Laminate Absorbent Core Immobilization via Segmented Adhesive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current absorbent cores with high amounts of superabsorbent polymer material face challenges in immobilizing the material effectively, leading to restricted liquid uptake and potential delamination upon swelling, which can result in reduced integrity and increased risk of leakage.

Innovation Solution

A laminate absorbent core design featuring multiple stripes of superabsorbent polymer material on carrier substrates with strategically placed gaps, immobilized by a fibrous adhesive layer, allowing for controlled expansion and reduced delamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If superabsorbent polymer material is immobilized with adhesive to prevent migration, then immobilization is improved, but expansion upon liquid absorption is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveimmobilizationVSAvoidexpansion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent core is divided into multiple laminate layers with alternating orientations of carrier substrates and stripes of superabsorbent polymer material. This segmentation allows the structure to accommodate expansion while maintaining immobilization through the distributed adhesive bonding across multiple layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-layer structure to a multi-layer laminate structure with alternating orientations. This dimensional change creates a three-dimensional architecture where adhesive bonds are distributed across multiple planes, allowing expansion in certain directions while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If adhesive is applied to immobilize superabsorbent polymer material, then delamination is reduced, but peak force during compression increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelamination resistanceVSAvoidpeak force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive bonding is segmented across multiple laminate layers rather than concentrated in a single layer. This distribution reduces the peak force required during compression while maintaining delamination resistance through the cumulative effect of multiple bonded interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite laminate structure combining carrier substrates, stripes of superabsorbent polymer material, and adhesive layers. This composite architecture optimizes the balance between delamination resistance and compression characteristics by integrating multiple materials with complementary properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 laminate core design reduces peak force during compression and minimizes delamination, ensuring effective liquid uptake and maintaining core integrity by allowing for efficient swelling without excessive force or structural weakness.

Implementation Method 1

superabsorbent polymer material which facilitates absorbent articles having a thinner absorbent core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

expansion of the superabsorbent polymer materials upon liquid absorption

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwelling: Hydrogel

Implementation Method 3

The superabsorbent polymer material is often immobilized between the carrier substrates to ensure that the superabsorbent polymer material does not migrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2532331B1Laminate absorbent core for use in absorbent articles
Publication Date: 2022.05.18 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • EP2532331B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2532331B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2532331B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to absorbent cores having high amounts of superabsorbent polymer material which are immobilized by adhesive. The absorbent cores have reduced peak force when subjected to the Laminate Compression Extension Test Method and also exhibit reduced delamination upon swelling of the superabsorbent polymer material.