Absorbent articles with channeled absorbent cores

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional absorbent articles face issues with absorbent material migration and fit due to the absorbent core not easily contouring to the user's shape, leading to reduced effectiveness in fluid absorption and comfort.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating channels within the absorbent core that are substantially free of absorbent material, which act as pathways for fluid distribution and improve core integrity, along with embossing regions to enhance fit and fluid management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the absorbent core is made as a solid mass without channels, then the core structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the absorbent material migrates and the core does not contour to the user's shape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontouring to user's shapeVSAvoidcore structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent core is segmented into multiple regions by incorporating channels that divide the core into distinct zones. These channels create a multi-region structure that allows different portions of the core to conform to different parts of the user's body shape, while still maintaining overall structural integrity through the interconnected channel system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the absorbent core are created with locally optimized properties by introducing channels at specific locations. The channels are positioned to match the user's body contours, allowing the core to have varying density and absorption characteristics in different areas while preventing material migration through the channel walls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If channels are incorporated in the absorbent core, then fluid distribution is improved and material migration is reduced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid absorption effectivenessVSAvoidcore fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The channels are formed within the absorbent core material during the manufacturing process before the final product is assembled. This preliminary formation of channels ensures that the structural features are integrated into the core itself, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing modifications and simplifying the overall fabrication process despite the increased structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing process utilizes parameter changes in the absorbent material, such as variations in fiber orientation, density, or bonding characteristics, to create the channel structures. By controlling these material parameters during fabrication, the channels are formed as an inherent part of the core structure rather than as separate components, reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the absorbent core uses uniform material distribution, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the fit to user's body shape is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit to user's shapeVSAvoidmaterial distribution control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The channel configuration within the absorbent core is designed with asymmetric patterns that match the typical asymmetry of human body shapes. The channels are positioned and sized differently in various regions to accommodate the natural asymmetries of the user's anatomy, improving fit while the overall manufacturing process remains consistent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves from a two-dimensional uniform material distribution to a three-dimensional structured configuration with channels extending through the core. This dimensional transformation allows the core to adapt to complex body shapes by creating vertical and lateral variations in material density and channel positioning, enhancing fit without requiring extremely precise control over material distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution effectively reduces absorbent material migration, improves the fit of the absorbent article by contouring it to the user's shape, and enhances fluid distribution and leakage protection.

Implementation Method 1

the channel provides a pathway for channeling fluids longitudinally through the absorbent core

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through channel:

Implementation Method 2

the embossing regions improve core integrity of the absorbent core

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression bonding: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS20230233385A1Absorbent articles with channeled absorbent cores

Publication Date: 2023.07.27 ASSOCD HYGIENIC PRODS

AI summary

The present disclosure describes absorbent articles that include an absorbent core. The absorbent core extends longitudinally along a crotch portion of the absorbent article. The absorbent core includes a channel having one or more pathways extending longitudinally along the absorbent core. The channel is substantially free of absorbent material. In some implementations, the channel includes a single pathway. In other implementations, the channel includes multiple pathways.