Elastomeric Loop Fibers for Secure Fastening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical fastening systems for disposable absorbent articles, such as diapers and training pants, fail to maintain secure attachment during wearer movement due to stressing forces, leading to disengagement of hook and loop components and potential breakage of thin loop fibers, which hinders refastening.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical fastening system featuring a male component with hook elements and a female component with elastomeric loop fibers that define a fibrous web, providing stretch and 'play' to maintain engagement under stress while allowing intentional disengagement with significant peel force and angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid hook components and non-extensible loop fibers are used in a mechanical fastening system, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the fastening system cannot withstand stressing forces during wearer movement, causing disengagement and fiber breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning the loop fiber material from non-extensible to elastomeric, fundamentally changing the mechanical properties of the fastening system. This allows the loop fibers to extend and retract, providing the necessary play to absorb stressing forces during wearer movement while maintaining reliable engagement with hook components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining elastomeric fibers with hook components to create a fastening system that leverages the elastic properties of the elastomeric material. This composite structure enables the system to withstand dynamic stresses while maintaining simplicity in overall design.
2Strength
If thin loop fibers are used in the fastening system, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the fibers are prone to breakage under stressing forces, preventing refastening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of loop fibers from conventional non-extensible materials to elastomeric materials. This parameter change dramatically improves the strength and durability of thin fibers under stress, as the elastomeric properties allow the fibers to stretch and recover without breaking, enabling repeated fastening and refastening cycles.
3Reliability
If there is little play in the hook and loop connections, then the fastening system is stable and simple, but stressing forces cause disengagement during wearer movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing elastomeric loop fibers that can dynamically extend and retract in response to applied forces. This dynamic behavior provides the necessary play to absorb stressing forces during wearer movement while maintaining stable engagement, as the elastomeric material continuously adapts to the applied loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the loop material from rigid to elastomeric, fundamentally altering how the connection responds to stress. This parameter change enables the system to maintain stability through controlled deformation rather than rigid resistance, preventing disengagement during active use.
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 elastomeric loop fibers enhance the fastening system's ability to remain attached during limited movement and disengage only when intentionally removed, reducing breakage and improving refastening capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomeric fibers stretch to provide a certain amount of 'play' (i.e., freedom of movement) in the connection between the male and female components of the fastening system
Data Source
AI summary
An improved mechanical fastening system that includes a male component and a female component is disclosed. The female component is adapted for releasable engagement with the male component, and the female component comprises a fibrous web, wherein the fibrous web comprises a layer of elastomeric fibers. A disposable absorbent article employing the improved mechanical fastening system is also disclosed.