Embedded Lateral Topsheets for Absorbent Article Side Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent articles fail to effectively prevent side leakage of body fluids due to hydrophobic side sheets spaced from the topsheet, leading to fluid leakage despite efforts to prevent lateral spread.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an embedded zone on lateral topsheets with compressed areas where the lateral topsheets are partially embedded into the hydrophilic topsheet, enhancing fluid acquisition and directing it inward, while preventing lateral diffusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If hydrophobic side sheets with folded inner ends are used, then lateral leakage prevention is improved, but fluid containment effectiveness deteriorates when fluid is placed directly on the side sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions: the central topsheet is hydrophilic to absorb and wick fluid, while the lateral topsheets are hydrophobic to prevent lateral leakage. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally - the hydrophilic central region handles fluid acquisition and distribution, while the hydrophobic lateral regions contain the fluid within the absorbent core
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent article is divided into distinct functional segments: a central topsheet region for fluid absorption and lateral topsheet regions for leakage prevention. The lateral topsheets are further segmented with folded inner ends that can be spaced apart from the central topsheet, creating separate functional zones that address different aspects of fluid management independently
2Stability of the object's composition
If side sheets are bonded to topsheet by heat-sealing and heat-embossing, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral topsheets are designed to be self-bonding to the central topsheet through their folded inner ends. The structure itself provides the bonding mechanism without requiring external adhesives or complex bonding equipment. The folded configuration allows the lateral topsheets to adhere to the central topsheet through simple mechanical interlocking or minimal thermal bonding, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural stability
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 embedded zone effectively prevents side leakage by improving fluid acquisition and retention within the absorbent article, ensuring better containment of body fluids.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophilic topsheet (12)... the embedded zones effectively suction and direct fluids into the absorbent article... utilizing the hydrophilic properties of the topsheet
Implementation Method 2
an embedded zone along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article comprising a plurality of compressed areas where the lateral topsheet and the topsheet are jointly compressed so that the lateral topsheet is embedded into the topsheet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An absorbent article having a body-facing surface and a transverse centerline comprises a hydrophilic topsheet (12), a backsheet (14) joined to the topsheet (12), an absorbent core (16) disposed between the topsheet (12) and the backsheet (14), and a pair of lateral topsheets (18). Each lateral topsheet (18) is deposited on each longitudinal side of the body-facing surface of the absorbent article, so that at least a part thereof covers a part of the topsheet (12) where the topsheet (12) covers the absorbent core (16). The lateral topsheet (18) comprises an embedded zone (6) which is a region extending in a longitudinal direction of the absorbent article and has a plurality of compressed areas (5, 5a). The lateral topsheet (18) and the topsheet (12) are jointly compressed at the compressed areas (5, 5a), so that the lateral topsheet (18) is embedded into the topsheet (12). The lateral topsheet (18) embedded into the topsheet (12) at the compressed areas (5, 5a) is one layer.