Elastic Member Attachment in Absorbent Articles via Sandwich Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
The detachment of elastic members from the joining portions of absorbent articles during use, due to stretching, which compromises the integrity and functionality of the absorbent article.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for manufacturing absorbent articles where elastic members are attached to the first sheet-like member by forming joining portions that stretch in the direction of transport, allowing the elastic members to be sandwiched and pressed between these portions, ensuring secure attachment and preventing detachment during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If elastic members are attached using adhesive, then attachment strength is improved, but elasticity and softness deteriorate due to hardening of adhesive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the adhesive from the attachment system. Instead of using adhesive to attach elastic members to the sheet-like member, the patent uses a mechanical attachment method where the elastic member is inserted through the sheet-like member and secured by friction and geometric constraints, completely removing the harmful adhesive hardening effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesive) with a mechanical attachment system. The elastic member is attached through a combination of insertion, friction, and geometric constraints created by the sheet-like member's structure, substituting chemical bonds with mechanical forces that preserve elasticity.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If elastic members are attached without adhesive, then elasticity and softness are improved, but attachment reliability deteriorates due to detachment during use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the attachment function into multiple independent mechanisms: friction between the elastic member and sheet-like member, geometric constraints from the sheet structure, and distributed attachment points. This segmentation creates a robust attachment system that maintains reliability without adhesive.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a dynamic attachment system where the elastic member can move and deform with the sheet-like member during stretching. The attachment mechanism adapts to changing conditions through friction and geometric constraints, maintaining reliability throughout the range of motion rather than being rigid like adhesive.
3Reliability
If joining portions are formed to secure elastic members, then attachment reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the attachment function with the existing sheet-like member structure. The joining portions are formed as integral parts of the sheet-like member during its manufacturing process, combining the structural function with the attachment function and eliminating separate attachment devices or steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet-like member serves its own attachment function by providing the joining portions as part of its own structure. The member attaches the elastic component through its inherent geometry and friction characteristics, eliminating the need for external attachment devices or complex manufacturing equipment.
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 effectively prevents the detachment of elastic members from the joining portions, maintaining the integrity and functionality of the absorbent article during stretching, thereby enhancing its performance and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic members 35' that have been cut contract in the direction of transport and attempt to expand in the CD direction
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
A method for manufacturing an absorbent article, includes: an arranging step of arranging elastic-member continuous bodies 35a between a pair of mutually-opposing facing surfaces of a first-sheet-like-member continuous body that is continuous in the direction of transport, the elastic-member continuous bodies 35a being stretched; a joining-portion forming step of forming joining portions j that joins the pair of facing surfaces to each other; a step of overlaying a second-sheet-like-member continuous body on the first-sheet-like-member continuous body and subsequently forming the side-seal section SS on each of two sides of each of cutting target positions PC in the direction of transport, these sheet-like-member continuous bodies being welded together in the side-seal section SS, the cutting target positions PC being set at a predetermined pitch in the direction of transport; a cutting step of producing the absorbent article 1 that has the elastic member 35 and the first and second sheet-like members, the cutting step being performed by cutting at each of the cutting target positions. In the joining-portion forming step, the joining portions j and j are formed on two sides of the elastic-member continuous bodies 35a in a CD direction while maintaining the elastic-member continuous bodies 35a being stretched in the first sheet-like member. After the cutting step, the elastic member 35 is expanded in the CD-direction, and is sandwiched and pressed by the joining portions j and j located on both sides of the elastic member 35. As viewed in the thickness direction, at least a part of the joining portions j is located between the side-seal section SS and each of cutting target positions PC.