Diaper Pant Frangible Belt Pathways for One-Handed Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pant-style absorbent articles require two-handed tearing operations for removal, which can be challenging when caring for a moving child, and may lead to unhygienic disposal of soiled products.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of frangible pathways in the absorbent article belts that allow one-handed tearing, facilitating easy removal by propagating tear lines along designated zones upon application of a pulling force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional bonded side seams are used in pant-style absorbent articles, then the product provides a closed pant-style fit, but the removal process requires two-handed tearing operations which is difficult when caring for a moving child
Solution Approach 1:
The bonded side seam is segmented into a frangible portion with a tear line that can be easily separated. The side seam includes a first portion bonded to the front belt and a second portion bonded to the back belt, with a frangible portion connecting these two portions that can be torn along a predetermined tear line. This segmentation allows the side seam to maintain structural integrity during wear but enables easy one-handed separation during removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The tear line is pre-formed in the frangible portion of the side seam during manufacturing, creating a predetermined separation path. This preliminary action of creating the tear line allows the caregiver to easily separate the side seam by simply pulling along the pre-defined line, eliminating the need for complex two-handed tearing operations.
2Ease of operation
If force is used to tear open bonded sides for removal, then the product can be opened, but the rapid release of energy causes loss of control and feces to spill out
Solution Approach 1:
The side seam is divided into a frangible portion with controlled weakness that separates cleanly along the tear line. This segmentation ensures that the separation force is distributed along the tear line rather than concentrated at a single point, providing gradual and controlled opening that prevents sudden feces spillage while maintaining caregiver control.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible portion acts as an intermediary element between the bonded portions of the side seam. It provides a controlled separation mechanism that mediates the transition from closed to open state, allowing gradual release of the sealing function while maintaining control over the opening process to prevent harmful feces spillage.
3Productivity
If sliding the soiled diaper pant down the wearer's legs is used for removal, then the product can be removed, but the process is unhygienic
Solution Approach 1:
The side seam is segmented with a frangible portion that can be easily torn by one hand. This allows the caregiver to quickly open and remove the diaper pant by sliding it down the child's legs while maintaining hygiene, as the easy opening eliminates the need for complex manual manipulation that could contaminate hands or the soiled product.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles having a first belt and a second belt with one or more frangible pathways. A frangible pathway may extend between a proximal terminus on an inner edge of a belt and a distal terminus on an outer edge of the belt. A grip region comprising an accessibility opening may be positioned between the inner and outer edges of the belt. The frangible pathway may comprise a first tear zone and a second tear zone extending from the accessibility opening to the distal terminus and to the proximal terminus. Such frangible pathway configurations provide a feature that allows a belt of a diaper pant to be relatively easily torn along the frangible pathway when removing the diaper pant from a wearer. The frangible pathway may be configured to allow a caregiver to initiate and/or completely tear the first belt with one hand.