Disposable Absorbent Articles With Straight Elastics for Broad Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adult incontinence products with curved elastics in the crotch region complicate production and may not provide adequate fit and coverage for a broad range of consumers.

Innovation Solution

The use of straight elastics extending from both front and rear waist regions into the crotch, combined with leg cutouts and leg cuffs, simplifies production and enhances fit and coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If curved elastics are used to follow the leg cutout in the crotch region, then fit and coverage are improved, but production complexity increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit and coverageVSAvoidproduction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic system is segmented into multiple straight elastic strands arranged in specific patterns (e.g., front waist region elastics, rear waist region elastics, and leg region elastics) that collectively provide curved-like fit without requiring actually curved elastic pieces. This segmentation allows each elastic strand to be simple and straight for easy manufacturing while their combined arrangement achieves the desired conformal fit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of curving the elastics to fit the body contour, the patent inverts the approach by using straight elastics arranged in patterns that collectively create the curved fit effect. The straight elastics are positioned and oriented such that their combined action follows the body's curvature without any single elastic being curved, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining fit quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If curved elastics are used to follow the leg cutout in the crotch region, then fit and coverage are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit and coverageVSAvoidelastic configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex curved elastic configuration is segmented into multiple simple straight elastic strands. Each strand is individually simple in form but their collective arrangement achieves the complex fit requirement. This segmentation reduces the complexity of individual components and their assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Straight elastics perform multiple functions: they provide structural support, create the desired curved fit through their arrangement, and simplify manufacturing. The same straight elastic configuration can serve different body types and sizes, reducing the need for specialized curved elastics for different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250248864A1Disposable absorbent articles

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

An absorbent article comprising a first and second plurality of elastics. The first plurality of elastics may be disposed in a front and a crotch region. The second plurality of elastics may be disposed in a back region and the crotch region. The first and second plurality of elastics may be linear and parallel with a transverse axis of the article.