Disposable Diaper Cushioning Unit for Skin Stimulation Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The region between the proximal end of the fastening tape and the leg stretch unit in open-type disposable diapers often causes discomfort due to stimulation on the wearer's skin.
Innovation Solution
A disposable diaper design featuring leg stretch units and a cushioning unit made from the same stretchable sheet member, where the cushioning unit has a lower expansion and contraction ratio and a longer width than the leg stretch units, alleviating the stimulation by providing additional cushioning along the leg hole openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fastening tape is provided in the back waistline region, then the diaper can be fastened securely, but the proximal end of the fastening tape causes skin stimulation and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
A cushioning unit made of soft, flexible material is introduced as an intermediary between the fastening tape and the wearer's skin. This cushioning layer absorbs and distributes the pressure and stimulation from the fastening tape, preventing direct contact with the skin while maintaining secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning unit is specifically positioned only in the region where skin stimulation occurs (between the proximal end of the fastening tape and the leg stretch unit), providing localized protection without affecting the overall fastening mechanism or adding unnecessary material elsewhere.
2Device complexity
If the region between the fastening tape and leg stretch unit is left uncovered, then the structure remains simple, but skin stimulation and discomfort occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning unit is integrated with the existing stretchable sheet member that forms the leg stretch units, combining multiple functions into a single component. This merger provides cushioning protection while maintaining structural simplicity and avoiding additional separate parts.
3Quantity of substance
If the cushioning unit has the same expansion and contraction ratio as the leg stretch units, then the material usage is optimized, but the cushioning effect is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning unit is designed with different mechanical properties (lower expansion and contraction ratio) compared to the leg stretch units, creating localized functional differentiation. This allows the cushioning region to maintain its shape and provide effective pressure distribution, while other regions maintain higher elasticity for stretching.
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 design reduces skin stimulation and discomfort by distributing the force of the fastening tape more evenly, enhancing wearability and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of leg stretch units formed along the leg hole openings and being stretchable in at least the product longitudinal direction
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A disposable diaper (10) includes: a pair of leg stretch units (75a) formed along a leg hole openings (35) and being stretchable in at least a product longitudinal direction (L); and a cushioning unit (75b) provided in a region adjacent to the ends (#1) of the leg stretch units (75a) in the product longitudinal direction (L); the leg stretch units (75a) are configured from a stretchable sheet member; the ratio of expansion and contraction of the cushioning unit (75b) is configured to be lower than the ratio of expansion and contraction of the leg stretch units (75a) ; and the length (W1) of at least a part of the cushioning unit (75b) in a product widthwise direction (W) is configured to be longer than the length (W2) of the leg stretch units (75a) in the product widthwise direction (W).