Absorbent Article Shape Retention via Composite Foam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorbent articles suffer from reduced absorption performance and liquid leakage due to rupture or twisting of the absorbing part when external forces are applied, leading to skin rash and other issues.
Innovation Solution
An absorbent article comprising crosslinked polymer particles with water-soluble vinyl monomers and a nonwoven fabric with porous acrylonitrile-based fibers, which enhances shape retention and prevents rupture or twisting under external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If crosslinked polymer particles are used in the absorbing part, then absorption performance is improved, but the absorbing part is easily ruptured or twisted when external forces are applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining crosslinked polymer particles (for absorption) with a three-dimensional networked foam body (for structural support). The foam body acts as a matrix that holds the polymer particles while providing mechanical strength and shape retention, resolving the contradiction between absorption performance and structural integrity under external forces.
2Ease of manufacture
If the absorbing part is fixed with hot-melt adhesive, then fixability is improved, but shape retention and suppression of rupture are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hot-melt adhesive component entirely and replaces it with a three-dimensional networked foam body that provides both structural support and fixation functionality. This extraction of the adhesive element while maintaining fixation capability through the foam structure resolves the insufficiency in shape retention and rupture suppression.
3Ease of operation
If the absorbing part is made flexible, then comfort is improved, but rupture occurs more easily under external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the absorbent article: the crosslinked polymer particles provide local absorption capability and flexibility for comfort, while the three-dimensional networked foam body provides local structural support and rupture resistance. This spatial differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between comfort and rupture resistance.
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 maintains absorption performance and prevents liquid leakage, even when external forces are applied, thereby reducing skin irritation and improving the overall effectiveness of the absorbent article.
Implementation Method 1
an aqueous-liquid absorbing part that contains crosslinked polymer particles (A) comprising, as essential constitutional units, a water-soluble vinyl monomer (a1) and/or a hydrolyzable vinyl monomer (a2), and a crosslinking agent (a3)
Implementation Method 2
a nonwoven fabric (B) comprising, as an essential constitutional unit, porous fibers (b1), wherein the porous fibers (b1) are formed of an acrylonitrile-based polymer
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an absorbent article having excellent shape retention of an absorber even when an external force is applied thereto. The present invention is an absorbent article having: an aqueous-liquid absorbing part having crosslinked polymer particles (A) having as essential constitutional units thereof a water-soluble vinyl monomer (a1) and/or a vinyl monomer (a2) which became the water-soluble vinyl monomer (a1) by hydrolysis, and a crosslinking agent (a3); and a nonwoven fabric (B) having porous fibers (b1) as an essential constituent thereof, the crosslinked polymer particles (A) preferably absorbing 40 times the weight thereof of physiological saline 40 in 40-150 seconds.