Z-folded sanitary product circular package fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging of folded sanitary products, such as sanitary napkins, often results in conspicuous square or rectangular shapes that do not fit neatly into circular packages, leading to wasted space and an unsightly presentation.
Innovation Solution
A sanitary protection product is designed to be folded in a Z-configuration with specific dimensions and fold line locations, allowing it to be enveloped in a tight-fitting circular package, maintaining a substantially circular shape and minimizing protruding edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a folded sanitary product with C-fold or G-fold configuration is used, then the product can be compacted for carrying, but the product has protruding square edges that do not fit neatly into circular packages
Solution Approach 1:
The sanitary product is divided into three distinct sections (first arcuate end portion, central portion, and second arcuate end portion) with different width characteristics. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its function while collectively achieving the desired circular folded shape that fits neatly into circular packages.
Solution Approach 2:
The product employs asymmetric width distribution along its length, with arcuate end portions having maximum width equal to twice the effective radius and a central portion with minimum width between 75-90% of the maximum width. This asymmetric design enables the product to fold into a substantially circular shape without protruding square edges.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional square or rectangular packaging is used, then the folded sanitary product can be contained, but the package is conspicuous and creates wasted area within circular packages
Solution Approach 1:
The sanitary product incorporates arcuate end portions with curved geometry instead of straight edges, enabling the folded product to assume a substantially circular shape. This curvature allows the product to fit efficiently into circular packages, eliminating wasted area and providing a less conspicuous presentation.
3Shape
If the central portion width is reduced to 75-90% of maximum width, then the Z-folded product achieves a substantially circular shape, but the product dimensions must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The invention specifies precise parameter ranges for the product geometry: minimum width of the central portion between 75-90% of maximum width, and length between 225-285% of maximum width. These controlled parameter changes enable the product to achieve the desired circular folded shape while providing clear manufacturing specifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A packaged elongate sanitary protection product includes a folded sanitary product and a circular package. The sanitary product has first and second arcuate end portions comprising first and second ends, respectively, separated by a central portion, and a pair of longitudinal side edges connecting the first and second ends. The arcuate end portions have an effective radius and a maximum width, substantially equal to twice the effective radius. The central portion has a minimum width between about 75% and about 90% of the maximum width, and the sanitary product has a length between about 225% and about 285% of the maximum width. In addition, first and second fold lines are located a distance from each end equal to about 85% to about 105% of the maximum width of the arcuate end portions. The sanitary protection product is folded in a Z-configuration on first and second fold lines to form a substantially circular folded sanitary protection product, which is enveloped in the circular package.