Folded Sanitary Napkin Wings for Wrapper-Free Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging for absorbent articles like sanitary napkins, adult incontinence pads, and panty liners is environmentally unfriendly due to the use of petroleum-derived materials, and there is a need for a more sustainable solution without compromising performance.
Innovation Solution
The absorbent articles are designed with wings that maintain the folded configuration, eliminating the need for a wrapper, using biodegradable materials like cellulosic fibers and adhesives, and packaged in reusable containers to reduce environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wrapper made of plastic films is used to maintain the folded configuration of the absorbent article, then the article is protected and maintained in folded state, but the environmental impact increases due to petroleum-derived materials
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the wrapper from the system by designing the wings themselves to maintain the folded configuration without requiring an external plastic film wrapper. The wings are shaped and positioned to clamp and hold the folded article structure, eliminating the need for separate packaging material.
Solution Approach 2:
The wings serve multiple functions: they attach the absorbent article to the wearer's clothing and simultaneously maintain the folded configuration of the article. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate wrapper, reducing material usage and environmental impact while maintaining product protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a wrapper is used to package the absorbent article, then the article is protected against contaminants, but material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the protective function with the functional wings of the absorbent article. The wings are integrated into the article structure and perform both the attachment function and the protective packaging function, eliminating the need for separate wrapper material.
Solution Approach 2:
The wings themselves provide the protective function by maintaining the folded configuration and protecting the absorbent core. The article's own structural components serve the protective role that would otherwise require a separate wrapper, reducing overall material usage.
3Stability of the object's composition
If plastic film wrappers are used for packaging, then the folded configuration is maintained, but the device complexity increases due to additional packaging components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the separate packaging component (wrapper) from the system and replaces it with the article's own structural features (wings). This simplification reduces device complexity by eliminating additional packaging layers and components.
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 design reduces material usage, lowers environmental impact, and maintains protection against contaminants while providing a convenient, reusable packaging solution for travel.
Implementation Method 1
each wing comprises an area of adhesive arranged on the side of the backsheet opposite to the absorbent core
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7A~8
AI summary
The present disclosure pertains to a sanitary napkin (10) comprising : - a topsheet (14), - a backsheet (16), - an absorbent core (12) arranged between said topsheet (14) and backsheet (16), and - two wings (24), wherein the sanitary napkin is arranged in a folded configuration such that the absorbent core is maintained in said folded configuration by the wings (24).