Convex-Walled Apertured Web Pumping Viscous Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional apertured webs in absorbent articles are inefficient in transmitting viscous exudates and semi-solid components due to high strikethrough time, particularly for menses and fecal matter, as they lack effective mechanisms to facilitate fluid movement from the user-facing surface to the absorbent core.
Innovation Solution
The development of an apertured web with convex walls that can move independently due to user movement, utilizing the stress applied during ordinary use to elongate and relax, thereby actuating convex flaps to pump fluids into the absorbent layer, enhancing capillary action and reducing strikethrough time while accommodating larger menses components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional apertured webs are used to prevent rewetting, then fluid migration from absorbent core to user-facing surface is reduced, but strikethrough time increases for viscous exudates
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture walls are designed with convex curvature that enables them to move dynamically in response to user motion. The convex shape creates a flap structure that flexes and bends during user activity, generating a pumping action that actively propels viscous fluids through the web toward the absorbent core, thereby reducing strikethrough time while maintaining rewetting prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture walls feature convex curvature rather than straight or concave shapes. This curvature creates a dome-like structure that, when subjected to user motion, generates bending movements. The convex shape is essential for creating the flap effect that pumps fluids through the web, solving the contradiction between rapid fluid transmission and effective rewetting barrier
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional apertured webs are used to maintain structural integrity, then web stability is improved, but ability to move semi-solid components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The web structure incorporates dynamic elements through its convex aperture walls that can flex and move during use. This dynamic capability allows the web to actively pump semi-solid and viscous materials through the apertures while maintaining overall structural integrity and stability of the web composition
Solution Approach 2:
The convex curvature parameter of the aperture walls is optimized to balance structural stability with pumping efficiency. The specific convex geometry provides sufficient rigidity to maintain web stability while being flexible enough to generate pumping motion for moving semi-solid components during user activity
3Productivity
If aperture walls are made convex to enable independent movement, then pumping action for viscous fluids is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The convex curvature of aperture walls is achieved by modifying geometric parameters during the web formation process. By adjusting the curvature radius and profile of the aperture walls, the patent enables pumping action for viscous fluids while keeping the manufacturing process compatible with existing web fabrication technologies
Solution Approach 2:
The convex aperture wall design serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural stability to the web, creates pumping action for viscous and semi-solid fluids, and maintains effectiveness against rewetting. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device complexity
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 convex-walled apertured web significantly reduces strikethrough time, effectively transmitting viscous and semi-solid components to the absorbent core through both pumping and capillary action, providing a softer feel against the skin and improved fluid distribution.
Implementation Method 1
enhancing capillary action and reducing strikethrough time while accommodating larger menses components
Implementation Method 2
the user's movement actuates the walls of the apertures in the web to propel the exudates toward the absorbent layer
Data Source
AI summary
An apertured material comprising a web and a plurality of apertures in the web, each aperture having at least two vertices with a convex flap of the web spanning a pair of the vertices.