Multifunctional Absorbent Article With Adhesive Bonding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current absorbent products, such as underpads, are inadequate for bedridden or immobile individuals as they often leak bodily fluids, leading to skin ulcers and increased risk of bed sores due to insufficient fluid retention and strength, which can result in costly and prolonged treatment.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional disposable absorbent article with a design that includes a breathable top sheet, an absorbent core, and a fluid impervious layer, featuring a pattern of adhesive bonds creating longitudinal peaks and valleys to distribute fluid effectively, providing improved absorbency, strength, and comfort, while preventing leakage and promoting skin health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If the top sheet is made thinner to reduce weight and cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but fluid retention capability and strength deteriorate, leading to leakage and tears
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures in multiple layers. The top sheet uses composite nonwoven materials with specific fiber compositions to achieve high strength-to-weight ratio. The absorbent core combines superabsorbent polymers with fibrous materials to create a composite structure that enhances fluid retention while maintaining flexibility and reducing overall weight.
2Quantity of substance
If the top sheet basis weight is reduced to 7-10 gsm to lower cost, then manufacturing cost decreases, but absorbency and strength decrease, causing leaks and tears
Solution Approach 1:
The top sheet utilizes composite nonwoven materials combining different fiber types and configurations to achieve exceptional strength at low basis weight (7-10 gsm). The composite structure incorporates high-strength fibers strategically arranged to provide tear and leak resistance despite the reduced material quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The top sheet design implements local quality variations through differential bonding patterns and fiber distributions. Areas experiencing higher stress concentrations have enhanced fiber density or bonding strength, while other areas maintain lower material content. This localized optimization provides necessary strength where needed while minimizing overall material usage.
3Quantity of substance
If current underpads lack sufficient absorbency and strength, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but leakage and bed sore formation increase, leading to expensive treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent core employs a sophisticated composite material system combining superabsorbent polymers (SAP) with fibrous absorbent materials. This composite structure provides superior fluid acquisition and retention capabilities, quickly drawing moisture away from the skin and holding it securely to prevent bed sore formation while maintaining cost-effectiveness through optimized material ratios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes key parameters including SAP content percentage, fiber type composition, basis weight, and bonding characteristics to achieve the optimal balance between absorbency, strength, and cost. By carefully adjusting these parameters within specific ranges, the underpad delivers enhanced performance in preventing bed sores without proportionally increasing manufacturing cost.
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 multifunctional absorbent article effectively manages moisture, reduces the risk of bed sores, and enhances patient comfort by maintaining skin dryness and integrity, thereby decreasing the need for costly treatments associated with conventional underpads.
Implementation Method 1
the first layer includes a plurality of longitudinal peaks and valleys adjacent to one another and extending along a length of the first layer. The plurality of peaks and valleys are configured to distribute fluid along the first layer and into the second layer
Implementation Method 2
a second layer coupled to the first layer, the second layer comprising a fluid absorption and retention portion having at least one absorbent material for absorbing a fluid passing through the first layer
Implementation Method 3
The first layer comprises a breathable and fluid permeable material configured to absorb fluid and provide a degree of compression against the subject's skin
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a multifunctional disposable absorbent article providing numerous features including, in addition to containment and absorption of bodily fluid secretions, improved feel, dryness, and comfort upon a person's skin, odor control and anti-microbial properties, and sufficient strength to support lifting and transferring of a person.