Incontinence Brief Elasticizing Means for Reducing Band Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Incontinence articles with wide abdominal and back bands tend to fold over, reducing the body-contacting surface area and causing uncomfortable skin irritations due to constricting forces, especially in mobile users and those with abdominal protrusions.
Innovation Solution
The abdominal and back bands are made narrower with a lower hip edge, and the number of elasticizing means is reduced by increasing the distance between them, using stronger and more prestretched threads to maintain fit and comfort while avoiding skin irritation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the abdominal and back bands are made wide to increase body-contacting surface area, then the fit and holding forces are improved, but the bands fold over outward causing skin irritations and reducing the body-contacting surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the elasticizing means, specifically using stronger threads with higher breaking forces and increased prestretch values. This allows the bands to maintain adequate elastic forces for fit and holding without requiring excessive width, thereby preventing the folding problem while still providing sufficient body-contacting surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the elasticizing function by introducing two distinct types of elasticizing means: first elasticizing means in the abdominal and back bands for overall fit, and second elasticizing means in the side seam areas for localized support. This segmentation allows optimization of each region's elastic properties to prevent folding while maintaining fit.
2Reliability
If the number of elasticizing means is increased to maintain fit and holding forces, then the elasticization is improved, but the cost and complexity of the article increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the number of elasticizing means, the patent changes the parameters of existing elasticizing means by using stronger threads with higher breaking forces (e.g., 0.5-2.0 N for first elasticizing means vs. 0.2-0.5 N for second) and increased prestretch values (e.g., 1.5-3.0 times original length). This maintains or improves fit and holding forces while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies asymmetric distribution of elasticizing means, concentrating stronger first elasticizing means in the abdominal and back bands where primary fit is needed, and using fewer, weaker second elasticizing means in the side seam areas. This asymmetric approach optimizes performance while minimizing the total number of elasticizing elements.
3Device complexity
If stronger and more prestretched threads are used to reduce the number of elasticizing means, then the cost and complexity are reduced, but the elasticizing effect may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully balances the parameters of stronger elasticizing means by controlling both the breaking force and prestretch values. The first elasticizing means have higher breaking forces (0.5-2.0 N) and prestretch values of 1.5-3.0 times original length, which provides adequate elastic effect while using fewer elements. The second elasticizing means have lower breaking forces (0.2-0.5 N) and prestretch values of 1.2-2.0 times, providing localized support without over-engineering.
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 configuration improves the fit and wearing comfort of incontinence articles by reducing folding and constricting forces, enhancing the hygiene article's cost-effectiveness and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
first elasticizing means are provided in the stomach section and the back section, which extend at a distance from one another and parallel to one another in the transverse or hip circumferential direction and thus elasticize the stomach section and the back section over a large area
Implementation Method 2
second elasticizing means are provided, which, starting from the two side seam areas, extend in the direction of a longitudinal center axis of the incontinence article and along their extension in the direction of the longitudinal center axis of the incontinence article fan out in an arc with increasing distance from one another
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~4
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an incontinence article (2) in the form of briefs, comprising a front abdomen section (4) and a rear back section (6), which are formed by separate, spaced components; an abdomen and back band having a hip opening (18) closed in the hip circumferential direction, wherein the components are connected to each other at the side seam areas (14) by the manufacturer; a crotch section (8) having an absorbing body (7), between the abdomen section (4) and the back section (6); wherein first elasticating means (28, 29) extend parallel to each other in the hip circumferential direction (16) in the abdomen section (4) and the back section (6); in the area (22, 26) of the abdomen section (4) and the back section (6) facing leg openings (19), second elasticating means (40, 42), which extend from the two side seam areas (14) in an arcuate manner, spreading with increasing distance from each other; wherein the first elasticating means (28, 29) have a distance from each other that is at least 20% greater than the distance of the second elasticating means (40, 42) in the side seam area (14), have an at least 20% greater thread thickness than the second elasticating means (40, 42), and are fastened with an at least 10% greater pre-load in the abdomen section (4) and in the back section (6) than the second elasticating means (40, 42).