Embossed Absorbent Article Topsheet for Reduced Wetness and Rewet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorbent articles often cause uncomfortable wetness and rewet sensations due to hydrophilic topsheet layers retaining moisture, despite attempts to use hydrophobic materials that provide an unpleasant plastic feel and ineffective moisture management.
Innovation Solution
The absorbent article features a hydrophilic central layer with semi-hydrophilic side layers bonded via embossing, creating regions with 10-35% embossments to enhance moisture distribution and reduce rewet, while maintaining skin comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If hydrophilic topsheet layers are used, then absorbency is improved, but wetness sensation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The topsheet layer incorporates hydrophobic regions distributed within a hydrophilic matrix, creating local variations in wettability. The hydrophobic regions (1-10 micrometer scale) prevent moisture accumulation at the skin interface, while the hydrophilic matrix maintains bulk absorbency. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing the material to simultaneously exhibit high absorbency and low wetness sensation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If hydrophobic topsheet layers are used, then wetness sensation is reduced, but comfort feel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The topsheet layer is constructed as a composite material system combining hydrophilic and hydrophobic components at the micro-scale. The hydrophobic regions (1-10 micrometer scale) are dispersed within a hydrophilic matrix, creating a composite structure that exhibits both properties. This composite approach allows the material to provide the dry feel of hydrophobic materials while maintaining the comfort and softness of hydrophilic materials.
3Reliability
If hydrophobic film-based materials are used, then rewet is reduced, but tactile comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The topsheet layer utilizes a porous structure with hydrophobic regions distributed throughout the matrix. The porous architecture allows rapid fluid intake and transport to the absorbent core, preventing rewet. Simultaneously, the porous structure maintains breathability and tactile comfort by allowing air circulation and providing a soft, non-plastic feel against the skin.
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 provides improved skin comfort and reduced wetness and rewet sensations by effectively managing moisture distribution and absorption, enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the area of the body-facing surface of each of the regions of overlap can contain from about 10% to about 35% of at least one embossment
Implementation Method 2
a topsheet layer which can have a hydrophilic central layer... a semi-hydrophilic first side layer... and a semi-hydrophilic second side layer
Data Source
AI summary
An absorbent article which can have an improved feeling of comfort next to the skin of the wearer and a reduction in the feelings of wetness and rewet. An absorbent article can have a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, and a depth direction. The absorbent article can have a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer. The topsheet layer can have a hydrophilic central layer, a semi-hydrophilic first side layer, and a semi-hydrophilic second side layer. Each of the semi-hydrophilic side layers can be bonded to the central layer utilizing an embossing technique in the regions of overlap of each of the semi-hydrophilic side layers with the central layer. The area of the body-facing surface of each of the regions of overlap can contain from about 10% to about 35% of at least one embossment.