Drapeable Sanitary Napkin Absorbent Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanitary absorbent napkins lack drapeability, leading to discomfort and inadequate protection, despite advancements in flexibility and absorbency.
Innovation Solution
Development of absorbent materials with less than 50% cellulosic fibers, less than 20% bonding materials, and greater than 30% nonbonding materials, combined with a spunlace cover layer for enhanced fluid absorption and drapeability, adhering to specific thickness and Absorbency Index criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional high cellulosic fiber content materials are used, then absorbency is improved, but drapeability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the compositional parameters of the absorbent material by reducing cellulosic fiber content below 50% and reducing bonding material content below 20%, while increasing nonbonding materials above 30%. This parameter modification allows the material to achieve both high absorbency and improved drapeability, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite absorbent material combining cellulosic fibers, nonbonding materials, and bonding materials in specific proportions. This composite structure leverages the absorbent properties of cellulosic fibers while using nonbonding materials to maintain flexibility and drapeability, and minimal bonding materials to hold the structure together without excessive stiffness.
2Shape
If material thickness is reduced, then comfort and drapeability are improved, but absorbency capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the density and compositional parameters of the absorbent material to achieve high absorbency in a thin profile. By optimizing the ratio of nonbonding materials above 30% and bonding materials below 20%, the material maintains high porosity and fluid absorption capability while keeping thickness below 5 mm, thus achieving both thinness for comfort and sufficient absorbency.
3Strength
If bonding material content is increased, then structural integrity is improved, but flexibility and drapeability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the bonding material content parameter to be below 20% of the total absorbent material weight. This parameter setting provides sufficient structural integrity to maintain the absorbent article's shape and function, while preserving enough flexibility and drapeability for comfort. The specific bonding materials selected also contribute to this balance by providing adhesion without excessive rigidity.
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 solution results in sanitary napkins that are both drapeable and highly absorbent, providing improved comfort and protection by conforming to the body's shape while maintaining effective fluid handling properties.
Implementation Method 1
said spunlace material having a fluid absorption time of less than 100 s
Implementation Method 2
said absorbent material having less than 50% cellulosic fibers, less than 20% bonding material, greater than 30% nonbonding materials
Data Source
AI summary
An absorbent article including a cover layer, a barrier layer and an absorbent system arranged between the cover layer and the barrier layer, the absorbent article being drapeable and possessing the absorbency attributes required of a sanitary napkin.