Elastic Film Perforation Shape for Breathability Without Tear Weakening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elastic films used in hygiene articles, such as baby diapers and incontinence products, face challenges in maintaining comfort and preventing slipping or leakage while minimizing material usage and production costs. Existing perforations can lead to reduced maximum elongation at break and increased weakening, affecting their mechanical characteristics and comfort.
Innovation Solution
The elastic film features elongated perforation holes, with a 3:2 aspect ratio, created by laser radiation, which reduces weakening along the preferred expanding direction and maintains high elongation at break, allowing for improved mechanical properties and comfort by minimizing local weak points and promoting stabilization through uniform bulges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional perforations are made in elastic films, then breathability is improved, but maximum elongation at break is reduced and mechanical strength is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating elongated perforation holes with a specific aspect ratio (3:2 or higher) rather than circular holes. This directional shape concentrates the breathing function along the expansion direction while minimizing the impact on mechanical strength perpendicular to that direction. The non-uniform distribution of material removal creates localized weak points only where needed for breathability without compromising overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses asymmetric elongated perforation holes instead of symmetric circular holes. The elongated shape with aspect ratio of 3:2 or higher creates an asymmetric pattern that aligns with the preferred expansion direction of the elastic film. This asymmetry allows the film to maintain higher elongation at break by distributing stress more effectively, while still providing adequate breathability through the elongated openings.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If material is removed to create perforations, then breathability increases, but the film structure is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
By creating elongated perforations rather than circular ones, the patent removes material locally in a directional pattern that minimizes structural compromise. The elongated shape distributes the material removal along the expansion direction where the film is designed to stretch, preserving structural integrity in the perpendicular direction where strength is most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the perforations by specifying an aspect ratio of 3:2 or higher. This parameter change transforms the perforation from a circular opening to an elongated opening that aligns with the film's expansion direction, thereby maintaining structural reliability while achieving breathability.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional circular perforations are used, then manufacturing is simple, but local weak points are created that promote tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric elongated perforations with aspect ratio of 3:2 or higher, which can be created using laser technology. While slightly more complex than circular holes, the elongated shape eliminates the creation of pronounced local weak points that promote tearing, as the stress is distributed more evenly along the elongated edges rather than concentrating at circular perimeters.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces conventional mechanical perforation methods with laser radiation for creating elongated perforations. This substitution enables precise control over the elongated shape and aspect ratio, achieving the desired perforation geometry that reduces tearing while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through automated laser processing.
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 enhances the elastic film's mechanical characteristics, enabling broader application and greater user comfort by maintaining high elongation at break along the preferred expanding direction while reducing weakening, thus improving breathability and wearability.
Implementation Method 1
A laser perforation is distinguished through specific features and is also clearly identifiable on the finished product in practice. Through the use of a laser, the elastic film is melted, which usually results in a circular opening surrounded by a bulge with increased thickness.
Implementation Method 2
Through the use of a laser, the elastic film is melted, which usually results in a circular opening surrounded by a bulge with increased thickness.
Data Source
AI summary
An elastic film has a perforation formed by perforation holes that are elongated along a preferred expanding direction in the unexpanded state, wherein the ratio of the length of the perforation holes determined along the preferred expanding direction to a width of the perforation holes determined perpendicular thereto amounts to at least 3:2. The elongation at break along the preferred expanding direction is at least twice as high as the elongation at break determined perpendicular thereto along the width of the perforation holes.