Transferable Fastening Tab for Disposable Absorbent Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for disposable absorbent articles, such as diapers and incontinence briefs, lack adjustability and ease of use, particularly in systems relying on mechanical closure mechanisms, and often require complex constructions and additional components like landing zones or release liners.
Innovation Solution
A fastening tab with a transferrable mechanical fastening patch featuring male fastening elements and a release surface, where the force required to disengage the male fastening elements from the engaging structure is higher than the force to detach the adhesive from the release surface, allowing for greater adjustability and simplified construction, including a roll configuration without a release liner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical closure mechanism with hook-like fastening elements is used, then reliable fixation is achieved, but adjustability and ease of use are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system transitions from a static hook-loop mechanism to a dynamic system where the male fastening elements can be transferred between different locations. The patch can be moved from the proximal end to the distal end of the tab, allowing the fastening location to be dynamically adjusted based on user needs, thereby improving ease of use while maintaining fixation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening patch is divided into separable components: the male fastening elements are attached to a patch that can be detached from the proximal end and reattached at different locations. This segmentation allows the fastening elements to be independently positioned, providing adjustability while maintaining the reliability of the mechanical fastening mechanism.
2Reliability
If loop material is used on the landing zone, then engagement is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the loop material from the landing zone and replaces it with male fastening elements on a transferable patch. This eliminates the need for separate loop material on the diaper body, simplifying the overall construction while maintaining engagement reliability through the mechanical fastening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The male fastening elements on the transferable patch serve multiple functions: they can engage with the engaging structure on the distal end, they can be transferred to different locations, and they eliminate the need for separate loop material. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If a release liner is used in the roll configuration, then manufacturing is facilitated, but device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the need for a release liner by using a self-contained fastening patch that can be directly applied to the diaper body. The patch acts as a disposable fastening element that integrates multiple functions, reducing material usage and construction complexity while maintaining manufacturing ease through the simplified structure.
4Ease of operation
If the force to detach adhesive is lower than force to disengage fastening elements, then ease of use is improved, but adhesion strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into two independent force paths: the adhesive bond between the patch and the engaging structure, and the mechanical engagement between the male fastening elements and the loop material. This segmentation allows the adhesive to provide strong initial attachment while the mechanical engagement provides the primary fastening force that can be easily released, achieving both strength and ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The transferable patch acts as an intermediary between the adhesive layer and the male fastening elements. It allows the adhesive to bond strongly to the engaging structure while the male fastening elements provide the mechanical fastening function that can be easily detached, mediating between the conflicting requirements of strong adhesion and ease of use.
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 solution provides enhanced adjustability and ease of use for disposable absorbent articles by simplifying the construction of fastening tabs and enabling stable rolls, reducing the need for complex landing zones or release liners, while maintaining effective adhesion and engagement.
Implementation Method 1
the force to detach the adhesive of the male fastening element patch from the release surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
A fastening tab for an absorbent article, the fastening tab comprising a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end comprising a backing including a first major surface and a second major surface, wherein said first major surface is provided with a release surface, wherein the fastening tab further comprises a mechanical fastening patch, said patch comprising on one side male fastening elements and on the opposite side an adhesive, wherein the patch is releasably attached to the release surface via the adhesive, said distal end comprising a backing including a first major surface and a second major surface, wherein said first major surface has a structure or is provided with a structure that is adapted to be releasably engaged by said male fastening elements of the patch. Fastening tapes comprising a plurality of such fastening tabs, wherein the fastening tabs are arranged in an endless form on the tape so that individual fastening tabs can be provided from the fastening tape by cutting the tape across its width and rolls of such fastening tapes.