Body-Adhering Absorbent Article With Non-Uniform Adhesive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorbent articles are uncomfortable to wear and lack discretion, as they can bunch or twist during movement, leading to poor fit and potential leakage, and their silhouette may be visible through clothing, compromising user comfort and privacy.
Innovation Solution
A feminine care absorbent article with a shell that has a body-facing surface with a non-uniform adhesive pattern for direct adherence to the body, providing breathability and comfort while maintaining discretion, and a garment-facing surface for easy attachment without adhering to undergarments, featuring a design that adapts to the vaginal region for effective fluid absorption and leakage prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive is applied to the body-facing surface of the top sheet to adhere the absorbent article to the skin, then the article can be attached to the body, but the shape and size remain the same as articles attached to undergarments causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional attachment approach by moving the adhesive from the top sheet to the back sheet, which is then wrapped around and over the top sheet. This inversion allows the adhesive to be applied to a surface that becomes body-facing, enabling direct skin attachment while achieving a different shape and size profile that improves comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dimensional change by wrapping the back sheet around and over the top sheet, transforming the flat structure into a three-dimensional configuration. This dimensional transformation allows the adhesive portion to conform to body contours while maintaining proper absorbent function, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and comfort
2Reliability
If adhesive is applied to attach the absorbent article to underwear or undergarment, then the article can be secured in place, but movement causes bunching or twisting leading to discomfort and potential leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the attachment target from undergarment to skin, eliminating the intermediate layer that causes bunching and twisting during movement. By adhering directly to the body, the article moves with the wearer without creating folds or twists that compromise comfort and leak protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the undergarment from the attachment system, eliminating it as an intermediate layer. By attaching directly to the skin, the system removes the source of movement-induced bunching and twisting, thereby improving both comfort and reliability during physical activity
3Ease of manufacture
If the absorbent article is designed with the same shape and size as undergarment-attached articles, then manufacturing is simplified, but the article becomes uncomfortable and lacks discretion under tight-fitting clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the shape and size of the adhesive portion from the overall absorbent article structure. The adhesive area is specifically configured to conform to body contours and remain inconspicuous under clothing, while the absorbent core maintains its functional dimensions, thus improving comfort and discretion without compromising manufacturing feasibility
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
The absorbent article ensures comfort and discretion by adhering directly to the body, preventing bunching and leakage, and concealing its presence under clothing, providing effective fluid management and protection.
Implementation Method 1
The body-facing surface has an adhesive thereon for adhering the shell directly to the wearer's body
Data Source
AI summary
A feminine care absorbent article includes an absorbent structure configured for disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal region to absorb bodily fluids discharged by the wearer. A shell is provided for supporting the absorbent structure at the vaginal region. The shell has a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface. The body-facing surface has an adhesive thereon for adhering the shell directly to the wearer's body. The adhesive has a non-uniform adhesive pattern.