Fluid Management Layer for Disposable Absorbent Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable absorbent articles face challenges with fluid management, including leakage, comfort, and maintaining cushiony feeling after fluid absorption, due to limitations in material properties and capillary action.
Innovation Solution
A fluid management layer comprising a nonwoven with a basis weight of 40 gsm to 75 gsm, consisting of 15% to 35% cellulosic fibers and 65% to 85% bonding fibers, with a caliper factor of 0.26 to 0.35 and fiber decitex below 2, is introduced between the topsheet and the absorbent core.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lofty materials are used to provide thickness and cushiony feeling, then comfort is improved, but the material loses flexibility and recovery after fluid absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the basis weight (40-75 gsm), caliper factor (0.26-0.35), and fiber decitex (below 2) of the nonwoven fluid management layer. These parameter optimizations enable the material to maintain both cushiony comfort and flexibility even after fluid absorption, resolving the contradiction between comfort and stability.
2Quantity of substance
If the nonwoven basis weight is increased to improve fluid management capacity, then fluid absorption is improved, but the article becomes less flexible and more stiff
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the basis weight parameter within a specific range (40-75 gsm) to achieve the right balance between fluid management capacity and flexibility. This parameter optimization allows the nonwoven layer to provide sufficient fluid absorption while maintaining the desired flexibility and comfort.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the nonwoven basis weight is decreased to improve flexibility, then flexibility is improved, but fluid management capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a minimum basis weight threshold (40 gsm) within the optimized range to ensure sufficient fluid management capacity is maintained while allowing maximum flexibility. This parameter boundary definition resolves the contradiction by identifying the optimal operating point where both flexibility and fluid management are satisfied.
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 solution enhances the absorbent article's ability to manage fluid effectively, maintaining comfort and cushioniness even after fluid absorption, while ensuring rapid fluid acquisition and distribution to the absorbent core.
Implementation Method 1
delivering sufficient capillary action to facilitate fluid moving from the topsheet of the product to the absorbent core
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid management layer that includes a nonwoven having a basis weight of from about 40 gsm to about 75 gsm, from about 15 to about 35 weight percent of cellulosic fibers, from about 65 to about 85 weight percent of bonding fibers, wherein the fluid management layer has a caliper factor of from about 0.26 to about 0.35, and wherein the cellulosic fibers and the bonding fibers have a decitex below about 2. The fluid management layer can be included in a disposable absorbent article.