Absorbent Incontinence Article with Engaging Flaps and Graduated Indicia
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorbent products for urinary incontinence in men are often uncomfortable, embarrassing, and poorly fitting, lacking adequate adjustability and guidance for proper placement, leading to emotional distress and increased business costs due to the need for multiple sizes.
Innovation Solution
A disposable absorbent article with adjustable, conforming fit and engaging placement features, including absorbent flaps and graduated indicia for proper positioning, utilizing virgin or recycled fibers for softness and strength, and adhering or fastening means to secure the article to underwear, enhancing absorbency and preventing displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional pads or diapers are used to address urinary incontinence, then absorbency is provided, but comfort and appeal to men deteriorates due to embarrassing appearance and poor fit
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent article incorporates a crotch region with enhanced absorbent material specifically positioned where fluid contact is most likely, while other areas use lighter construction. This localized differentiation provides targeted absorbency where needed while maintaining comfort and a more appealing appearance in visible areas, resolving the contradiction between absorbency quantity and user comfort/appeal.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional products are made in various sizes to fit different body builds, then fit accuracy improves, but device complexity and inventory requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent article incorporates elastic elements and flexible materials that allow the product to dynamically adapt to different body shapes and sizes. The elastic waistband and leg cuffs stretch and conform to various dimensions, enabling a single product design to fit multiple body types accurately without requiring multiple size variants, thus improving fit accuracy while reducing product complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional products lack placement guidance, then ease of manufacture improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in proper placement
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent article incorporates visual indicators such as colored markings or patterns on the exterior that change or stand out to guide proper placement. These visual cues are integrated into the design without adding complex manufacturing steps, providing clear placement guidance that improves ease of operation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
4Quantity of substance
If absorbent material is increased to enhance absorbency, then fluid absorption capacity improves, but device complexity and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent article divides the absorbent material into distinct functional zones: a high-absorbency core region in the crotch area and lighter absorbent layers in other areas. This segmentation allows the product to achieve high overall absorbency capacity while managing material distribution efficiently, reducing unnecessary material in non-critical areas and simplifying the overall product structure.
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 provides a comfortable, discreet, and effective absorbent article that fits various body contours, minimizes movement, and increases absorbency by up to 50% compared to traditional products, addressing the challenges of fit and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent structure that absorbs fluid
Implementation Method 2
absorbent structure that absorbs fluid, for instance a paper or napkin-like article made using virgin fiber or recycled fibers
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure provide for improved adjustability, adherence, and engagement of absorbent incontinence articles. An absorbent article is designed to fit various body contours and sizes and facilitate placements of the scrotum or genitals for comfort. An absorbent article may include a structure and materials to absorb fluid, for instance a paper or napkin-like article made using virgin fiber or recycled fibers and may include superabsorbent. The article, for instance a sheath or liner is adapted to provide no or at least one split or cleft, and thus at least one absorbent flap, to tuck into or engage a crotch of the underwear and restrict movement of the article. An adhesive or other fastening means is also provided to restrict article movement. The absorbent article also includes graduated placement indicia to facilitate retention of proper fit.