Folded Absorbent Articles for Uniform Compression Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for compressing absorbent articles, such as diapers, into arrays for packaging are inefficient due to non-uniform compression forces and require additional steps to redistribute articles, which can slow down manufacturing and increase packaging material usage.
Innovation Solution
The absorbent articles are folded transversely across the central absorbent region to create a bi-folded configuration, allowing for more uniform compression without damaging the articles, which reduces packaging volume and material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If absorbent articles are stacked into an array for compression packaging, then packaging volume is reduced, but the non-uniform cross-section results in uneven distribution of compression force causing damage or performance reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent article is divided into three distinct regions (front waist region, central absorbent region, back waist region) that are folded separately. This segmentation allows each region to be compressed uniformly during packaging while maintaining the overall integrity and performance of the article.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent article is folded into a compact configuration before compression packaging. This preliminary folding action creates a more uniform shape that distributes compression forces evenly throughout the article, preventing damage and performance degradation during the compression process.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional steps are added to redistribute article orientation before compression, then compression uniformity improves, but manufacturing and packaging speeds decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent article is folded into a predetermined compact configuration during the manufacturing process itself, before packaging. This preliminary folding ensures uniform compression distribution without requiring additional redistribution steps during packaging, thereby maintaining high manufacturing and packaging speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding operation is integrated into the existing manufacturing process flow, combining the shaping and packaging preparation steps into a single operational sequence. This eliminates the need for separate redistribution steps and maintains production efficiency.
3Loss of substance
If absorbent articles are compressed to smaller volume for packaging, then packaging material usage reduces, but article damage or performance reduction may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent article is folded into a compact configuration before compression packaging. This preliminary folding reduces the volume requiring packaging material while maintaining the article's structural integrity, allowing compression without causing damage or performance reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the article into foldable regions and compressing them in a controlled sequence, the compression force is distributed uniformly throughout the article. This prevents localized over-compression that could damage the absorbent core or compromise performance while achieving smaller packaging volume.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to an absorbent article comprising topsheet 6, backsheet 9, an absorbent core 7 positioned between the topsheet 6 and the backsheet 9, and fastening elements 22, wherein the absorbent articles comprises a first fold 40 extending transversely across the central absorbent region 5 so that the front waist region 2 and the back waist 3 region are positioned in side-by-side configuration; and the absorbent article further comprises a second fold 50 extending transversely across the front and back waist regions 2, 3. The second fold 50 extends transversely across the front and back waist regions 2, 3 along a line which lies between the outward edge of the absorbent core and the inner edge of the fastening elements 22. Preferably the absorbent articles are formed into an array of absorbent articles, and preferably the array of absorbent articles is compressed and held within a flexible sleeve which forms an outer casing to provide a stable and compact package of the absorbent articles.