they often require complex fastening systems and lack clear identification of belt ends in folded configurations, leading to potential misapplication.

Innovation Solution

A belted disposable article with a chassis and belt portions where the first belt portion has a fastener and a belt-opening trigger zone, such as an arrow or tactile/visual pattern, to guide users in identifying and unfolding the belt ends, reducing the risk of incorrect opening and simplifying application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the belt portions are folded over the chassis prior to use, then the article is compact and easier to handle, but it becomes difficult to identify and distinguish the different ends of the belt portions from each other

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling convenienceVSAvoididentification of belt ends
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning distinguishing features (such as different colors, patterns, or tactile elements) on specific ends of the belt portions before the article is used. This allows users to quickly identify which end should be fastened first without having to unfold or manipulate the folded belts extensively, thus maintaining compactness while preserving identification capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes color changes or color differentiation as a visual cue system. Different ends of the belt portions are marked with distinct colors or color patterns that remain visible even when the belts are folded. This enables users to distinguish between the front and rear belt ends without unfolding the article, resolving the contradiction between compact folded state and end identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Volume of moving object

If the belt portions are folded over the chassis, then the article has a compact configuration, but it requires more user consideration and time to correctly unfold and apply the article

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolded configuration volumeVSAvoidapplication time
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-arranging the belt portions in a specific folded configuration with distinguishing features oriented in a predetermined manner. This preliminary arrangement guides the user through the unfolding process, reducing the cognitive load and time required to correctly apply the article while maintaining the compact folded state for storage and transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service by designing the folded configuration and distinguishing features such that the article essentially guides its own application. The visual or tactile cues automatically indicate the correct orientation and sequence of fastening without requiring the user to read instructions or make complex decisions, thereby reducing application time while preserving compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If no distinguishing features are provided on the belt portions, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but users may misapply the article by fastening the wrong ends together

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcorrect application reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs color changes or color differentiation as a reliable and yet simple manufacturing solution. By incorporating different colors or color patterns on opposite ends of the belt portions, the patent ensures high reliability in correct application without significantly complicating the manufacturing process. The color differentiation can be integrated into the existing printing or material application processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies asymmetry by creating deliberate asymmetrical features on the belt portions, such as different patterns, textures, or visual markers on each end. This asymmetrical design ensures that users can easily distinguish between the front and rear ends, preventing misapplication. The asymmetrical features can be incorporated during manufacturing using standard techniques like differential printing or material application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3393418B1Belted absorbent article with distinguishable belt ends
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 ESSITY HYGIENE & HEALTH AB
  • EP3393418B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3393418B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3393418B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a belted disposable article (10) comprises a chassis (12) having first and second end portions (18, 14) and a central portion (12a) extending therebetween, and including a first covering layer (20) having a first surface (21) intended to face towards the user and a second surface (22) intended to face away from the user in use, said article further comprising a pair of belt portions (16, 17) attached to the chassis so that a first belt portion (16) and a second belt portion (17) extending on each side of the first end portion (18) of the chassis for securing to each other around a waist of a wearer of the article to form a belt having an exterior surface. The first belt portion has a free end (11) which carries a fastener (51) adapted to be attached to an exterior surface of the other of the belt portions. The second end portion (14) of the chassis comprises a fastening device (48, 49) for securing the second end portion (14) of the chassis to the belt portion so that said article assumes a pant-like shape with the belt portions forming a part of a waist portion of the pant. The first and second belt portions (16, 17)being folded over said first surface (21) to form a folded belt configuration prior to use of said article, whereby said first belt portion (16) is arranged on top of the second belt portion(17). In addition, a belt-opening trigger zone (50) is disposed on the first belt portion and arranged adjacent the free end (11) of the first belt portion(16).