Straight Elastic Waistband Design for Absorbent Articles

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Solution Overview

Problem

The production of adult incontinence products with elastic strands in the waist region is complicated by the need for curved elastics, which slows down manufacturing and increases complexity, while also limiting fit and coverage.

Innovation Solution

The use of straight elastics extending from both front and rear waist regions into the crotch area, eliminating the need for curved elastics and providing a full outer cover nonwoven, which simplifies production and enhances fit and coverage by using a combination of leg cutouts and elastic profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If curved elastics are used in the waist region, then fit and coverage are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases and production speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit and coverageVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of curving the elastics to fit the body contour, the patent inverts the approach by using a full outer cover nonwoven that extends into the crotch region and straight elastics that run parallel in the lateral direction. The curvature is achieved through the overall article shape and leg cutouts rather than through curved elastic strands, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining fit and coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If curved elastics are used in the waist region, then fit and coverage are improved, but production speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit and coverageVSAvoidproduction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces curved elastics with straight elastics and a full outer cover nonwoven configuration. This inversion of the traditional design eliminates the need for complex curving operations during manufacturing, thereby increasing production speed while the leg cutouts and elastic profile maintain the necessary fit and coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If straight elastics are used instead of curved elastics, then manufacturing is simplified and production speed increases, but traditional fit and coverage may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction speedVSAvoidfit and coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the full outer cover nonwoven into the crotch region, adding longitudinal coverage in addition to the lateral coverage provided by the straight elastics. This dimensional extension compensates for the loss of curvature-induced fit, ensuring comprehensive coverage and protection while maintaining simplified manufacturing with straight elastics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This design simplifies the manufacturing process, improves fit and coverage, especially in the rear, and accommodates a broader range of consumers by eliminating the complexity of curved elastics and providing increased protection against leaks.

Implementation Method 1

Many adult incontinence products comprise elastic strands as the stretch engine in the waist region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10675190B2Disposable absorbent articles

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

An absorbent article comprising first and second belts. The article may comprise a center chassis that comprises barrier leg cuffs extending laterally outward of a backsheet in the crotch region.