Elastomeric Absorbent Article Structure for Leak-Resistant Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current absorbent products suffer from leakage issues due to inconsistent sealing at leg and waist openings, discomfort from overlapping components, and a bulky appearance, leading to reduced comfort and increased risk of leakage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elastomeric material and absorbent core between two substrate layers, with breathable and fluid-impervious regions, providing a smooth contoured fit and consistent elastic modulus for improved securement and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic strands or other features are provided around the leg openings and waist openings to hold the product close to the wearer, then the article is secured to the wearer, but leakage occurs due to gapping between the article and the wearer's body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the elastic securing function and the sealing function into a single integrated elastomeric material layer. This elastomeric layer is positioned between the absorbent core and the outer cover, simultaneously providing securement to the wearer's body and creating a continuous seal that prevents leakage, eliminating the need for separate elastic strands and sealing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure where an elastomeric material is integrated between the absorbent core and the outer cover. This composite construction allows the material to exhibit both elastic properties for securement and sealing properties for leakage prevention, creating a unified layer that performs multiple functions without gaps or corrugations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different components are assembled together to form the absorbent article, then the article is constructed with functional features, but discomfort is caused by rubbing of overlapping components and seams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a single integrated elastomeric layer that is positioned between the absorbent core and the outer cover. This unified layer provides elastic securement, sealing, and comfort simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate elastic strands, seams, and overlapping components that would cause rubbing and discomfort.
3Reliability
If elastic elements are used around the leg and waist openings to hold the garment against the wearer, then the garment is secured, but a bulky appearance is created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the elastic securement function into a thin elastomeric layer that is positioned between the absorbent core and the outer cover. This integrated approach eliminates the need for bulky elastic elements and gathers, creating a smooth, contoured appearance that closely fits the wearer's body while maintaining securement.
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 reduces leakage risk, enhances comfort, and improves aesthetics by ensuring consistent securement and a seamless fit, minimizing gaps and corrugations, thus providing enhanced leak resistance and user confidence.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric material... providing a smooth contoured fit and consistent elastic modulus for improved securement
Implementation Method 2
The elastomeric material can include both breathable and substantially fluid-impervious regions... the elastomeric material is a stretch adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes disposable absorbent articles, such as disposable undergarment, diapers, other garments, and wound care dressings, having an elastomeric material disposed between two substrate layers and an absorbent core system that disposed on top of or between the two substrate layers. This invention may also include a disposable article having an elastomeric material disposed between two substrate layers without an absorbent core. The inclusion of an stretch adhesive in the construction of the article in various portions of the article (e.g., fastening tabs, front and/or rear sections, entire article, etc.) results in improved securement of the article to a wearer for reducing the risk of leakage and further improving comfort for the wearer. Furthermore, the inclusion of a stretch adhesive can provide a smooth contoured fit to a wearer, thereby improving appearance and self-confidence for the wearer.