Absorbent Article Waist Guard With Dual-Sheet Exudate Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pant-type absorbent articles face challenges in preventing leakage of low viscosity bodily exudates through the waist opening, particularly when the wearer is lying down, due to structural limitations and lack of effective protective measures.
Innovation Solution
The absorbent article features a waist guard with a first and second pocket formed by waist guard sheets, each with distinct properties such as basis weight, air permeability, and elastic portions, to enhance leakage prevention and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the waist opening is made with less material for breathability, then air permeability is improved, but leakage prevention capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The waist opening structure is segmented into multiple functional layers: an inner waist guard layer with pockets for containing exudates, and an outer elastic belt layer for breathability and fit. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The waist guard is nested within the elastic belt structure, with the waist guard forming inner pockets that are contained within the overall waist opening assembly. This nested configuration allows the protective function to be integrated within the breathable structure.
2Ease of operation
If elastic belt region is made very stretchable for ease of wearing, then ease of operation is improved, but fit stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic belt is designed with non-uniform elasticity: the central portion has higher stretchability to facilitate donning and doffing, while the lateral regions have reduced elasticity to maintain fit stability and prevent excessive sagging during wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic belt provides dynamic adaptation: high initial elasticity aids during the wearing operation, then transitions to a more stable state during wear. The waist guard structure further stabilizes the fit by providing a containment framework that limits excessive movement.
3Reliability
If waist guard material is made thicker for better leakage prevention, then leakage prevention is improved, but breathability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The waist guard employs heterogeneous material properties: the inner layer facing the body uses highly absorbent, liquid-retentive materials for leakage prevention, while the outer layer uses more breathable, vapor-permeable materials to maintain air flow and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The waist guard is constructed as a composite structure combining multiple materials with complementary properties: absorbent polymers for liquid containment, porous fabrics for breathability, and elastic materials for fit. This composite approach achieves both leakage prevention and breathability simultaneously.
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 waist guard effectively captures and contains low viscosity exudates, providing improved breathability and comfort while maintaining a secure fit, reducing the risk of leakage and skin irritation.
Implementation Method 1
The first pocket comprises at least a first elastic portion. The first elastic portion is provided along and/or adjacent to the first open edge.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an absorbent article with a waist guard disposed in the back waist region such that at least a first pocket is formed. The waist guard is formed of at least a first waist guard sheet and a second waist guard sheet. Each of the first and second waist guard sheet forms a portion of the first pocket. The first waist guard sheet is different from the second waist guard sheet, the difference being selected from the group consisting of basis weight, air permeability, caliper, Low Surface Tension Fluid Strikethrough Time, Opacity, and combinations thereof.