Elasticized Waist Gasketing with Segmented Force Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing absorbent articles struggle to balance fit and containment of bodily exudates with comfort and ease of application, often leading to skin irritation and defects like wrinkles or gaps.

Innovation Solution

A disposable absorbent article with a chassis comprising a topsheet, backsheet, and absorbent core, featuring an elasticized waist gasketing element with a primary and secondary waist elastic member, and a Force Ratio of at least 1.1 to enhance fit and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If elastic members are used to provide a snug fit around the waist, then fit and containment of exudates is improved, but skin irritation and discomfort occur due to tight contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit and containmentVSAvoidskin irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elasticized waist gasketing element is divided into multiple discrete elastic members (first waist elastic member, second waist elastic member, third waist elastic member) arranged in a longitudinal array. This segmentation distributes the constraining force across multiple contact points rather than a single continuous elastic band, reducing localized pressure and skin irritation while maintaining overall waist containment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different elastic members are positioned at specific longitudinal distances from the waist edge (first at distance A, second at distance B, third at distance C) with different contraction forces. The first waist elastic member provides primary containment, while the second and third members provide secondary support with reduced contact pressure, creating varying local qualities of support and comfort across the waist region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If elastic members are contracted to maintain fit, then waist containment is improved, but the article cannot lie flat during application and defects like wrinkles or gaps are created

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaist containmentVSAvoidease of application

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic members are pre-stretched during manufacturing to a predetermined length that is longer than their relaxed state. This preliminary stretching stores elastic potential energy in the members, allowing the article to be applied in a flat state without immediate contraction. The elastic members gradually contract after application, providing containment while minimizing wrinkles and gaps during the application process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic members are designed with specific contraction forces and longitudinal spacing that allow dynamic adjustment during and after application. The distributed array of elastic members with different contraction characteristics enables the waist gasketing element to adapt to the wearer's anatomy over time, transitioning from a flat applied state to a contoured fitted state without creating defects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single elastic member is used in the waist region, then the structure is simple, but optimal fit and comfort cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidfit and comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The waist gasketing element uses multiple discrete elastic members (first, second, and third waist elastic members) arranged in a longitudinal array with specific spacing relationships (distances A, B, and C). This segmentation allows each elastic member to independently contribute to fit and comfort, providing superior waist containment and skin comfort compared to a single elastic member, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 improved comfort, fit, and ease of use by distributing the contraction forces of the elastic members effectively, reducing skin irritation and defects in the absorbent article.

Implementation Method 1

an elasticized waist gasketing element which includes a longitudinal array of elastic members

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250143935A1Absorbent article with elasticized waist region

Publication Date: 2025.05.08 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A disposable article includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet; and an elasticized waist gasketing element. The elasticized waist gasketing element has a lateral outboard edge and a longitudinal array of elastic members. The longitudinal array includes a primary waist elastic member disposed inboard of the waist edge by a minimum longitudinal distance A, a secondary waist elastic member disposed inboard of the primary waist elastic member by a minimum longitudinal distance B. The waist gasketing element comprises a Force Ratio of at least about 1.1.