Folded Absorbent Core Channels for Leak Containment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorbent articles with folded absorbent cores often fail to provide adequate containment of liquid and feces due to inconsistent shape establishment and shifting positions during wear, leading to excessive demands on the core and potential leaks caused by gravitational pooling of fluids.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a longitudinally folded absorbent core that defines multiple non-overlapping channels, configured to absorb liquids and feces and direct them to void cavities beneath the channels, thereby reducing or preventing leaks, with a laminate structure and predetermined creases to maintain a consistent shape in the wearable configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a folded absorbent core is used, then the absorbent article can provide liquid absorption capability, but the core fails to maintain consistent shape and shifts position during wear
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent core is pre-formed with specific folds (first fold, second fold, third fold) and predetermined creases before being placed in the absorbent article. This preliminary structuring ensures that when the article is worn, the core maintains its intended shape and channel configuration rather than shifting or deforming, directly addressing the position stability issue while preserving absorption reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent core is divided into multiple folded sections creating distinct channels (first channel, second channel, third channel) with specific geometric configurations. This segmentation allows each folded portion to maintain its shape independently through predetermined creases, preventing overall core deformation while ensuring consistent liquid flow paths for reliable absorption
2Quantity of substance
If the absorbent core is folded to increase absorption capacity, then more liquid can be absorbed, but gravitational pooling of fluids causes leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent core is folded to create multiple separate channels (first channel, second channel, third channel) that distribute liquid flow throughout the core structure. This segmentation prevents gravitational pooling by directing fluids along multiple pathways to designated void cavities, increasing absorption capacity while eliminating the harmful leakage effect
Solution Approach 2:
The folded channel structure acts as an intermediary system between the liquid input and the absorbent material. The channels guide and distribute fluids to specific void cavities within the core, preventing uncontrolled gravitational pooling and enabling the increased absorption capacity to be effectively utilized without leakage
3Ease of operation
If multiple folded layers are used to define channels, then fluid distribution is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent core is folded along predetermined creases to create multiple channels using a systematic segmentation approach. The first fold, second fold, and third fold are executed in sequence to define first channel, second channel, and third channel respectively. This methodical segmentation achieves improved fluid distribution while controlling manufacturing complexity through standardized folding operations
Solution Approach 2:
The fold lines and creases are predetermined and pre-marked on the absorbent core before manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the complex multi-channel structure to be formed through straightforward folding operations rather than complex assembly processes, improving fluid distribution while minimizing manufacturing complexity
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 liquid and feces containment by maintaining a consistent shape and directing fluids to designated void cavities, reducing leakage and improving comfort and fit, while the multi-layer laminate and inserts increase absorbency and fluid management capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of folded layers define at least one non-overlapping channel. Each channel is configured to absorb liquids and to cause the liquids and/or feces to flow to void cavities beneath the channels
Data Source
AI summary
In a particular implementation, an absorbent article includes a chassis having opposing front and rear waist portions and a crotch portion extending longitudinally between the front and rear waist portions. The crotch portion is configured to conform about at least one of a wearer's groin area, perineum, and rear when the chassis is configured in a wearable configuration. The absorbent article also includes an absorbent core extending longitudinally along the crotch portion and including a laminate The laminate is longitudinally folded such that the absorbent core includes a lower layer spanning a portion of a lateral width of the absorbent core. The lower layer includes a first portion and a second portion. The absorbent core also includes a plurality of folded layers of the laminate disposed over the lower layer and configured to define one or more non-overlapping channels.