Disposable Diaper Elastic Member Segmentation for Leakage Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional disposable diapers experience absorbent pad displacement or deformation due to wearer movements, leading to potential leakage, especially in non-standard body types or during significant body shape changes.

Innovation Solution

A disposable diaper design featuring an elongated elastic member fixed between inner and outer sheets, with designated unfixed sections allowing the elastic member to move independently, maintaining proper positioning and tension, thereby preventing absorbent pad displacement and deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the elastic member is fixed entirely in the longitudinal direction to the under side of the absorbent body, then the diaper structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the absorbent pad is displaced or deformed by body movements causing leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The longitudinal fixation of the elastic member is segmented into fixed sections and an unfixed section. The unfixed section allows the elastic member to move independently to compensate for body movements, while the fixed sections maintain structural integrity. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both manufacturing simplicity and leakage prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member transitions from a completely fixed static structure to a dynamic structure with an unfixed section that can move independently. This dynamic section adapts to body movements during wear, maintaining the absorbent pad's proper positioning and preventing deformation while keeping the overall structure simple for manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the elastic member is fixed entirely to the absorbent body, then the diaper structure is stable, but the elastic member becomes unbalanced in stretching force and cannot properly press the absorbent pad against the body

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation structure is segmented into fixed sections providing stability and an unfixed section providing operational flexibility. The unfixed section allows the elastic member to adjust its stretching force dynamically, ensuring proper pressing of the absorbent pad against the body while maintaining overall structural stability through the fixed sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the elastic member have different fixation qualities: the fixed sections provide stable attachment to the diaper structure, while the unfixed section provides local flexibility for proper force distribution. This local differentiation of fixation quality resolves the contradiction between stability and operational effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Shape

If the elastic member is completely fixed, then the diaper maintains its shape, but the absorbent pad is likely to be displaced due to body movements of the wearer

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveshapeVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member structure incorporates a dynamic unfixed section that allows controlled movement to track body shape changes during wear. This dynamic adaptation prevents absorbent pad displacement while the fixed sections maintain the overall diaper shape, resolving the contradiction between shape maintenance and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member is segmented into fixed sections that maintain the diaper's overall shape and an unfixed section that adapts to body movements. This segmentation allows the structure to simultaneously maintain its intended shape while preventing absorbent pad displacement through the mobile section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 effectively prevents absorbent pad displacement and deformation, reducing leakage occurrences even during body movements and varying body types, ensuring consistent fit and absorption.

Implementation Method 1

an elongated elastic member which is fixed in a stretched state between the inner and outer sheets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2174628B1Disposable diaper and absorptive article
Publication Date: 2015.09.02 DAIO PAPER CORP
  • EP2174628B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2174628B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2174628B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

[PROBLEMS] A disposable diaper in which displacement and deformation of an absorption pad caused by movement of the body of a wearer are prevented to prevent leakage. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A portion corresponding to a first portion in the longitudinally middle of an inner elastic member (13i) is a not-fixed region (14) where a back sheet (1) and an exterior sheet (12) are not fixed. Portions corresponding to second portions on longitudinally both sides of the first portion are fixed regions where the back sheet (1) and the exterior sheet (12) are fixed. That portion of the inner elastic member (13i) which is in the not-fixed region (14) is fixed to nether the back sheet (1) nor the exterior sheet (12) or is fixed only to the exterior sheet (12). Those portions of the inner elastic member (13i) which are in the fixed regions are fixed to the back sheet (1) and the exterior sheet (12).