Integral Hook Fasteners for Absorbent Article Disposal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disposal fasteners for absorbent articles, such as diapers and sanitary napkins, are complex and costly due to the use of multiple components for hook fasteners, increasing manufacturing complexity and cost without providing a sufficient fastening ability to maintain the compact disposal configuration effectively.
Innovation Solution
The integration of hook fasteners directly into the material of the disposal fasteners, such as a disposal tape or patch, simplifies manufacturing and reduces material requirements while maintaining effective fastening performance by forming hook fasteners within the substrate using ultrasonic energy to fill cavities with polymer material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple components are used for hook fasteners in disposal fasteners, then fastening ability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (substrate and hook fastener) into a single integrated disposal fastener. The hook fastener is directly formed on the substrate through ultrasonic welding, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining fastening functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the disposal fastener and simultaneously serves as the base material for forming the hook fastener. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If multiple components are used for hook fasteners, then fastening performance is maintained, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the substrate and hook fastener into a single integrated component, reducing material requirements and eliminating the need for separate fastener materials. This integration reduces material cost while maintaining the necessary fastening performance through the ultrasonic-welded hook structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If integral hook fasteners are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but fastening ability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical assembly methods (separate component attachment) with ultrasonic welding technology. This energy-based joining method directly forms the hook fastener on the substrate, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring reliable fastening ability through strong bonding.
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 reduces manufacturing complexity and costs while ensuring the absorbent articles can be held in a compact disposal configuration, preventing leakage and enhancing disposal convenience with integral hook fasteners that are both economically beneficial and performance-effective.
Implementation Method 1
forming hook fasteners within the substrate using ultrasonic energy to fill cavities with polymer material
Data Source
AI summary
An absorbent article having at least one disposal fastener. The disposal fastener includes a plurality of hook fasteners that are integral with a material of the absorbent article. The disposal fastener is configured to engage and hold a portion of the garment-facing surface of the absorbent article and secure the article in a compact configuration for disposal after the article has been used.