Boxer Brief Absorbent Articles With Silhouette-Based Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing disposable absorbent articles fail to adequately fit a wide range of body shapes and sizes, leading to issues such as slipping, sagging, and inadequate leakage protection, particularly for individuals with urinary incontinence, due to reliance on weight-based sizing that does not account for anatomical differences.

Innovation Solution

Designing absorbent articles with a lower Product Length-to-Side Silhouette ratio, incorporating elasticized belts and leg cuffs, to provide better anchoring and fit by matching the Body Length-to-Side Silhouette of the wearer, enhancing stability and leakage protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If disposable absorbent articles use traditional higher Product Length-to-Side Silhouette ratios, then the articles provide basic coverage, but they fail to anchor effectively and move around on the body during wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct stabilityVSAvoidProduct Length-to-Side Silhouette
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the Product Length-to-Side Silhouette ratio from traditional higher values (greater than 2.3) to a lower range (less than 1.6). This dimensional parameter change fundamentally alters the article's interaction with the body, enabling effective anchoring at the waist, hips, and legs while maintaining coverage. The specific ratio range is optimized to match underwear geometry and provide stable positioning during wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional absorbent article geometry to an underwear-like dimensional profile by reducing the Product Length-to-Side Silhouette ratio. This dimensional transformation allows the article to conform to body contours in multiple dimensions simultaneously, anchoring at the waist, hips, and legs, thereby preventing movement while maintaining adequate coverage areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the Relaxed Product Side Length is excessively short, then the article provides better discretion, but it results in inadequate product anchoring and product sagging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct anchoringVSAvoidRelaxed Product Side Length
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the Relaxed Product Side Length to fall within a specific range that balances anchoring requirements with discretion. The side length is engineered to provide sufficient material for effective anchoring at the legs and hips while remaining concealed beneath waistline clothing, preventing both sagging and visible protrusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the Relaxed Product Side Length is too long, then the article provides better anchoring, but it results in the absorbent article being visible above the waist of clothing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct anchoringVSAvoiddiscretion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the Relaxed Product Side Length to optimize the balance between anchoring effectiveness and discretion. The side length is engineered to extend far enough to provide secure anchoring at the legs and hips but remains sufficiently short to be concealed beneath waistline clothing, eliminating visible protrusion while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If absorbent articles rely on weight-based sizing, then manufacturing is simplified, but they fail to account for anatomical differences and provide adequate fit across body shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit for different body shapesVSAvoidsizing system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing the Product Length-to-Side Silhouette ratio as a new sizing parameter that directly correlates with body shape characteristics. This ratio-based approach, combined with anatomical measurements, creates a more adaptable sizing system that accounts for variations in body geometry beyond just weight, enabling better fit across diverse body shapes while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through clear dimensional specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3644925B1Length-to-side silhouettes for boxer brief/boyshort type disposable absorbent articles
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • EP3644925B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3644925B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3644925B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An absorbent article may have a Product Length-to-Side Silhouette from 0.5 to about 1.5. An array of absorbent articles may have an Array Average Product Length-to-Side Silhouette from 0.5 to about 1.5.