Double-Layer Cuff Structure for Absorbent Article Leakage Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional absorbent articles with single-layer cuffs fail to effectively prevent side leakage and are uncomfortable due to harsh elastic edges, as the distal edge of the cuff often separates from the wearer's body, allowing exudates to leak and causing soiling.

Innovation Solution

A disposable absorbent chassis with double-layer cuffs, where each standing gather or waist barrier is folded to create a layered structure with an inner and outer layer, and elastic members are positioned between these layers to maintain contact with the body while preventing leakage, enhancing the barrier function and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single-layer cuff with elastic members is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the seal against the wearer's body is insufficient, resulting in side leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseal effectivenessVSAvoidcuff structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a double-layer cuff structure where an inner cuff and an outer cuff are nested within each other. The inner cuff is positioned closer to the wearer's body while the outer cuff is positioned farther away. Both cuffs have elastic members that allow them to contract and form seals independently. This nested configuration creates redundant sealing barriers, significantly improving leak prevention while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through the systematic arrangement of two coordinated cuff layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If elastic members are placed close to the absorbent core to create edge barriers, then side leakage is reduced, but the elastic edges create harsh contact with the wearer's skin, reducing comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleakage preventionVSAvoidskin irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cuff system into two separate functional segments: the inner cuff and the outer cuff. The inner cuff is positioned to provide the sealing function close to the wearer's body, while the outer cuff is positioned farther away to provide structural support and contain the elastic members. This segmentation allows the elastic members to be distributed across two layers, maintaining effective sealing at the critical interface while reducing direct skin contact with harsh elastic edges, thereby improving wearer comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the distal edge of the cuff is positioned to seal against the body, then leakage is prevented, but the cuff cannot follow body movement, causing separation and leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseal consistencyVSAvoidbody movement adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates elastic members in both the inner and outer cuffs, enabling dynamic adaptation to body movements. The elastic properties allow the cuffs to stretch and contract as the wearer moves, maintaining continuous contact and sealing pressure against the body. This dynamic design ensures that the distal edges of both cuffs can follow body contours and movements, preventing separation and maintaining reliable leakage prevention throughout various physical activities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 double-layer cuff design significantly reduces side leakage and improves comfort by maintaining a consistent seal and distributing exudates effectively, minimizing skin irritation from elastic edges.

Implementation Method 1

a pair of opposed elasticized outer leg barriers disposed on either side of the longitudinal central axis and comprising at least one elastic member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4389095A1Absorbent article with double-layer cuff
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 ONTEX BV
  • EP4389095A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4389095A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4389095A1 patent drawingFigure 2D~2E

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a disposable absorbent chassis having a liquid-pervious topsheet, a backsheet, and a liquid absorbent core disposed between the liquid-pervious topsheet and the backsheet. The chassis has a pair of longitudinal standing gathers and/or at least one waist barrier and a pair of elasticized outer leg barriers disposed on either side of the longitudinal central axis. Each of the longitudinal standing gathers and/or each of the at least one waist barrier comprises a single layer of web material folded along a first and second fold line to form a folded section comprising at least 4 layers and a non-folded section comprising at least 2 layers.