Patterned Adhesive on Thin Backsheet for Absorbent Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thinner plastic films used as backsheets in absorbent articles are prone to tearing when removed from undergarments due to strong fastening adhesives, leading to hygienic issues and difficulty in detachment, while thicker films are required for strength but increase plastic usage and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A patterned application of fastening adhesive on the backsheet, combined with a plastic film of low basis weight, provides sufficient strength for retention during use without causing backsheet rupture upon removal, allowing for softer and more environmentally friendly absorbent articles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a thinner plastic film is used as backsheet, then plastic consumption is reduced and tactile perception is improved, but the backsheet becomes prone to tearing when removed from undergarment
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application is segmented into discrete patterns (stripes, dots, or blocks) rather than continuous coverage. This segmentation creates localized adhesive zones that provide sufficient bonding strength while leaving gaps that reduce overall adhesive load on the backsheet, preventing tearing during removal while maintaining attachment during use
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive is applied with non-uniform distribution, creating areas of high adhesive concentration (at pattern locations) and areas of low or zero adhesive concentration (in between patterns). This local quality variation allows the backsheet to maintain strong attachment where needed while reducing overall adhesive stress that could cause tearing
2Reliability
If a stronger fastening adhesive is applied to maintain article positioning, then the article stays in place during use, but the backsheet may tear upon peeling from undergarment
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is applied in segmented patterns rather than continuously, creating multiple localized bonding points that collectively provide strong holding force during use. The segmented structure allows stress to be distributed across discrete points, preventing concentrated stress that would cause backsheet tearing during removal
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive is applied in partial coverage (not full surface coverage), providing sufficient bonding strength for article positioning during use while deliberately limiting the total adhesive amount to prevent excessive bonding strength that would cause tearing during removal
3Strength
If a thicker plastic film is used as backsheet, then backsheet strength is improved, but plastic consumption increases and environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is applied in segmented patterns rather than continuously, creating localized bonding zones that provide sufficient attachment strength. This segmentation allows the use of thinner backsheet material since the adhesive doesn't need to compensate for weak bonding across the entire surface
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive application parameters are changed from continuous coverage to patterned coverage with specific area ratios (e.g., 20-80% coverage). This parameter change optimizes the balance between bonding strength and backsheet stress, enabling thinner backsheet usage
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 patterned adhesive application prevents backsheet tearing and maintains article positioning during use, reducing plastic usage while ensuring effective detachment without exposing the absorbent core, thus enhancing user hygiene and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
a fastening adhesive (PFA) applied on the backsheet garment facing surface
Data Source
AI summary
An absorbent article selected from a sanitary napkin, an incontinence pad and a pantyliner, comprising a topsheet layer a backsheet layer a fastening adhesive applied on the backsheet garment facing surface, wherein at least a portion of said fastening adhesive (PFA) is applied in a pattern and wherein said backsheet layer is a plastic film having a basis weight of less than 20 gsm.