Biodegradable Composite Loop Face Fabric for Diaper Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing diaper fastening systems, particularly those using hook and loop mechanisms, face challenges in achieving a balance between effective engagement and disengagement while maintaining air permeability suitable for diaper machine vacuum systems and desirability of biodegradability.

Innovation Solution

A composite loop face fabric with a multi-bar stitch-bonded construction using biodegradable yarns like polylactic acid (PLA) or other biodegradable materials stitched through a substrate combining lightweight cellulose tissue with nonwoven support materials, such as spunbond or meltspun polypropylene, to create a releasable fastening system with specific air permeability and weight characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional hook and loop fastening systems are used, then effective engagement and disengagement is achieved, but air permeability is reduced and biodegradability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening engagementVSAvoidair permeability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs porous meltblown nonwoven material as the substrate layer, which provides inherent air permeability while maintaining structural integrity. The porous structure allows air to pass through while still providing the necessary mechanical support for the hook and loop fastening mechanism, thus resolving the contradiction between fastening effectiveness and air permeability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure combining multiple materials: meltblown nonwoven material for the substrate,钩状 and loop状 elements for fastening, and biodegradable coating layers. This composite approach allows each material to contribute its advantageous properties - the meltblown material provides air permeability and structural support, while the biodegradable coating ensures environmental friendliness, thus resolving both air permeability and biodegradability concerns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If traditional hook and loop fastening systems are used, then effective engagement and disengagement is achieved, but biodegradability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening engagementVSAvoidbiodegradability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a biodegradable coating layer on the meltblown nonwoven material, making the entire fastening system disposable and environmentally friendly. The coating layer is designed to decompose naturally after use, eliminating harmful environmental impact. This approach maintains the functional effectiveness of the fastening system while ensuring biodegradability, thus resolving the contradiction between fastening reliability and environmental friendliness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure where biodegradable materials are integrated into the fastening system. The meltblown nonwoven material is coated with biodegradable polymer layers that decompose naturally. This composite construction allows the fastening mechanism to maintain its engineering effectiveness while the biodegradable coating ensures environmental compatibility, resolving the contradiction between fastening performance and biodegradability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Weight of moving object

If lightweight materials are used, then air permeability and weight are improved, but structural strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediaper weightVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes porous meltblown nonwoven material that provides high strength-to-weight ratio. The porous structure creates a three-dimensional network that distributes mechanical loads effectively, maintaining structural strength while minimizing weight. The meltblown material's inherent porosity allows it to be lightweight yet strong, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure combining meltblown nonwoven material with reinforcing elements. The meltblown material provides lightweight porous structure, while the hooked and looped elements provide mechanical reinforcement. This composite construction achieves both lightweight design and sufficient structural strength, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3318665B1A diaper having a releasable fastening system
Publication Date: 2022.08.17 TIETEX INTERNATIONAL LTD
  • EP3318665B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3318665B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A composite loop face fabric (20) which incorporates a multi-bar stitch-bonded construction and related fastening system. A yarn system (46) forms an arrangement of surface loops (22) extending in stitched relation through a composite nonwoven stitching substrate (30) incorporating at least one layer of a cellulose tissue (60) disposed in surface covering relation to at least one layer of a nonwoven support material (62) of polymeric fiber. Multiple layers of cellulose tissue (60) and nonwoven support material (62) may be used if desired.