Layered article
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional layered articles using non-woven fabrics for sanitary items lack sufficient flexibility and fail to provide a satisfactory touch feeling.
Innovation Solution
A layered article with a non-woven fabric layer having a fused portion and specific structural parameters, including a controlled index A, basis weight, and embossed pattern, which enhances flexibility and touch sensation, and is integrated into a hook-and-loop fastener system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If non-woven fabric is used for layered articles in sanitary items, then manufacturing ease and cost are improved, but flexibility and touch feeling are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a fused portion with specific structural characteristics (controlled basis weight, thickness, and index A) in a localized area of the non-woven fabric. This fused portion has different properties from the surrounding unfused areas, providing enhanced flexibility and touch feeling exactly where needed while maintaining the overall structural integrity and manufacturing simplicity of the non-woven fabric layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by precisely controlling the basis weight, thickness, and index A of the fused portion. By adjusting these physical parameters within specific ranges, the fabric achieves optimal flexibility and touch feeling. The index A, defined as the ratio of basis weight to thickness squared, serves as a key parameter that directly correlates with the fabric's mechanical properties and user comfort.
2Ease of manufacture
If non-woven fabric is used for layered articles in sanitary items, then manufacturing ease and cost are improved, but touch feeling is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fused portion with controlled parameters creates a localized region with superior touch feeling characteristics. This area exhibits softer hand feel and better drape due to the specific combination of basis weight, thickness, and fusion structure, while the rest of the non-woven fabric maintains its functional properties for manufacturing and structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent effectively creates a composite structure by fusing fibers together in a controlled manner to form a distinct fused portion. This fused region acts as a composite material with properties different from the original non-woven fabric, combining the benefits of thermal bonding with controlled mechanical properties to enhance touch feeling while preserving manufacturing advantages.
3Ease of operation
If fused portion is created in non-woven fabric, then flexibility is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fused portion is designed as a localized feature with specific dimensional constraints and parameter ranges. By limiting the extent and controlling the parameters of the fused region, flexibility is enhanced in specific areas without compromising the overall structural integrity of the non-woven fabric layer. The surrounding unfused fibers maintain the fabric's strength and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes specific parameter ranges for the fused portion (basis weight, thickness, index A) that optimize the balance between flexibility and structural integrity. These controlled parameter changes ensure that the fused region provides the desired flexibility while maintaining sufficient strength to support the functional requirements of the layered article.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a layered article including at least one layer including a non-woven fabric of fiber, the layered article having sufficient flexibility and being capable of achieving a satisfactory touch feeling. Also provided is a hook-and-loop fastener including the layered article of the present invention. Also provided is a sanitary article including the layered article of the present invention. The layered article of the present invention includes at least one layer including a non-woven fabric of fiber, in which: the layered article has a fused portion; and the layered article has an index A, which is represented by the equation (1), of 0.90×10-6 m3/g or less: A=T/G (1) where T represents a thickness (unit: m) of the fused portion and G represents a basis weight (unit: g/m2).