Refastenable Diaper Side Seam Strength via Dual Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refastenable pull-on disposable absorbent articles, such as diapers, often have side seams that are easily operable but lack secure closure due to low initial and subsequent opening forces, leading to poor side seam strength and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The absorbent article features permanent side edge seams and separate fastening components for initial and subsequent opening forces, allowing independent control of the opening forces to enhance side seam strength and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fastening components are designed to deliver low initial opening force, then ease of operation is improved, but side seam strength and reliability deteriorate after reclosing
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into two distinct functional components: a first fastening component with low opening force for easy initial opening, and a second fastening component with high holding force for secure reclosure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the fastening system are assigned different mechanical properties: the first fastening component is designed with low opening force characteristics for ease of operation, while the second fastening component is designed with high holding force characteristics for reliability after reclosing. This local differentiation of quality resolves the contradiction.
2Device complexity
If the same fasteners provide initial opening force and subsequent side seam strength, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to insufficient holding force
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into two separate fastening components: a first fastening component for initial opening and a second fastening component for secure reclosure. This segmentation, while increasing component count, ensures that each component can be optimized for its specific function, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second fastening components are integrated into a unified fastening system that works together to provide both easy initial opening and secure reclosure. The components are positioned and configured to engage together, merging their functions into a cohesive system that achieves reliability without requiring entirely separate mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An absorbent article is provided that comprises a front waist region, a back waist region, a crotch region disposed between the front waist region and the back waist region, a front waist end edge, a back waist end edge, a longitudinal axis extending from a mid-point of the front waist end edge to a mid-point of the back waist end edge, a first longitudinally extending side edge, a second longitudinally extending side edge, an exterior surface, an interior surface, a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. A portion of the front waist region and a portion of the back waist region are joined in a surface to surface relationship to form a pant comprising a first permanent side edge seam and a laterally opposed second permanent side edge seam. The first and second permanent side edge seams define an initial waist opening circumference and a pair of leg openings. The absorbent article comprises a first fastening component comprising a first fastening surface and a first attachment surface. The first attachment surface is disposed on the interior surface or the exterior surface of the absorbent article in the front waist region. The absorbent article comprises a second fastening component comprising a second fastening surface. The second fastening component is disposed on or forms a portion of the same surface of the absorbent article on which the first attachment surface is disposed. The initial waist opening circumference formed by the first and second permanent side edge seams is configured to be opened. The first fastening surface and the second fastening surface are configured to be refastenably engaged and separated with each other.