Nonwoven Web Bond Patterns for Discreet Stretch Laminates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional adult urinary incontinence products resemble disposable diapers, causing discomfort and anxiety due to their bulky design and appearance, which is not suitable for middle-aged and older demographics seeking a more discreet solution.
Innovation Solution
A stretch laminate design for absorbent pants using nonwoven web materials with elastic members and specific bond patterns to create a soft, cloth-like appearance and feel, reducing bulkiness and enhancing user comfort while maintaining absorbency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional stretch laminate materials are used in absorbent pants, then the structural integrity and absorbency are maintained, but the bulkiness and diaper-like appearance increase causing user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite nonwoven web structures combining different fiber types and bonding patterns to achieve both absorbency and reduced bulk. The specific composite structure allows liquid absorption while maintaining a thin, flexible profile that eliminates traditional diaper bulkiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies physical parameters of the stretch laminate including fiber diameter distribution, bonding density, and elastic member configuration to reduce overall volume while preserving absorbent capacity. These parameter adjustments enable a sleeker fit without compromising functional performance.
2Reliability
If traditional stretch laminate materials are used in absorbent pants, then the structural integrity and absorbency are maintained, but the appearance resembles disposable diapers causing user anxiety
Solution Approach 1:
The composite nonwoven construction with varied fiber compositions and bonding patterns creates a fabric-like appearance that mimics traditional undergarments. This composite structure eliminates the characteristic disposable diaper look while retaining necessary absorbent properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different bonding patterns and fiber densities in specific regions of the stretch laminate to create varied surface textures and visual characteristics. This local variation in material properties helps achieve a natural, garment-like appearance rather than a uniform disposable product look.
3Reliability
If traditional stretch laminate materials are used in absorbent pants, then the absorbent function is achieved, but the tactile feel is bulky and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes physical parameters including fiber fineness, bonding point distribution, and layer thickness to create a soft, flexible material feel. These parameter modifications result in a tactile experience comparable to regular underwear while maintaining absorbent functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite nonwoven structure combines soft, flexible fibers with strategic bonding patterns to achieve a pleasant tactile feel. This material composition provides the softness and drape of traditional garments while preserving the absorbent capabilities required for incontinence protection.
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 provides a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional incontinence products by minimizing bulk and improving the tactile softness, enhancing the appearance and feel to resemble ordinary undergarments, thus addressing user anxiety and improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a stretch laminate design for absorbent pants using nonwoven web materials with elastic members
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A stretch laminate is disclosed. The stretch laminate may include a first layer; a second layer; and one or more elastic members disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The first layer may include a nonwoven web material bearing a pattern of thermal bonds, including a plurality of bonds each having a length and a width, the length being oriented perpendicularly to the stretch direction and being greater than the width, for a majority of the bonds. The elastic member(s) may be joined with the first layer and the second layer while pre-strained in the stretch direction; when the stretch laminate is in a relaxed condition, at least the first layer may include a plurality of gathers comprising elongate ridges and valleys oriented transversely to the stretch direction. A disposable absorbent pant having an elasticized belt structure including the stretch laminate, is also disclosed.