Printed polymeric webs and method for making
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disposable absorbent products that use printed color signals to create depth perception require an underlying layer, which can increase material usage and ink consumption, or they may not provide an acceptable visual perception without it.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional formed film web with ink deposits on its second surface, allowing for depth perception without an underlying layer and reducing ink usage by using flexographic printing to apply colorants precisely on the sidewall portions, creating a visually appealing effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a color signal is printed on a layer below the topsheet, then depth perception is improved, but material usage and ink consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies three-dimensional forming to the topsheet, creating macroscopic protrusions that extend in the Z-direction. By printing on the second surface (underside) of these protrusions rather than on a separate underlying layer, the invention achieves depth perception through dimensional transformation while eliminating the need for additional material layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The topsheet is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the primary absorbent barrier function and simultaneously serves as the printing surface for depth perception. The three-dimensional formed film acts as both the structural component and the substrate for color signal application, eliminating the need for separate underlying layers.
2Illumination intensity
If a color signal is printed on a layer below the topsheet, then depth perception is improved, but ink consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies colorant selectively to specific regions of the second surface of the three-dimensional formed film, particularly targeting the sidewall portions and distal ends of protrusions. This localized application strategy achieves effective depth perception while minimizing the total quantity of ink required compared to printing on entire underlying layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies colorant to only the critical regions needed for depth perception (sidewall portions and distal ends) rather than applying it uniformly across entire layers. This partial action approach provides sufficient visual effect with reduced ink consumption.
3Illumination intensity
If the topsheet is made three-dimensional with protrusions, then depth perception is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The three-dimensional formed film is created by segmenting the flat film into discrete protrusions with defined first and second surfaces. This segmentation is achieved through controlled forming processes that create uniform macroscopic structures, making the complex three-dimensional shape manufacturable through systematic processes rather than complex tooling.
Data Source
AI summary
A web of material having a plurality of ink droplets disposed thereon is disclosed. The ink droplets may be configured in a variety of different fashions on the web of material.