Fine Elastomeric Strand Laminates for Disposable Absorbent Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional stranded elastomeric laminates used in disposable absorbent articles suffer from high strand pressure and modulus, leading to poor sustained fit and red marking, as well as high force requirements for donning, making them difficult for caregivers and wearers to use.
Innovation Solution
The development of improved elastomeric laminates with closely spaced, fine elastomeric strands and mechanical deformation, which reduces strand pressure and modulus, enhances ease of application, and provides superior sustained fit without marking the wearer's skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional stranded elastomeric laminates use larger elastic strands with larger spaces between strands at higher pre-strains, then the laminate structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the strand pressure and modulus become too high causing poor sustained fit and red marking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from traditional large-diameter elastic strands (Average-Dtex greater than 400) with large spacing (Average-Strand-Spacing greater than 4 mm) to fine elastomeric strands (Average-Dtex less than 400) with close spacing (Average-Strand-Spacing less than 4 mm). This fundamental parameter change reduces both strand pressure (Pressure-Under-Strand less than 1 psi) and modulus (Section-Modulus less than 10 gf/mm), eliminating red marking while maintaining sustained fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the porous or open structure created by closely spaced fine strands to distribute pressure more evenly across the contact surface. The increased number of finer strands creates a more uniform pressure distribution pattern, reducing peak pressures that cause red marking while maintaining overall compression for sustained fit.
2Ease of operation
If traditional stranded elastomeric laminates use larger elastic strands with larger spaces between strands, then the application force required is high making donning difficult, but the laminate structure is simpler
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the elastic strand parameters from large diameter (Average-Dtex greater than 400) to fine strands (Average-Dtex less than 400) with increased density (Average-Strand-Spacing less than 4 mm). This parameter transformation reduces the application force required for donning while maintaining the necessary fit and compression through the collective effect of numerous fine strands.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If closely spaced fine elastomeric strands are used to reduce strand pressure and modulus, then red marking is reduced and sustained fit improves, but the laminate requires mechanical deformation to achieve optimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action through mechanical deformation (such as calendering or rolling) of the laminate structure before final assembly. This pre-deformation process creates an optimized three-dimensional configuration of the fine elastomeric strands that enhances their elastic recovery and pressure distribution characteristics, achieving optimal sustained fit and red marking prevention without requiring complex post-assembly adjustments.
4Adaptability or versatility
If zones are incorporated into the elastomeric laminate to create performance variations, then fit and comfort are improved, but areas of high pressure may be created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating zones with different strand densities, orientations, or deformation levels within the laminate. These localized variations are designed to provide enhanced fit and comfort in specific areas (such as high-movement zones) while maintaining appropriate pressure distribution. The fine strand construction (Average-Dtex less than 400, Average-Strand-Spacing less than 4 mm) ensures that even in varied zones, the maximum pressure remains below 1 psi, preventing red marking while providing tailored performance.
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 new laminates achieve easier donning, reduced pressure on the wearer's skin, and improved sustained fit, even when loaded, while maintaining extensibility and comfort, thus addressing the limitations of traditional laminates.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of elastic strands may have an Average-Strand-Spacing from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm and an Average-Dtex from about 10 to about 400... the plurality of elastic strands may comprise an Average-Strand-Spacing from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm and an Average-Dtex from about 10 to about 400
Data Source
AI summary
Elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may comprise closely spaced (e.g., Average-Strand-Spacing less than 4 mm), fine elastomeric strands (Average-Dtex less than 400), and laminates may be deformed via MD activation and/or apertureing. Further, the laminates of the present disclosure may comprise elastomeric strands having different polymer compositions. The laminates of the present disclosure may be used for disposable absorbent article components (including pant belts).