Disposable Undergarment Chassis With Elastomeric Film for Leak-Resistant Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current absorbent products, such as underwear and diapers, suffer from poor design leading to discomfort, leakage, and bulkiness due to elastic elements causing gaps and inconsistent seals, which affect mobility and confidence.

Innovation Solution

A disposable undergarment with a stretchable product chassis composed of multiple sections, each with strategically directed elastomeric materials, providing a smooth contoured fit and reducing gaps for improved leak resistance and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If elastic strands or overlapping components are used to hold the product close to the wearer's body, then the product securement is improved, but the wearer experiences discomfort from rubbing and the elastic elements contribute to leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct securementVSAvoiddiscomfort and leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible elastic film as a continuous layer instead of discrete elastic strands. This film is stretched and bonded between substrate layers to form an elastic composite that provides consistent contact pressure around leg and waist openings, eliminating gaps while maintaining comfort and preventing leakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an elastic composite material by bonding an elastic film between two substrate layers (such as nonwoven materials). This composite combines the stretchability and recovery of the elastic film with the comfort and breathability of the substrate layers, achieving both securement and comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If elastic gatherings are used to hold the garment against the wearer, then the product securement is improved, but gapping occurs between the article and the wearer's body causing leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct securementVSAvoidseal consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous elastic film stretches uniformly to conform to the wearer's body contours, providing consistent contact pressure without creating gaps. This eliminates the gapping problem associated with discrete elastic strands while maintaining reliable securement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Quantity of substance

If traditional absorbent products are designed with multiple components and elastic elements, then the absorption capability is improved, but the product contributes to a bulky appearance when worn

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption capabilityVSAvoidappearance bulkiness
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the chassis structure with the absorbent core by integrating the absorbent core within the elastomeric composite sections. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate rigid chassis components, reducing overall bulk while maintaining structural integrity and absorption capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the chassis material by using a stretched and bonded elastic film that forms a thin, flexible composite structure. This reduces the thickness and bulk of the chassis while maintaining its functional properties for securing the absorbent core.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 undergarment provides enhanced securement, comfort, and reduced leakage risk by eliminating gaps and skin irritation, allowing for active movements while minimizing material waste and cost.

Implementation Method 1

The inclusion of an elastomeric material, such as a stretch adhesive, in the construction of the sections of the product chassis results in improved securement of the article to a wearer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3790520B1Multi-purpose disposable underwear
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 DRYLOCK TECHNOLOGIES NV
  • EP3790520B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3790520B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3790520B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disposable articles, and, more particularly, a disposable undergarment including a product chassis configured to serve as a basis of a variety of disposable articles, including disposable underwear without an absorbent core, disposable underwear with an absorbent core designed for menstrual use, and disposable underwear or training pant with an absorbent core designed for incontinence use (adult and child). The product chassis is comprised of multiple sections including an elastomeric composite, containing stretch film, coupled to one another, each section is designed to provide stretch in a desired direction, thereby resulting in improved securement of the undergarment to a wearer for optimizing fit and comfort for the wearer, while reducing the risk of leakage as well as reducing the amount overall material required for producing the undergarment. Furthermore, the inclusion of an elastomeric composite can provide a smooth contoured fit to a wearer, thereby improving appearance and self-confidence for the wearer.