Three-dimensional substrate comprising a tissue layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Absorbent articles with three-dimensional substrates face challenges in improving fluid-handling properties, such as reduced rewet on the wearer-facing surface and physical comfort, while also maintaining caliper recovery after compression, which affects their performance and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional substrate comprising at least two layers, with a tissue layer making up 80% of the second layer by weight, featuring three-dimensional protrusions formed from fibers of both layers, providing improved caliper recovery and enhanced fluid absorption and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If compression is applied to reduce package size, then productivity and storage efficiency are improved, but the three-dimensional substrate becomes deformed or collapsed which worsens fluid handling properties and perceptional comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support layer comprising a three-dimensional substrate with protrusions that extend into the absorbent core. This structure provides beforehand mechanical support to maintain the vertical profile of the absorbent article after compression, preventing collapse of the fluid acquisition and distribution layers while allowing dense packaging
2Productivity
If compression is applied to reduce package size, then productivity is improved, but perceptional comfort deteriorates due to substrate deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The three-dimensional protrusions in the support layer are positioned to extend into the absorbent core, providing beforehand structural support that maintains the article's thickness and three-dimensional structure after compression, ensuring perceptional comfort is not compromised by packaging
3Reliability
If three-dimensional structure is added to improve fluid handling, then fluid acquisition and distribution are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support layer with the three-dimensional substrate by forming protrusions that extend from the substrate into the absorbent core. This integration combines structural support and fluid handling functions into a single component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining improved fluid acquisition and distribution
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 substrate enhances fluid handling and comfort by maintaining caliper recovery after compression and improving absorption of liquid bodily exudates, reducing rewet on the wearer's skin, and increasing opacity to mask exudates effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The tissue layer comprises at least 80% pulp fibers by weight of the tissue layer... improving absorption of liquid bodily exudates, reducing rewet on the wearer's skin
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional substrate has a first surface, a second surface, land areas and comprises three-dimensional protrusions extending outward from the second surface of the three-dimensional substrate. The three-dimensional protrusions are surrounded by the land areas. The three-dimensional substrate is a laminate comprising at least two layers in a face to face relationship. The second layer comprise a tissue layer facing outward from the second surface of the three-dimensional substrate. The tissue layer comprises at least 80% pulp fibers by weight of the tissue layer.