Frangible Belt Pathways for Controlled Diaper Pant Tear Propagation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing absorbent articles with elastomeric laminates in diaper pants face challenges in reliably tearing along frangible pathways due to differences in substrate layer thickness, leading to unintended tear propagation and potential spillage during disposal.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of frangible pathways with lines of weakness in regions of varying substrate layers, including transition lines that ensure controlled tear propagation from areas of fewer layers to areas of more layers, facilitated by adhesive bonding and elastic laminate construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If tear lines extend across substrate layer edges between regions of different layer counts, then the belt can be separated for disposal, but tear propagation becomes unreliable and may propagate in undesired directions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebelt separabilityVSAvoidtear propagation control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a transition zone with intermediate substrate layer thickness between the first region (fewer layers) and second region (more layers). This transition zone has different mechanical properties that guide tear propagation reliably across the boundary between regions of different layer counts, preventing unintended tear directions while maintaining belt separability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The frangible pathway is pre-formed with lines of weakness through perforations or cuts before the belt is used. This preliminary action creates a predetermined tear path that will follow the intended route across substrate layer edges, ensuring reliable tear propagation control when the belt needs to be separated for disposal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If frangible pathways include transition zones between regions of different substrate layer thickness, then tear propagation is controlled reliably, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetear propagation controlVSAvoidbelt structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The belt is segmented into distinct regions (first region with fewer layers, transition zone with intermediate layers, second region with more layers) along the frangible pathway. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall reliability of tear propagation, without requiring complete redesign of the entire belt structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of substrate layer thickness gradually through the transition zone rather than having an abrupt change. This parameter change creates a gradient that guides tear propagation reliably while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as the transition can be achieved through standard manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If elastic strands are cut to connect belts with chassis, then the chassis can be connected to belts, but the elasticity is removed in connection regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechassis-belt connectionVSAvoidbelt elasticity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the elastic strands from the connection regions where the belt connects to the chassis, while maintaining elastic strands in the remaining portions of the belt. This allows the chassis-belt connection to be manufactured easily with cut elastic strands, while the belt retains its elasticity in regions where it is needed for functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables hygienic and convenient disposal of soiled diaper pants by ensuring controlled tear direction, mimicking traditional taped diaper removal methods without spillage.

Implementation Method 1

facilitated by adhesive bonding and elastic laminate construction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

facilitated by adhesive bonding and elastic laminate construction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12582562B2Absorbent articles with frangible pathways adapted for tear propagation between regions of laminates having different numbers of layers of substrates

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles including a first belt and a second belt. The first belt and/or the second belt may comprise a first region and a second region, wherein the first region comprises a first number of layers of substrates and the second region comprises a second number of layers of substrates, wherein the first number of layers substrates is greater than second number of layers of substrates. In addition, the first belt and/or the second belt may comprise one or more frangible pathways comprising first lines of weakness positioned in the first region, second lines of weakness positioned in the second region, and at least one transition line of weakness extending partially through the first region and the second region.