Pet Diaper Tail-Hole Flap Structure for Adjustable Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pet diapers require users to manually cut a hole for the tail, increasing user burden and generating additional waste.

Innovation Solution

An absorbent article for pets with a tail-hole forming portion featuring a slit and two perforations, allowing the tail hole size to be adjusted by lifting a flap, reducing the need for cutting and waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hole is formed by cutting off the region enclosed by perforations, then the tail hole can be created, but the user burden increases and additional waste is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of tail hole formationVSAvoidwaste material
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The tail-hole forming portion is segmented into a flap region and a base region connected by tearing lines. The flap can be separated along the tearing lines to create an opening of various sizes without cutting away material from the diaper itself, thus reducing waste while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flap is designed to be movable relative to the base, allowing dynamic adjustment of the opening size by pulling the flap in different directions. This dynamic structure enables the same diaper to accommodate different tail sizes without requiring permanent modifications or material removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the perforations are extended further, then larger tail holes can be formed, but the structural integrity of the diaper is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetail size accommodationVSAvoiddiaper structural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The diaper structure is segmented into a stable base portion and a movable flap portion connected by controlled tearing lines. The tearing lines are positioned such that when torn, they create openings of various sizes while leaving the main structural components (waistband, leg openings, absorbent core) intact and structurally sound

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tearing lines serve as intermediary elements that control the separation between the flap and base. These lines are designed to break at specific locations, creating openings of predetermined maximum sizes while preserving the structural integrity of the remaining diaper material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the slit is made longer, then the flap can be enlarged for thicker tails, but the risk of tearing beyond perforations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetail thickness accommodationVSAvoidtear control accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The tearing lines are pre-formed with rounded patterns at their ends during manufacturing. This preliminary action creates natural stopping points that guide the user's tearing action and prevent accidental tears beyond the intended perforation boundaries, allowing the slit to be longer for thicker tail accommodation while maintaining tear control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4691231A1Absorbent article for pets
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 DAIO PAPER CORP
  • EP4691231A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4691231A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4691231A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An absorbent article for a pet, which is configured to cover a region from an abdomen to a back of the pet extending via a tail of the pet, includes a tail-hole forming portion in a region facing the tail. The tail-hole forming portion includes a slit bulging toward one of the abdomen or the back, and two perforations, each of the perforations extending from a corresponding end of both ends of the slit toward another of the abdomen or the back.