Contoured Side Sections for Incontinence Pants Tear Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Absorbent incontinence articles with rectangular side sections often tear at the lateral longitudinal edges when put on, due to users pulling them at an angle, leading to reduced tear resistance and comfort issues.
Innovation Solution
The design features contoured side sections with a specific length-to-width ratio and tear propagation strength, allowing the closure means to be positioned closer to the lower edge for improved fit and reduced tearing risk, while using nonwoven materials and elastic elements for enhanced durability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rectangular side sections are used, then manufacturing efficiency and cost-effectiveness are improved, but tear resistance at lateral longitudinal edges deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing the side sections with a contoured shape instead of rectangular geometry. Specifically, the side sections feature a curved longitudinal profile that extends beyond the main part's lateral edges, creating a rounded contour that eliminates sharp corners. This curvature redistributes stress during application and wear, preventing tear propagation along the lateral longitudinal edges while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through die-cutting processes.
2Ease of operation
If closure means are positioned closer to the lower edge of side sections, then fit and comfort are improved, but risk of tearing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contoured shape of the side sections with curved longitudinal edges creates a geometric configuration that naturally distributes tensile forces away from the closure means attachment point. The curved profile acts as a stress-distributing structure, allowing the closure means to be positioned closer to the lower edge without concentrating excessive stress at the attachment point, thereby preventing tearing while improving fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the side sections by introducing specific curvature radii and contour profiles. These parameter changes modify the stress distribution characteristics, enabling the closure means to be positioned optimally for comfort while maintaining sufficient tear resistance through the engineered curved geometry that prevents stress concentration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to open-type absorbent disposable incontinence pants (2), comprising a main part (4) consisting of a front region (6) with front lateral longitudinal edges (42), a rear region (8) with rear lateral longitudinal edges (41) and a crotch region (10) which lies between the aforementioned regions in a longitudinal direction (28) and comes to rest between the legs of the wearer, the main part (4) having an absorbent element (12). The pants also comprise rear side sections (20) that are joined to the rear region (8) on both sides and front side sections (22) that are joined to the front region (6) on both sides, said sections extending transversally (30) from the lateral front and rear longitudinal edges (42, 41 ) of the main part (4). The rear side sections (20) have first closing means (32) with auxiliary closing elements in the vicinity of the leg openings and the closing means (32) can be removably fastened at least on the exterior of the front side sections (22), thus interconnecting the front region (6) and the rear region (8). To form the leg opening regions (51, 52) of the side sections, said sections (20, 22) run obliquely to the longitudinal direction (28) or are curved, at least on the side facing the crotch region (10). The pants are characterised in that the length-to-width ratio R of the leg opening region of the rear side sections (20) is 0.1-0.4, the tear-growth resistance Fm of the material that forms the side sections is at least 4.0 N in the longitudinal direction of the pants and the maximum distance C of the closing means (32) in the vicinity of the leg openings from the lower edge of the rear side sections is 5 cm.