Diaper Closure System with Differential Holding Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing incontinence diapers face challenges in providing reliable mechanical closure without increasing costs, as the outside of the main part is typically impermeable to liquids, making it difficult to attach Velcro hooks securely, and using textile loop components is economically unfeasible due to the need for extensive coverage for size adjustment.
Innovation Solution
The mechanical fastening aids are made to be releasably fixable both on the outside of the main part and the side parts in the front area, with the holding forces between the closure means and the side parts being higher than those with the main part, encouraging users to attach the closure means on the side parts, preventing overlap and maintaining air and water vapor permeability while reducing the risk of liquid penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the outside of the main part is made impermeable to liquids using film material, then liquid barrier function is improved, but the ability to securely attach Velcro hooks is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The outside surface is segmented into two distinct zones: the main part with impermeable film material for liquid barrier function, and the side parts in the front area with permeable smooth fleece materials for secure closure aid attachment. This segmentation allows each zone to fulfill its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
Different material properties are assigned to different locations: the main part uses impermeable film material optimized for liquid barrier function, while the side parts in the front area use permeable smooth fleece materials optimized for closure aid attachment. Each location has the quality it needs for its specific purpose.
2Ease of operation
If textile loop components are attached to the outside of the front area to provide landing areas for Velcro hooks, then closure aid attachment is improved, but manufacturing cost is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The side parts in the front area serve multiple functions: they provide the liquid barrier function of the main part, maintain skin-friendliness through permeability, and simultaneously serve as landing areas for closure aids due to their smooth fleece material properties. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate textile loop components.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of liquid barrier, skin-friendliness, and closure aid attachment are merged into the side parts in the front area. The smooth fleece materials inherently provide both the liquid barrier properties and the secure attachment surface for Velcro hooks, combining multiple functions into a single component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If side parts are folded onto the user's stomach side for closure, then size adjustment flexibility is improved, but the risk of overlapping with backsheet and damaging liquid barrier function is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The closure aids act as intermediaries that guide the side parts to the correct position on the front area. By providing defined attachment points for Velcro hooks, the closure aids ensure that side parts are secured in the intended location without overlapping the backsheet, thus maintaining liquid barrier integrity while enabling size adjustment.
4Reliability
If the outside of the main part is made from impermeable film material, then liquid barrier function is improved, but air and water vapor permeability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The outside surface is segmented into the main part with impermeable film for liquid barrier and the side parts in the front area with permeable smooth fleece materials. This segmentation allows the permeable side parts to provide air and water vapor permeability while the impermeable main part maintains liquid barrier function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different material properties are assigned to different locations: the main part uses impermeable film material optimized for liquid barrier function, while the side parts in the front area use permeable smooth fleece materials optimized for both skin-friendliness and air/water vapor permeability. Each location has the quality it needs.
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
This design enhances user comfort by preventing side parts from overlapping with the backsheet, allowing for unhindered air and water vapor permeability and reducing the risk of damage to the main part, while also being cost-effective by eliminating the need for extensive textile loop components.
Implementation Method 1
The holding forces between the closure means and the outside of the main part are lower than the holding forces between the closure means and the outside of the side parts in the front area of the diaper
Implementation Method 2
The mechanical fastening aids for fastening the diaper to a person's body as intended
Implementation Method 3
the side parts, which are often also referred to as the 'ears' of the incontinence diaper, can be designed to be breathable, in particular permeable to air and water vapor
Implementation Method 4
the main part, which is often also referred to as the chassis, can be impermeable to liquids, in particular impermeable to moisture
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to an absorbent incontinence diaper (2) with a rear area (8), a front area (6) and a crotch area (12) lying between these, and with first and second side edges (5), and with a main part (4) having an inner face directed towards the body and an outer face directed away from the body during use of the diaper, the main part (4) comprising an absorption body (14) and a backsheet (10) on the side of the absorption body (14) directed away from the body, the absorption body (14) having a smaller width than the backsheet (10), and with side parts (16, 17) joined to the first and second side edges (5), the side parts (16, 17) having an inner face and an outer face, and the side parts (17) in the rear area having closure means (32) with mechanical closure aids (31). To correctly secure the diaper on the body of a user, the mechanical closure means (31) can be secured detachably at least in regions both on the outer face of the main part (4) and also on the outer face of the side parts (16) in the front area (6). The retaining forces between the mechanical closure means (31) and the outer face of the main part are lower than the retaining forces between the mechanical closure means (31) and the outer face of the side parts (16) in the front area (6).