Waistband Contraction for Absorbent Article Gap Closure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current diaper waistbands lack effective gap closure and leakage containment, with existing constructions either providing insufficient comfort and durability or excessive contraction, leading to suboptimal fit and leakage performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of a disposable absorbent article with waistbands comprising a laminate of nonwoven material and elastic strands, combined under strain, achieving greater than 95% Full Waistband Consolidation and 35% Extended Waistband Consolidation, along with a leg gasketing system with a specific gather count ratio, to enhance fit and leakage protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If waistbands are applied under full strain to achieve flat fit around waist, then basis weight around waist is reduced, but gap closure and leakage containment are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The waistband is pre-combined with the chassis under contraction before final application, creating a pre-assembled unit that maintains contracted state during use. This preliminary combination ensures gap closure is achieved before the product is even applied to the body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the waistband to the chassis under a specific strain range (30-150%, preferably 50-100%) rather than full strain, and maintains it in this contracted state through the pre-combined structure. This parameter change allows the waistband to provide both fit and gap closure simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastic strands are combined under strain with nonwoven materials, then stretch and comfort are improved, but basis weight increases and consolidation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic strands and nonwoven material are pre-combined under contraction to form a compact laminate with reduced basis weight. This preliminary combination in the contracted state allows the material to maintain stretch properties while reducing the actual material quantity needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of the waistband from extended to contracted during combination, which reduces the basis weight and material volume while preserving the elastic properties. The waistband maintains its stretch capability because the elastic strands are pre-stretched within the laminate structure.
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 leakage performance by achieving higher waistband consolidation and gather counts, resulting in better gap closure and containment, while maintaining product durability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a laminate of nonwovens and elastics strands are combined with the chassis under some tension
Implementation Method 2
Nonwovens are preferred for the exterior of the waist material because it is breathable
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable absorbent article comprising a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch region disposed between the first waist region and second waist region; a first waist edge and a second waist edge; the disposable absorbent article comprising a first waistband near the first waist edge and a second waistband near the second waist edge, wherein the Front-to-Back Delta Chassis Contraction is greater than about 9.0%.