Wing-Shaped Flap Profile for Absorbent Article Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent articles with wing-shaped flaps face issues in proper folding due to lack of a section for fingers to catch onto, leading to incorrect adhesion and discomfort, especially when the front side profile line is straight or not positioned correctly.
Innovation Solution
The absorbent article features wing-shaped flaps with a wave-shaped front side profile line and a rear side profile line that is either straight or wave-shaped, configured at specific angles to facilitate easy folding, with a concave portion designed for the index finger to catch on, and a center of gravity offset to ensure proper attachment without adhesive issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the front side profile line is a straight line, then the structure is simple, but it is difficult for fingers to catch onto and fold the flap correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The front side profile line is designed with wave-shaped curvature instead of a straight line, creating convex and concave portions that provide finger-catching points for proper folding. The concave portions specifically serve as engagement points for fingers during the folding operation, transforming the flat straight edge into a tactile guide that ensures correct folding without increasing overall structural complexity.
2Productivity
If the wing-shaped flaps are folded back carelessly, then the operation is quick, but incorrect adhesion occurs causing wrinkles and ridges
Solution Approach 1:
The wave-shaped front side profile line with convex and concave portions is pre-configured to guide the folding action. The concave portions are positioned to naturally catch fingers during the folding operation, preliminarily establishing the correct folding path before adhesion occurs. This preliminary guidance ensures that even quick, careless folding attempts will follow the intended path and achieve proper adhesion without wrinkles or ridges.
3Device complexity
If the fold line is not properly positioned, then the flap structure is simple, but the fold line bends diagonally causing discomfort and displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The wave-shaped front side profile line with its convex and concave portions serves as a self-guiding mechanism. When a user attempts to fold the flap, their fingers naturally engage with the concave portions, which automatically position the fold line at the correct location and orientation. This self-service mechanism ensures accurate fold line positioning without requiring complex alignment features or user skill, preventing diagonal bending and ensuring proper fit.
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] To enable wing-shaped flaps to be properly folded back at their correct folding positions (base positions) along the side edges of panties. [Solution] In napkin (1) having a wing-shaped flap (W, W) formed on both sides of the section of the main body where absorbent body (4) is interposed between liquid-permeable surface sheet (3) and liquid-impermeable backing sheet (2) wherein the flaps are each secured by wrapping around the crotch section of underwear when being attached, the wing-shaped flap (W) has front side profile line (10) that extends outwards from the main body section and rear side profile line (11) that extends outwards from the main body section, the front side profile line (10) is a wave-shaped line formed by a repetition of convex portions that protrude outwards and concave portions that protrude inwards, and straight line (L) connecting vertex (P) of concave portion (10c) positioned in the most outwards position and connecting point (Q) where rear side profile line (11) of the wing-shaped flap (W) connects to the main body section of napkin (1) is configured to be at an angle (α) of 60-65° in relation to a line, along the lateral direction of napkin (1), passing through the connecting point (Q).