Absorbent Article With Apertured Central Layer for Runny Feces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing absorbent articles struggle with quick absorption and leakage prevention of runny feces in infants, particularly those under 6 months of age, due to the use of 3D topsheets that can be costly and cause skin irritation, while patterned apertured topsheets are rigid and mark the skin.

Innovation Solution

A non-apertured nonwoven topsheet with an optional acquisition layer, combined with an apertured central layer, forms a conformable surface that conforms to the apertures, providing a three-dimensional pattern with hills and valleys, enhancing absorption and reducing skin contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If 3D topsheets with protrusions are used to limit spreading of runnym BM, then leakage prevention is improved, but cost increases and skin irritation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleakage preventionVSAvoidskin irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses an apertured acquisition layer with through-apertures that allow runnym BM to pass through quickly while the conformable topsheet with hills-and-valleys provides a three-dimensional surface that limits spreading. This porous structure enables effective absorption without the need for costly 3D protrusions that cause skin irritation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a three-dimensional surface topology on the wearer-facing side by having the conformable topsheet conform to the apertures of the central layer, forming hills-and-valleys. This dimensional approach limits the spreading of runnym BM without requiring protrusions that contact and irritate the skin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If patterned apertured topsheets are used to absorb runnym stools, then absorption speed is improved, but the topsheet becomes rigid and marks the skin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabsorption speedVSAvoidskin marking

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the absorption function between the conformable topsheet and the apertured acquisition layer. The apertures are provided in the acquisition layer rather than the topsheet, allowing rapid passage of runnym BM while the conformable topsheet maintains skin comfort without marking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediate apertured acquisition layer between the conformable topsheet and the absorbent core. This intermediary layer with through-apertures enables rapid absorption of runnym stools while the conformable topsheet remains in contact with the skin, preventing marking and irritation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If apertures are provided in the topsheet to let runnym stools pass through, then absorption efficiency is improved, but the topsheet becomes rigid and loses conformability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabsorption efficiencyVSAvoidconformability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the functions by placing apertures in the acquisition layer rather than the topsheet. The conformable topsheet maintains its flexibility and ability to conform to the baby's body, while the apertured acquisition layer provides the through-apertures for efficient passage of runnym BM.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies different properties to different layers: the topsheet is made conformable and non-apertured to maintain skin comfort and adaptability, while the acquisition layer is made apertured to provide efficient absorption. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between absorption efficiency and conformability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 effectively absorbs runny feces, reduces leakage, and improves skin comfort by minimizing prolonged skin contact, while maintaining flexibility and reducing material waste.

Implementation Method 1

an apertured central layer that is especially useful for absorbing and retaining runnym BM (bowel movement)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

The topsheet, together with the optional acquisition layer when present, is conformable and can at least partially conform to the apertures of the central layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS20250325415A1Absorbent article for low viscosity fecal matter

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A personal absorbent article (20) comprising in this order a topsheet (24), an optional acquisition layer (50), an apertured central layer (60) and a backsheet (25). The apertured central layer may be a nonwoven comprising or consisting of superabsorbent fibers. The topsheet, together with the optional acquisition layer when present, at least partially conforms to the apertures of the apertured central layer so that a three-dimensional surface on the wearer-facing side of the article is provided.