Color Matching Disposable Absorbent Articles via CIELab Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disposable absorbent articles, such as diapers, face challenges in achieving color matching across various materials and surfaces due to differences in coloration methods and material properties, leading to inconsistent and aesthetically unpleasing results.
Innovation Solution
The use of CIELab color space calculations to quantify and match colors across different elements of the absorbent article, ensuring that imparted colors on wearer-facing and garment-facing surfaces are within specific color space volumes and differences, thereby achieving harmonious color coordination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If printing, coating, or impregnating methods are used to impart color to different diaper materials, then color can be applied to various surfaces, but the colors appear mismatched between different materials in the finished product
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies CIELab color space parameters (L*, a*, b*) to quantify and control color properties. By measuring and adjusting these parameters for each material type and coloration method, the invention achieves precise color matching across different diaper components. The color space volume calculation provides an objective criterion for determining acceptable color match ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces subjective human visual assessment of color matching with objective CIELab color space calculations. This substitution of mechanical/mathematical measurement for human perception eliminates variability in color judgment and provides quantifiable color matching criteria.
2Ease of manufacture
If color is imparted to laminate surfaces, then the diaper can have color, but the resulting laminate exhibits a muted color compared to the color-bearing layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures the CIELab color parameters of the color-bearing layer before lamination occurs. This preliminary measurement allows for prediction and compensation of the muting effect that will occur during lamination. The coloration process is adjusted in advance to account for the expected color change.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses CIELab color space measurements as feedback to control and adjust the coloration process. By continuously monitoring color parameters and comparing them against target values, the system can make real-time adjustments to achieve consistent color matching across different layers and materials.
3Ease of operation
If human discernment is used to determine color matching, then color can be assessed, but the results are undependable because color differentiation is a highly variable personal characteristic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human visual assessment with instrumental CIELab color space measurement. This substitution provides objective, quantifiable, and repeatable color data that is independent of individual observer variability. The color matching determination is based on mathematical calculations rather than subjective perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The CIELab color space serves as an intermediary between the physical color properties of materials and the assessment of color matching. This intermediary system translates complex visual perception into standardized numerical parameters that can be objectively measured, compared, and controlled.
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable absorbent article comprising a front waist region, a rear waist region, and a crotch region, wherein said absorbent article further comprises at least three discrete elements each comprising at least one visible surface; wherein at least three or more of the visible surfaces comprise an imparted color wherein said colors are color matched. Color matching exists when said colors are contained within a specified CIELab color space volume, have a specified hue difference, or total color difference.