Patterned Absorbent Article Elastic Anchoring via Connecting Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent articles require separate machine components for anchoring elastic threads and creating patterns, leading to increased costs, material waste, and production interruptions, as well as the need for additional color pigments for printed patterns.
Innovation Solution
An absorbent article with an elasticated area featuring a pattern formed by varying the distribution and positioning of connecting elements along elastic elements, which creates a visible pattern without additional materials or machinery, reducing costs and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate machine components are used for anchoring elastic threads and creating patterns, then the anchoring function is reliable, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the anchoring function and pattern creation function into a single machine component (the connecting element application device). The connecting elements serve dual purposes: anchoring the elastic threads to the layers and creating visible patterns on the article surface. This merging eliminates the need for separate anchoring devices and pattern printing devices, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical anchoring of elastic threads and visual pattern creation. By making the connecting elements universal components that fulfill both anchoring and decorative/informative roles, the patent eliminates the need for additional specialized machinery for pattern creation.
2Illumination intensity
If additional materials like color pigments are used for printed patterns, then pattern visibility is enhanced, but material costs and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements serve their primary anchoring function while simultaneously providing the pattern visual effect. The pattern is created by the arrangement, distribution, and design of the connecting elements themselves, not by additional materials. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate pattern printing materials like color pigments, reducing both material costs and waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses variations in the connecting elements themselves (their arrangement, distribution, spacing, and design) to create visible patterns. Instead of applying color pigments, the pattern emerges from the structural arrangement of the connecting elements, which may have different visual characteristics based on their configuration rather than additional materials.
3Reliability
If multiple processing steps are used for anchoring and pattern creation, then both functions are achieved, but production time and interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anchoring process and pattern creation process into a single simultaneous operation. The connecting elements are applied in one step that accomplishes both anchoring the elastic threads and creating the visible pattern. This eliminates the need for sequential processing steps, reducing production time and minimizing interruptions while ensuring both functions are reliably achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The application of connecting elements continues to perform useful action throughout the single processing step: as each connecting element is applied, it simultaneously anchors the elastic thread and contributes to the pattern formation. This continuous dual-function action eliminates idle time between anchoring and pattern creation operations, improving overall productivity.
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 allows for the creation of visible patterns on absorbent articles without extra materials or machinery, reducing production costs and interruptions, while maintaining effective elastic anchoring and pattern visibility, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
Once the anchoring has been effected, the loading on the extended elastic threads is relieved, causing the layers of material to interact with the elastic threads and to contract as a result of wrinkling.
Implementation Method 2
The connecting elements connecting the layers of material in such a way that, together with the layers of material, they form constricted passages, through which the elastic elements run, the elastic elements being mechanically anchored in the constricted passages.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
An absorbent article such as a diaper, an incontinence pad, a sanitary towel or the like comprising at least one elasticated area, the elasticated area comprising a patterned area comprising a visible pattern.