Apertured Nonwoven Web Printing for Depth Effect Without Extra Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable absorbent products with printed color signals require an underlying layer or excessive ink to achieve visual perception, which can increase material usage and bulk.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional, fluid pervious nonwoven web with apertures is developed, where a colorant or lotion composition is deposited on the second surface, allowing for a visual impression of depth without the need for an underlying layer and reducing ink usage through flexographic printing on the second surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a color signal is printed on a layer below the topsheet, then depth perception and visual perception are improved, but the device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the printing function from a separate underlying layer and integrates it directly into the topsheet structure. By depositing colorant on the second surface of the topsheet (the surface facing away from the user), the color signal is formed within the topsheet itself rather than requiring a separate layer below it. This eliminates the need for additional underlying layers while maintaining the depth perception effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the topsheet structure with the printing function by depositing colorant directly on the second surface of the topsheet. This combines what were previously separate components (topsheet and underlying printed layer) into a single integrated structure, reducing overall device complexity while achieving the same visual perception effect.
2Illumination intensity
If ink is deposited on the first surface of the nonwoven web, then visual perception is improved, but skin contact with colorant is increased
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of depositing colorant on the first surface (user-facing side) of the topsheet, the invention inverts the approach by depositing colorant on the second surface (opposite side). This reversal ensures that the colorant does not directly contact the user's skin while still providing visual perception through the translucent topsheet material. The color signal is viewed through the topsheet from the first surface, but the colorant itself remains on the opposite side.
3Illumination intensity
If an underlying layer is used to print color signal, then depth perception is achieved, but material usage and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the color signal formation function from a separate underlying layer and relocates it to the second surface of the topsheet. This eliminates the need for additional underlying layers while maintaining the depth perception effect, thereby reducing overall material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The topsheet is given multiple functions: it serves as both the structural top layer and the printing substrate. By depositing colorant on the second surface of the topsheet, the same component performs both protective/absorbent functions and visual signaling functions, eliminating the need for separate underlying layers.
Data Source
AI summary
A nonwoven web having printed thereon a colorant and/or a composition providing a skin health benefit. The nonwoven web can be a three-dimensional, fluid pervious, polymeric web. The nonwoven web can comprise apertures. The apertures are defined in a first surface of the nonwoven web in a first plane of the nonwoven web, and extend in sidewall portions to a second surface in a second plane of the nonwoven web. A colorant or lotion composition can be deposited on at least a portion of the second surface of the nonwoven web.