Hybrid Diaper with Segmented Insert Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hybrid disposable diaper-pants face challenges in providing a comfortable, reusable, and cost-effective solution that is easy to use and environmentally friendly, with issues such as intricate insert removal and risk of soiling during reuse.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid absorbent article comprising a reusable and washable outer shell with a disposable insert, where the insert is biodegradable and compostable, and joined to the shell at discrete areas less than 20% of its surface, using a refastenable closure system with elastic and nonwoven layers for improved fit and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the insert is joined to the front and back panels at discrete joining areas less than 20% of the total surface area, then the ease of operation and environmental friendliness are improved, but the strength of the connection between the insert and panels may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the insert and panels is segmented into discrete joining areas rather than continuous attachment. The joining areas are positioned at specific locations (front panel and back panel attachment regions) and occupy less than 20% of the total insert surface area, enabling easy removal while maintaining adequate connection strength during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is designed to be extractable from the reusable shell. The discrete joining areas allow the insert to be easily removed and replaced, separating the disposable absorbent component from the reusable outer shell, thus improving ease of operation and environmental friendliness.
2Loss of substance
If the discrete joining areas are less than 20% of the total surface area of the insert, then the loss of substance is reduced, but the reliability of the connection may be worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The joining areas are segmented into discrete regions rather than continuous attachment, reducing the total amount of adhesive or bonding material required while maintaining connection reliability at critical attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The joining areas are strategically positioned at locations where connection is most critical (front and back panel attachment regions). This local concentration of bonding material ensures reliable connection where needed while minimizing overall material usage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the front and back panels have a total width greater than the width of the insert, then the adaptability and fit are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The front and back panels are designed as flexible elements that can be stretched or expanded to provide a wider fit around the wearer's body. This flexibility allows the panels to accommodate different body sizes and shapes without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are designed to dynamically adapt to the wearer's body contours. The elastic or flexible nature of the panels allows them to stretch and conform to different shapes, providing a customized fit without adding structural 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 provides a comfortable, efficient, and environmentally friendly hybrid diaper-pant that is easy to use and recycle, with improved fit and reduced material usage, while maintaining effective absorbency and leakage prevention.
Implementation Method 1
the back panel comprises an elastic woven or nonwoven layer
Implementation Method 2
an absorbent material sandwiched between said topsheet and backsheet
Data Source
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AI summary
An absorbent article absorbent article comprising: a reusable and washable outer shell comprising one or more front panels and a back panel; and a disposable absorbent insert removably joined to the front and back panels, wherein said insert is interposed between said front panel and said back panel, wherein the front and back panels have a total width W being greater than a width w of said insert along a transverse axis x-x, and wherein said insert comprises a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent material sandwiched between said topsheet and backsheet, wherein the back panel comprises an elastic woven or nonwoven layer and the front and/or back panels comprise one or more fasteners arranged to provide a refastenable closure between said front, back panels and/or garment facing surface of the insert and wherein the insert is joined to the front and back panels at discrete joining areas, wherein said discrete joining areas are less than 20%, of the total surface area of said insert taken from a plane parallel to that formed by the longitudinal axis y-y and transverse axis x-x, and wherein the discrete joining areas have a shape selected from the group consisting of line-form, cross-form, X-shaped, Y-shaped, H-shaped, and T-shaped, square-shaped and combinations thereof, and wherein said insert is biodegradable and/or compostable.