Cohesive Side Panels for Adjustable Protective Underwear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disposable absorbent articles, such as brief style underwear, are difficult to don and doff without lowering clothing from the waist and removing shoes and socks, leading to discomfort and hygiene issues, especially in public restrooms, due to non-adjustable side seams and secondary fasteners that lack stretch and can be skin irritants, increasing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of absorbent articles with side panels made from cohesive, extensible materials that can be adjusted for a customizable fit, allowing the article to be transformed between brief and diaper styles without removing lower clothing, and a manufacturing process that minimizes component changes and tooling adjustments to reduce production downtime and material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If brief style absorbent articles are manufactured with pre-joined side seams, then the article structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the side seams cannot be adjusted and may rupture under repeated stress
Solution Approach 1:
The side panel is divided into multiple segments that can be separated from each other. The first side panel includes a first segment and a second segment that can be separated to allow adjustment of the side panel width, while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the absorbent article.
Solution Approach 2:
The side panel transitions from a fixed, pre-joined configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The separable segments allow the side panel width to be modified based on wearer needs, providing adaptability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If secondary mechanical fasteners are added to allow adjustment after side seam rupture, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and skin irritation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding complex fasteners, the side panel is segmented into separable portions that can be easily detached and repositioned. This simple segmentation provides adjustment capability without introducing additional fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment capability is extracted from a complex fastener system and simplified to basic separable segments. The essential function of adjustment is maintained while removing unnecessary complexity and potential skin irritants.
3Ease of operation
If conventional fasteners are used to secure the absorbent article, then ease of fastening is improved, but the article cannot be pulled up or down over the hips like traditional undergarments
Solution Approach 1:
The side panels transition from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration that allows the article to be pulled up and down over the hips. The separable segments enable movement and adjustment similar to traditional undergarments.
Solution Approach 2:
The width of the side panels can be adjusted by separating and repositioning segments, changing the physical parameters of the article to enable different donning styles and improve flexibility in how the article can be worn.
4Ease of operation
If brief style articles are designed to conform closely to the body, then comfort and discretion are improved, but ease of removal and replacement in public restrooms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent article is divided into separable components, particularly the side panels with first and second segments. This segmentation allows for easier removal and replacement in public restrooms while maintaining a form-fitting design for comfort and discretion during wear.
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
Enables easy donning and doffing of absorbent articles like regular underwear while maintaining protection, reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, and provides a comfortable, adjustable fit with minimal environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The cohesive material side panels may be attached to one another... cohesive material which may be extensible and elastomeric... cohesive material will connect or fasten to selective materials and not to other materials generally
Implementation Method 2
cohesive material which may be extensible and elastomeric... the act of stretching open the elastic waist opening
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable absorbent article, including cohesive material side panels is presented in a protective underwear style to the user. The user may don the article in the same manner as a brief style undergarment or may tear the side panels and don the article in the same manner as a diaper by cohesively attaching the torn side panels. Optionally, the users may don the article in the same manner as a brief or protective underwear style article, tear at least one side panel and adjust the sizing of the side panel by cohesively reattaching the torn side panel.