Multilayered Side Panel Protrusions for Absorbent Article Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for absorbent articles, such as hook-and-loop systems, are expensive to manufacture, lack flexibility and softness, cause discomfort, and may inadvertently rub against the wearer, failing to provide easy adjustment and removal.
Innovation Solution
An absorbent article with a multilayered side panel that includes surface protrusions formed by a softening and forming operation, eliminating the need for adhesive fastening and providing a visual indication for easy handling and intuitive use, reducing the risk of loose parts and enhancing comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hook-and-loop fastening systems are used, then fastening capability is provided, but manufacturing cost increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, energy-intensive hook-and-loop fastening systems with a simple adhesive tape system that is cheaper to manufacture and requires minimal energy. The adhesive tape is applied directly to the absorbent article during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate expensive fastening components and their complex application processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the hook-and-loop fastening system from the absorbent article design, replacing it with a simpler adhesive-based fastening mechanism. This extraction eliminates the need for expensive extrusion or injection equipment and reduces overall manufacturing complexity and energy requirements.
2Ease of operation
If hook-and-loop fastening systems are used, then fastening is provided, but flexibility and softness decrease causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses adhesive tape made from the same or similar material as the absorbent article itself, ensuring homogeneity in terms of softness, flexibility, and comfort. This eliminates the harsh, rigid edges of hook-and-loop systems and ensures the fastening component blends seamlessly with the rest of the article in terms of tactile properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive tape is applied as a thin, flexible layer that conforms to the contours of the absorbent article and the wearer's body. This thin film approach provides the necessary fastening capability while maintaining the flexibility and softness required for comfort, unlike the rigid strips of hook-and-loop systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If hook-and-loop systems are used, then fastening capability is achieved, but edges and corners may inadvertently rub against the wearer causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive tape is applied as a continuous, flexible strip without sharp edges or corners. This thin film approach eliminates the mechanical irritation caused by rigid fastening components while maintaining reliable fastening through the adhesive bonding mechanism. The tape can conform to body contours without creating pressure points or rubbing areas.
4Ease of manufacture
If adhesive tapes are used instead of hook-and-loop systems, then manufacturing cost decreases, but fastening capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hook-and-loop fastening system with an adhesive-based fastening mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical interlocking components and their expensive manufacturing processes, while the adhesive tape provides sufficient fastening capability through chemical bonding and mechanical adhesion to the absorbent article and wearer's skin.
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 reduces manufacturing costs, increases flexibility and softness, and provides a comfortable and intuitive fastening system that is easier to handle and use, with no risk of loose parts, while maintaining effective fastening without the need for adhesives.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one multilayered portion is subjected to a softening and forming operation to simultaneously connect the layers of the multilayered portion and to provide at least part of the first surface of the at least one multilayered portion with surface protrusions
Data Source
AI summary
An absorbent article includes a first body portion, a second body portion and a crotch portion located between the first body portion and the second body portion. At least one of the first body portion or the second body portion includes at least one side panel having a multilayered portion. The multilayered portion includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The multilayered portion is obtained by folding the at least one side panel. The first and the second layer of the multilayered portion are connected to each other and the multilayered portion is provided with surface protrusions at one surface of the multilayered portion. The surface protrusions are integrally made of material of the multilayered portion. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to manufacturing such an absorbent article.