Elastic Film Stretch Structure Buffer Section Rupture Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing elastic-film stretchable structure in absorbent articles is prone to rupture at the boundary between the stretchable and non-stretchable regions due to increased tension, which can lead to an inferior appearance and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A stretchable structure with a laminate of sheet layers and an elastic film, where the area rate of dot-like joints is varied between the stretchable and non-stretchable regions to reduce tension and prevent rupture, with the non-stretchable region having an elongation at elastic limit of 130% or less and the stretchable region having an elongation at elastic limit of 200% or more, and including a buffer stretchable section with a higher area rate of dot-like joints at the boundary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the area rate of dot-like joints is increased to eliminate elasticity in the non-stretchable region, then the elasticity is substantially eliminated, but the elastic film may be ruptured along the boundary between the stretchable region and the non-stretchable region due to increased tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different area rates of dot-like joints to different regions: a first area rate in the stretchable region and a second area rate (higher than the first) in the non-stretchable region. This local differentiation allows the stretchable region to maintain elasticity while the non-stretchable region eliminates elasticity, and the buffer region with intermediate properties prevents rupture at the boundary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the absorbent article into three distinct regions along the width direction: a stretchable region, a non-stretchable region, and a buffer stretchable region between them. The buffer stretchable region has an area rate of dot-like joints that is higher than the stretchable region but lower than the non-stretchable region, creating a gradient transition that reduces tension concentration at the boundary.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the area rate of dot-like joints is increased above a certain level, then the elasticity is substantially eliminated, but the number of through holes increases creating highly breakable perforation lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different area rates of dot-like joints to different regions: a first area rate in the stretchable region and a second area rate (higher than the first) in the non-stretchable region. This local differentiation allows the stretchable region to maintain elasticity while the non-stretchable region eliminates elasticity, and the buffer region with intermediate properties prevents rupture at the boundary.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer stretchable region acts as a cushioning zone between the stretchable and non-stretchable regions. By having an intermediate area rate of dot-like joints, this buffer region reduces the tension concentration that would otherwise occur at the sharp boundary, preventing rupture before it can propagate through the high-density perforation lines of the non-stretchable region.
3Ease of operation
If elastically stretchable members are fixed over the entire width direction, then elasticity is provided to the torso portions, but the elasticity cannot be eliminated in the non-stretchable region requiring no elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different area rates of dot-like joints to different regions: a first area rate in the stretchable region and a second area rate (higher than the first) in the non-stretchable region. This local differentiation allows the stretchable region to maintain elasticity while the non-stretchable region eliminates elasticity, and the buffer region with intermediate properties prevents rupture at the boundary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the absorbent article into three distinct regions along the width direction: a stretchable region, a non-stretchable region, and a buffer stretchable region between them. The buffer stretchable region has an area rate of dot-like joints that is higher than the stretchable region but lower than the non-stretchable region, creating a gradient transition that reduces tension concentration at the boundary.
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 configuration effectively prevents the rupture of the elastic film along the boundary between the stretchable and non-stretchable regions, maintaining the integrity and appearance of the absorbent article.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic film is stretched in a stretchable direction along the surfaces of the first and second sheet layers
Implementation Method 2
the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are bonded to each other at a large number of dot-like joints via through holes formed in the elastic film
Data Source
AI summary
A stretchable structure of an absorbent article includes a stretchable region and a non-stretchable region. A laminate of a first sheet layer, second sheet layer, and elastic film between the first and second sheet layers extends over the stretchable and non-stretchable regions. The first and second sheet layers are bonded to each other at a large number of dot-like joints via through holes formed in the elastic film stretched along the surfaces of the first and second sheet layers in a stretchable direction. The dot-like joints are arrayed at intervals in the stretchable direction and a direction perpendicular to the stretchable direction. An end of the stretchable region adjacent to the non-stretchable region is a buffer stretchable section. The area rate of dot-like joints in the buffer stretchable section is larger than the area rate of dot-like joints in the main section not including the buffer stretchable section.