Finger Tab System for Disposable Absorbent Article Side Seam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refastenable side seam training pants require significant force to open due to robust fastening systems that lock up stretch, making it difficult for caregivers to easily remove them without compromising the absorbent article's integrity.
Innovation Solution
A finger tab system that allows for a longitudinal peel motion, reducing the resistance required to open the mechanical fastener side seam without locking up or compromising the stretch of the absorbent article, thereby reducing the need for robust side seam engagement and material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a robust mechanical fastening system is used to prevent pop-opens, then the fastening strength is improved, but the force required to open the article increases and stretch is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into two functional zones: a first zone with high peel strength to prevent pop-opens during wear, and a second zone with reduced peel strength that allows easy opening when pulled longitudinally. This segmentation enables the article to simultaneously achieve strong fastening and easy opening by directing the opening force along the longitudinal axis where the fastener is designed to release with less force.
2Reliability
If a robust mechanical fastening system is used to prevent pop-opens, then the reliability is improved, but the stretch capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the fastening system have different mechanical properties. The first fastening zone is designed with higher peel strength to reliably prevent pop-opens, while the second fastening zone has reduced peel strength to allow easy opening. This local differentiation of properties enables the side seam to maintain reliability during wear while preserving stretch capability and ease of opening.
3Ease of operation
If a finger tab is added to assist opening, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side seam fastening system serves multiple functions: it provides strong fastening to prevent pop-opens, maintains stretch capability, and enables easy opening through longitudinal pulling. By designing the fastener with zones of different peel strengths, the system achieves ease of opening without requiring additional finger tab structures, thereby avoiding increased device complexity while still improving ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An absorbent article for personal wear includes inner and outer surfaces, an absorbent body disposed therebetween, and front waist, back waist, and crotch regions. The article also includes front and back side panels that are releasably attachable at a seam using an article fastening component and an article fastener landing zone to define a wear configuration of the absorbent article. The article also includes a finger tab attached to one of the front and back side panels, wherein the tab includes a tab fastening component, wherein a front or back side panel includes a tab landing zone, wherein the tab fastening component is fastened to the tab landing zone to form a tab connection when the article is in a wear configuration, and wherein the tab connection has lower peel and shear strengths per unit area than the peel and shear strengths per unit area of the seam.