Elasticized Leg Region Structure for Uniform Absorbent Gathering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent articles with composite stretch sheets form irregular corrugations, leading to non-uniform gathering and pressure marks on the skin, especially when both exterior and interior surfaces have corrugations of similar sizes.
Innovation Solution
The absorbent article features a corrugated structure with larger corrugations on the skin-facing surface and smaller corrugations on the non-skin-facing surface, achieved by using sheets with different bending stiffness and adhesive bonding to create distinct ridges and troughs, ensuring the non-skin-facing surface has reduced pressure marks and improved aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sheet material having low bending stiffness is used as a composite stretch sheet, then soft touch or handle is achieved, but non-uniform gathering or formation of irregular corrugations occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the properties of the inner sheet and outer sheet. The inner sheet has low bending stiffness to provide soft touch and form large corrugations for comfort, while the outer sheet has high bending stiffness to form small, uniform corrugations for neat appearance. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between softness and uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by creating an asymmetric structure where the inner and outer sheets have different bending stiffnesses and form corrugations of different sizes. The inner sheet forms larger corrugations while the outer sheet forms smaller corrugations, breaking the symmetry to simultaneously achieve both soft comfort and neat appearance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If small corrugations are formed on the exterior side and large corrugations on the interior side, then aesthetic appearance and reduced pressure marks are achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the composite stretch sheet into two distinct sheets with different functions: the inner sheet for comfort (large corrugations) and the outer sheet for appearance (small corrugations). This segmentation allows each sheet to be optimized independently, achieving the dual goal of comfort and aesthetics without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by varying the bending stiffness parameter of the two sheets. The inner sheet has lower bending stiffness to allow large corrugation formation for comfort, while the outer sheet has higher bending stiffness to create small, uniform corrugations for aesthetics. This parameter differentiation resolves the contradiction between comfort and appearance.
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 design results in an enhanced aesthetic appearance with reduced pressure marks on the skin, providing a more comfortable and visually appealing absorbent article.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member (13) arranged in between the first sheet (11) and the second sheet (12) in a stretched state
Implementation Method 2
the first sheet (11) and the second sheet (12) respectively have a corrugated structure (20a, 20b)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An absorbent article 1 has an elasticized leg region 10 in the crotch portion M. The elasticized leg region 10 includes a first sheet 11 on the skin facing surface side, a second sheet 12 on the non-skin facing surface side, and elastic members 13 between the two sheets. The elastic members 13 extend in the stretch direction X of the elasticized leg region 10 and are spacedly arranged in a direction intersecting the stretch direction X and bonded to the two sheets 11 and 12 with an adhesive. The first sheet 11 has a lower ISO ring crush compression strength than the second sheet 12. The elasticized leg region 10 in a contracted state has a skin facing and a non-skin facing corrugated structure having ridges 17a and 17b, respectively, and troughs 18a and 18b, respectively. The ridges 17a on the skin facing surface side have a longer pitch than the ridges 17b on the non-skin facing surface side.