Absorbent Article Ear Laminate Bond Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorbent articles with stretch ears often face issues of inadequate bond strength, leading to delamination, tearing, or detachment of fasteners, which compromises the article's usability, while achieving a balance between strength and extensibility remains a challenge.
Innovation Solution
A laminate structure comprising a first and second nonwoven layer with an elastomeric film sandwiched between them, bonded using a high-density ultrasonic bonding pattern that ensures a bond density of at least 4% and an Unload Force at 50% of at least 0.90 N, providing both strength and extensibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ultrasonic bonding is used to create stretch laminates, then the laminate provides desirable stretch and avoids use of glues and mechanical fasteners, but the bond strength is reduced leading to delamination, tearing, or detachment of fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding region is designed with a specific bond density of at least 4% concentrated in a localized area, creating different bonding characteristics in different regions of the laminate. This localized high-density bonding provides sufficient strength where needed while maintaining overall stretch capability in other regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the bonding parameters by specifying a minimum bond density of 4% and a minimum Unload Force at 50% of 0.90 N. These parameter adjustments optimize the balance between bond strength and extensibility, ensuring the laminate maintains both durability and stretch properties.
2Strength
If the number and positioning of bonds are increased to improve strength, then delamination and tearing are prevented, but the extensibility and stretchability of the ear are inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than uniformly distributing bonds throughout the entire ear structure, the invention concentrates bonding in a specific bonding region with at least 4% bond density. This localized approach provides necessary strength without restricting the stretchability of the overall ear laminate.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies partial bonding action by limiting the bonding to a specific region rather than bonding the entire laminate structure. This partial bonding approach provides sufficient strength to prevent delamination while leaving other regions free to extend and stretch as needed.
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 laminate structure enhances the absorbent article's ability to maintain a snug fit and prevent delamination or tearing, while allowing for the necessary stretch and flexibility, thereby improving the overall performance and durability of the absorbent article.
Implementation Method 1
The laminate comprises a bonding region comprising a plurality of discrete ultrasonic bonds
Data Source
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AI summary
An absorbent article includes a first waist region, a second waist region and a crotch region disposed between the first and second waist regions. The absorbent article further includes a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a laminate. The laminate has an elasticized region. The laminate includes a first nonwoven, a second nonwoven and an elastomeric material sandwiched between said first and second nonwovens in the elasticized region. The laminate includes a bonding region with a bond density of at least 4% and at least partially overlapping the elastomeric material. The laminate exhibits an Unload Force at 50% of at least 0.90 N.