Elastic Laminate Structure for Sweat-Wicking Wearable Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastic laminates used in absorbent articles, such as pant belts, have unsatisfactory sweat management properties due to hydrophobic nonwoven webs, leading to reduced sweat transport and potential dampness, especially when an extended portion is in direct contact with the skin.
Innovation Solution
A wearable article comprising an elastic laminate with a first nonwoven web and a second fibrous layer having higher hydrophilicity and average surface area per volume, where the second fibrous layer interpenetrates the first, creating a capillary gradient to efficiently transport sweat away from the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hydrophobic nonwoven webs are used in elastic laminates, then the laminate structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but sweat transport performance deteriorates and dampness accumulates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a capillary gradient where the second fibrous layer has higher hydrophilicity and higher average surface area per volume than the first fibrous layer. This local variation in properties enables directional sweat transport from the skin-facing side toward the garment-facing side, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and sweat transport performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining a first nonwoven web with a second fibrous layer that has different hydrophilic properties and surface area characteristics. This composite structure creates the necessary capillary gradient for effective sweat management while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Shape
If an extended portion of the outer nonwoven web is folded over the inner nonwoven web, then a more underwear-like finished appearance is provided, but sweat transport is reduced due to the hydrophobic inner web sandwiched between hydrophilic layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by ensuring that the second fibrous layer (which forms the outer web including the extended folded portion) has higher hydrophilicity and higher average surface area per volume than the first fibrous layer. This local quality differentiation ensures that even the folded portion maintains effective sweat transport capability while providing the desired finished appearance.
3Reliability
If the second fibrous layer has higher hydrophilicity and higher average surface area per volume, then sweat transport efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the hydrophilicity and average surface area per volume parameters of the second fibrous layer relative to the first fibrous layer. These parameter modifications create the capillary gradient necessary for efficient sweat transport while remaining within manufacturable parameters.
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 effectively wicks sweat away from the skin, maintaining a dry feel on both the skin-facing and garment-facing surfaces, enhancing comfort and reducing dampness.
Implementation Method 1
the second fibrous layer has higher average surface area per volume than the first fibrous layer... creating a capillary gradient to efficiently transport sweat away from the skin
Data Source
AI summary
Wearable article comprising an elastic laminate with excellent sweat management properties. The elastic laminate comprises a first web and a second web. The second web is formed of a first fibrous layer and a second fibrous layer, which are integrally combined with each other. The second fibrous layer may be more hydrophilic than the first fibrous layer, and/or the second fibrous layer may have higher average surface area per volume than the first fibrous layer.