Segmented Waistband Elasticity Gradient for Absorbent Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Absorbent articles face challenges in mimicking the appearance and fit of underwear, particularly with the waistband, as they often have open-waist structures that complicate application and visibility of piecemeal construction, and achieving a circumferentially continuous elastic waistband while maintaining the ease of a taped diaper configuration is difficult.
Innovation Solution
A waistband design with a central zone and outboard zones, where the central zone has a higher applied elongation (25-35%) and the outboard zone has minimal elongation (0-10%), creating a gradient of elasticity, allowing for a seamless, underwear-like appearance and functionality while maintaining ease of application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a continuous waistband is added around the entire waist opening, then the appearance resembles underwear, but the ease of application is reduced due to elastic properties causing contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The waistband is divided into a first portion and a second portion with different elastic properties. The first portion has elastic properties that provide a snug fit, while the second portion has reduced elastic properties that facilitate easy application and removal, thus resolving the contradiction between appearance and ease of application.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the waistband are assigned different local qualities: the first portion has high elasticity for fit and appearance, while the second portion has low elasticity for ease of application. This localized differentiation allows each portion to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
2Ease of operation
If the waistband is left open for taped diaper configuration, then ease of application is maintained, but the elastic properties cause lateral edges to contract making application difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The waistband is segmented into portions with different elastic characteristics. The second portion with reduced elastic properties is positioned to prevent unwanted contraction at lateral edges while maintaining the open configuration needed for taped diaper application.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic properties (a physical parameter) are changed across different portions of the waistband. The second portion has modified elastic parameters that reduce contraction forces, enabling easier application while maintaining the desired open configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adhesive is applied to the waistband, then the waist opening remains open for taped diaper configuration, but the piecemeal construction becomes evident
Solution Approach 1:
The waistband portions are joined together to form a continuous structure that maintains the appearance of a single piece. This merging eliminates visible seams and adhesive lines, preserving the aesthetic continuity needed to hide piecemeal construction while still allowing taped diaper configuration.
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 waistband design provides a seamless, underwear-like appearance and improved fit by varying elasticity, enhancing comfort and discretion while allowing for easy application and maintaining the taped diaper configuration.
Implementation Method 1
The outboard zone may contract less than the central zone when the absorbent article is in a relaxed state. The central zone may have an applied elongation of between 25% and 35%. The outboard zone may have an elastic elongation of between 0% and 10%.
Data Source
AI summary
A waistband for an absorbent article having a waistband with differential extensibility and/or contraction along the circumference of the waist opening. The waistband may provide a uniform appearance along the circumference of the waist opening. The waistband may have a central zone and at least two outboard zones. The outboard zones of the waistband may be less contracted than the central zone, when the absorbent article is in a relaxed state.