Weakened Elastic Strands in Absorbent Articles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Elastic strands in absorbent articles can cause bunching of the absorbent core and ruffling of the outer cover, leading to distortion of printed graphics and reduced effectiveness in retaining bodily discharges.
Innovation Solution
The method involves forming absorbent articles with weakened elastic portions by partially de-elasticizing composite elastic strands using a pattern roll with protrusions to compress and sever micro-strands, reducing elasticity in specific areas to prevent bunching and ruffling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic strands are applied to waist panels and leg openings to secure the absorbent article, then the article is retained securely on the wearer, but the elastic strands cause bunching of the absorbent core and ruffling of the outer cover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different elastic properties within the same absorbent article. Specifically, the elastic strands are positioned to provide strong retention at the waist and leg openings, while the absorbent core and outer cover are designed with specific structural characteristics in these same regions to resist bunching and ruffling. This allows different parts of the article to have optimized properties for their specific functions.
2Ease of manufacture
If elastic strands are applied in the direction of travel during CD manufacturing processes, then the manufacturing process is simplified and easier to implement, but the elastic strands cause distortion of printed graphics due to bunching and ruffling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses graphic distortion by implementing local quality measures in the manufacturing process. The outer cover is designed with specific structural characteristics in regions where graphics are printed, and the elastic strands are positioned and configured to minimize their impact on these graphic-bearing areas. This allows the manufacturing process to remain simple while protecting the visual quality of printed graphics.
3Device complexity
If elastic strands run continuously through the absorbent article, then the article structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the continuous elastic strands cause excessive bunching and ruffling in specific regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the elastic strand system into functionally distinct regions. Rather than having uniform elastic properties throughout, the elastic strands are configured to provide different levels of elasticity in different areas - with stronger elastic action at the waist and leg openings for secure retention, and reduced elastic action in regions where bunching would be problematic. This segmented approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while controlling shape distortion.
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 approach effectively reduces absorbent core bunching and outer cover ruffling, maintaining the absorbent article's functionality while minimizing graphic distortion and improving visual appeal.
Implementation Method 1
partially de-elasticizing composite elastic strands using a pattern roll with protrusions to compress and sever micro-strands
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Elasticized absorbent articles containing weakened elasticized portions and methods of manufacture are disclosed. A method comprises applying a first amount of adhesive to a first portion of at least one of the first web of material and the elastic strand, applying a second amount of adhesive to a second portion of at least one of the first web of material and the elastic strand, covering the elastic strand with either the first surface of the first web of material or a first surface of a second web of material to form an elasticized web. The elasticized web comprises a heavy bonding region and a light bonding region, wherein the heavy bonding region comprises a greater area density of adhesive than the light bond region. Finally, the method may further comprise partially weakening the waist panel elastic strand at least at one location within the second region.