Reusable Outer Cover Fastener Configuration for Absorbent Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable absorbent articles face challenges in securely attaching disposable absorbent inserts to reusable outer covers, particularly in closed waist configurations like pants and adult incontinence products, where improved fastener component configurations are needed to facilitate easy attachment, separation, and adjustment while the wearer is standing or being pulled up.
Innovation Solution
The wearable absorbent article features a reusable outer cover with strategically positioned insert fastener components, including a first insert fastener component in the front waist region, a second in the rear waist region, and optionally a third in the crotch region, which correspond to matching fastener components on the disposable absorbent insert, forming self-aligning, discrete, or adjustable fasteners to ensure secure attachment and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastener components are used to attach disposable absorbent inserts to reusable outer covers, then the attachment can be achieved, but the attachment is not secure enough particularly in closed waist configurations and removal may damage the outer cover
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into separate components: a fastener component on the outer cover and a corresponding fastener component on the insert. This segmentation allows the insert to be attached securely through engagement of these components while enabling easy removal by simply disengaging the components without applying damage to the outer cover fabric.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener components are designed with specific geometric parameters including recesses, protrusions, and engagement surfaces that change the mechanical interaction parameters between the insert and outer cover. These parameter changes enable secure attachment through precise geometric engagement while allowing clean separation without damage.
2Reliability
If the outer cover is configured as a closed waist pant or adult incontinence product, then the containment and comfort are improved, but the attachment of disposable absorbent insert becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The outer cover is pre-configured with fastener components during manufacturing, positioned at optimal locations on the front and rear waist regions. This preliminary action ensures that when the disposable insert is to be attached, the fastening points are already prepared and positioned correctly, simplifying the attachment process for closed waist pant configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener components are designed to be self-aligning and self-engaging. The recesses and protrusions automatically align when the insert is positioned in the outer cover, and the engagement occurs through simple pressure application, allowing the system to service itself without requiring complex attachment mechanisms or additional tools.
3Reliability
If multiple fastener components are positioned at front and rear waist regions, then the attachment security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener components are designed with universal functionality where the same basic component design (recess and protrusion geometry) is used at both the front and rear waist regions. This multi-functional approach provides secure attachment at multiple locations while maintaining design simplicity, as the same component type serves multiple fastening purposes throughout the outer cover.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable absorbent article comprises a reusable outer cover and a disposable absorbent insert. The reusable outer cover comprises a first insert fastener component in a front waist region proximate to a waist opening edge of the reusable outer cover. The first insert fastener component comprises a first end positioned most proximate to the waist opening edge and a second end positioned most distal from the waist opening edge. An insert-gripping recess is formed in the first end in an area covering a longitudinal axis of the reusable outer cover. The disposable absorbent insert comprises a first fastener component in a forward region of the insert and configured to be joined to the first insert fastener component to attach the insert to the reusable outer cover.