Folded Fastening Tab for Refastenable Absorbent Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disposable absorbent pants with a belt configuration and refastenable features are complex to produce at high speeds and have a rough appearance, making them inefficient and inconvenient for use.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of folded fastening tabs with a longer carrier layer and higher stretch material for the fastening components, allowing for a neater design, reduced packaging, and improved fastening performance, while enabling the use of different materials for the belt and fastening tabs to enhance functionality and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If refastenable features are incorporated into belt configuration pants, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases making production difficult at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into separate components: a first fastening element on the belt and a second fastening element on a distinct fastening tab. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler in structure while collectively providing the refastenable function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A fastening tab member acts as an intermediary element between the belt and the fastening system. This intermediary component simplifies the overall structure by consolidating the second fastening element onto a separate, manageable tab that can be easily positioned and secured during high-speed production.
2Ease of operation
If traditional fastening components are used in belt configuration pants, then refastening function is achieved, but the appearance becomes rough or unfinished
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening tab member is configured to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the absorbent article, creating a neat, organized appearance. This dimensional arrangement allows the fastening components to be systematically positioned rather than scattered, improving the overall aesthetic appearance while maintaining the refastening function.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening tab member is specifically designed with localized properties: it has a defined width (0.25 to 2.0 inches) and extends a specific distance (0.5 to 2.0 inches) from the belt. This localized design ensures that the fastening components are concentrated in a neat, controlled area, improving appearance quality while preserving the refastening capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the belt is made of lower stretch or nonelastic material, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to accommodate wearer movement is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The belt system is segmented into two functional zones: the main belt portion made of lower stretch or nonelastic material for cost-effective manufacturing, and the fastening tab portion made of higher stretch material for adaptability. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining wearer movement accommodation through the stretchable tab.
Solution Approach 2:
Different material properties are applied to different parts of the fastening system: the main belt uses lower stretch material for cost efficiency, while the fastening tab uses higher stretch material (60-150% elongation) for adaptability. This local differentiation of material quality allows the system to achieve both cost reduction and maintained adaptability.
4Shape
If fastening tabs are folded to increase carrier layer pathlength, then footprint is reduced for neater appearance, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening tab member is pre-configured with the second fastening element positioned at a predetermined distance from the belt during manufacturing. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the tab is folded or extended, the fastening elements are already in the correct configuration, reducing the complexity of assembly operations during high-speed production while achieving the desired compact footprint.
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
This solution simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces the need for folding the belt, and provides a more convenient and aesthetically pleasing product with improved fastening performance, suitable for high-speed production and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The fastening tab can be a much higher basis weight material than the belt, which is cost effective and which improves fastening performance by providing a cushion for the fastening elements
Data Source
AI summary
Absorbent articles of the disclosure may comprise first and second belt webs, a folded fastening tab member comprising first and second fastening elements, first and second landing zones, and laterally opposing permanent side seams directly or refastenably joining the first and second belt webs. The fastening tab member may be joined to the first and second fastening elements. And, the absorbent article may be packaged in refastenably closed form.