Elastic Absorbent Core With Segmented Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elastic composites for disposable absorbent garments often require complex manufacturing processes and are costly, particularly when producing dual elasticized regions, which can complicate the manufacturing system and increase costs.

Innovation Solution

An elastic absorbent assembly with dual elasticized regions is created, featuring a base layer with spaced elastic elements forming channels and cells, where superabsorbent polymer particles are integrated within these structures, and a top layer seals the particles, enhancing the composite's functionality and manufacturing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dual elasticized regions are produced using existing elastic composites, then the garment provides better fit and sealability, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit and sealabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic construction is segmented into multiple spaced-apart elastic elements rather than using continuous elastic layers. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing where discrete elastic elements can be individually positioned and attached to the base layer, reducing the complexity of producing dual elasticized regions while maintaining the fit and sealability benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Elastic elements are strategically positioned in specific regions (waist and leg areas) rather than uniformly distributing elasticity throughout the entire composite. This local quality approach allows the garment to provide enhanced fit and sealability where needed most, while simplifying the manufacturing process by focusing elasticization efforts on critical areas only

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If dual elasticized regions are produced using existing elastic composites, then the garment provides better fit and sealability, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit and sealabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the elastic construction into discrete, spaced-apart elements rather than using complex multi-layer elastic composites, the manufacturing process becomes more cost-effective. Individual elastic elements can be attached using simpler, more economical methods compared to producing and integrating dual elasticized regions in traditional composites

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic elements are designed as discrete, replaceable components that can be manufactured independently and attached to the base layer. This approach allows for cost-effective production using simpler materials and processes, reducing the overall manufacturing cost while maintaining the functional benefits of dual elasticized regions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If superabsorbent polymer particles are integrated within elastic element structures, then the composite functionality is enhanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomposite functionalityVSAvoidparticle integration precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spaced-apart elastic elements create inherent channels and porous spaces between them, which naturally accommodate superabsorbent polymer particles. This porous structure allows particles to be integrated into the channels formed by elastic elements through simpler processes such as infiltration or adsorption, rather than requiring precise positioning within dense elastic structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic elements' spaced-apart configuration automatically creates channels and spaces that guide and contain superabsorbent polymer particles during integration. The structure itself facilitates the particle integration process, reducing the need for external precision control mechanisms or complex manufacturing steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces costs, and improves the elastic composite's functionality by allowing for easier integration into disposable absorbent garments, providing better fit and sealability while maintaining aesthetic quality.

Implementation Method 1

superabsorbent polymer particles coupled to the channels or cells created by the elastic elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS9351886B2Absorbent articles with elastic core

Publication Date: 2016.05.31 DSG TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LTD

AI summary

An elastic absorbent assembly is presented for use in manufacturing disposable absorbent garments. The elastic assembly includes an absorbent core comprising: a base layer having a pair of side edges and a longitudinal centerline spaced inwardly from the side edges; an elastic construction supported by the base layer, the elastic construction including a plurality of spaced apart elastic elements forming a plurality of channels and a plurality of cells; and superabsorbent polymer particles coupled to the elastic elements.