Segmented Elastic Belt Laminate for Wearable Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pant-type absorbent articles lack size adjustment flexibility, comfort, and breathability, with the elastic belt region being the most critical area for fit and functionality, but existing designs provide limited options for improving these aspects while maintaining economic production.
Innovation Solution
A wearable article design featuring a laminate structure with a front and back elastic belt region, comprising an inner sheet, an outer sheet, and elastic members, with discrete bond units and elastic bonding that creates a dynamic fitment force distribution, enhancing stretchability, comfort, and breathability, and an intuitive appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the elastic belt region is made very stretchable to accommodate size ranges, then ease of application and comfort are improved, but fit reliability and sagging prevention deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic belt is segmented into multiple elastic members (elastomeric strands or bands) spaced apart from each other, rather than using a single continuous elastic material. This segmentation allows each elastic member to independently stretch and recoil, providing both high stretchability for ease of application and distributed support for fit reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic belt comprises a composite structure combining multiple elastic members with the laminate layers (inner sheet and outer sheet). This composite construction integrates the stretchability of elastomeric materials with the structural support of the laminate, achieving both comfort and fit reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the elastic belt region is made very stretchable to accommodate size ranges, then comfort is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic belt is divided into multiple discrete elastic members spaced apart longitudinally and/or transversely. This segmentation maintains structural stability by distributing mechanical loads across multiple points while allowing individual members to stretch comfortably, preventing the belt from becoming too loose or misshapen.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls the spacing, density, and dimensional parameters of the elastic members to optimize the balance between stretchability and structural stability. By adjusting these parameters, the elastic belt achieves both comfort and maintained structural integrity during wear.
3Ease of operation
If discrete bond units are used instead of continuous bonding, then stretchability and comfort are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding structure is segmented into discrete bond units rather than continuous bonding. This segmentation is achieved through standard manufacturing techniques such as intermittent adhesive application or discrete ultrasonic welding points, which are readily implementable in existing production lines without requiring complex new equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
Discrete bond units are strategically positioned at specific locations where bonding is most needed (such as at the edges or at intervals along the elastic members), allowing stretchability in unbonded regions while maintaining structural integrity at critical points. This localized bonding approach balances performance and manufacturability.
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
The design achieves improved softness, stretchability, comfort, and breathability, with a lower Stretch Circumference Force and suitable Fit Circumference Force, providing a more comfortable and functional wearable article that maintains economic production.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastic members running in the transverse direction, the longitudinal dimension between adjacent elastic members forming an elastic spacing
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a wearable article comprising a front elastic belt region, a back elastic belt region, each of the front and back elastic belt region comprises a laminate comprising an inner sheet, an outer sheet, and a plurality of elastic members running in the transverse direction, the longitudinal dimension between adjacent elastic members forming an elastic spacing; wherein the laminate is bonded by heat at the side edges to form side seams, the side seams existing no distant than about 20 mm from the side edges, and the remainder of the laminate is substantially free of heat bonds, wherein the article has a Belt Elastic Bonding Percentage of less than about 25%, and an Individual Elastic Bonding Percentage of from about 10% to about 75%, according to the measurements herein.