Refastenable Side Seams for Pull-On Diapers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disposable undergarments, particularly children's training pants and adult incontinence products, lack refastenable side seams, making them inconvenient for users who need to adjust or reseal the garment.
Innovation Solution
A method to create pre-fastened pull-on pants with refastenable side seams using a side lap seam formed by folding and bonding top and bottom portions of side panels, applying a hook-type fastener over ultrasonic or mechanical bonds, allowing for easy engagement and re-engagement of waist side panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If disposable undergarments are made with traditional sealed side seams, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but users cannot adjust or reseal the garment
Solution Approach 1:
The side seam is divided into multiple segments: a first bond portion that remains permanently bonded, and a second bond portion that incorporates a detachable fastener. This segmentation allows the seam to provide both permanent structure and adjustable opening capability, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The side seam transitions from a static sealed structure to a dynamic structure with a detachable fastener in the second bond portion. This allows the seam to be closed during wear for comfort and hygiene, and opened when adjustment or removal is needed, providing adaptability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If side seams are made refastenable with detachable fasteners, then user adjustability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable, low-cost fastening components (such as snap fasteners, Velcro® elements, or other detachable connectors) that are inexpensive to manufacture and integrate. These simple, single-use fasteners provide ease of operation for putting on and taking off the garment without requiring complex reusable mechanisms, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving user convenience.
3Reliability
If hook-type fasteners are applied over ultrasonic or mechanical bonds, then refastening capability is achieved, but manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first bond portion is permanently bonded during the initial manufacturing process to provide structural integrity and reliability. The hook-type fasteners are then positioned and prepared in advance during manufacturing, so that when the garment is assembled, the fasteners are already in place to provide refastening capability. This preliminary preparation allows for efficient final assembly while maintaining bond strength.
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
Enables a resealable and adjustable disposable undergarment that can be easily put on and taken off, maintaining hygiene and convenience for users.
Implementation Method 1
both the top and bottom portions are bonded to the stretch portion of the side panel, at first temporary bond points and at second ultrasonic or mechanical bond portions
Implementation Method 2
The second ultrasonic or mechanical bond portions are overlain with a hook-type fastener for later bonding with the first temporary bond points
Data Source
AI summary
A pants type disposable undergarment is provided which is equipped with a pre-fastened pull-on pant with a side lap seam formed by the methods of the present invention, and methods for producing such disposable undergarments.