Absorbent Article With Knitted Top Layer Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washable and reusable absorbent undergarments struggle to effectively absorb larger volumes of body fluids without substantial leakages, particularly for heavy flows.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a top layer with strategically placed openings that act as wells to collect excess fluid, a wicking layer to distribute moisture, and absorbent layers for containment, all of which work together to manage fluid absorption and distribution efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional integral absorbent assembly is used in reusable undergarment, then the garment can be washed and reused, but it cannot effectively absorb larger volumes of body fluids without substantial leakages
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent assembly is divided into multiple functional layers: top layer with openings, wicking layer, absorbent layers, and moisture barrier. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally, enabling the system to handle heavy flows without leakage while maintaining reusability
Solution Approach 2:
The top layer incorporates openings (5-60 openings/cm², each spanning 1-10 stitches) that create well structures. These porous features act as fluid collection points that prevent surface flooding and enable rapid fluid intake, allowing the assembly to absorb larger volumes without leakage
2Quantity of substance
If high density of openings is created in top layer, then fluid absorption capacity increases, but fabric strength and durability may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The top layer uses localized openings (1-10 stitches per opening) distributed at controlled density (5-60 openings/cm²) rather than complete porosity. This local quality approach maintains fabric integrity in areas between openings while providing sufficient fluid access points for high absorption capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The top layer is constructed as a composite knitted structure combining yarns with different properties (e.g., polyester and elastane blends) that provide both the necessary porosity for fluid absorption and the structural strength for durability, resolving the contradiction between opening density and fabric strength
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
This configuration allows for the absorption of high volumes of fluid without feeling overly wet, reduces leakage risk, and enhances durability through a diamond-shaped macro pattern, thereby improving user comfort and sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
The wells will fill up with excess fluid that would otherwise flood the surface
Implementation Method 2
A high wicking and spreading capacity improve the fluid handling even further. The fluid is distributed across the surface of the wicking layer and down through it
Implementation Method 3
The fluid is distributed across the surface of the wicking layer and down through it for quick absorption and containment in the absorption layer(s)
Data Source
AI summary
A washable and reusable absorbent undergarment including an absorbent assembly, the absorbent undergarment having an extension in the longitudinal direction and in the transversal direction, the absorbent assembly including a wearer facing top layer of a knitted material, a wicking layer beneath said top layer, a moisture barrier and at least one absorbent layer located between the wicking layer and the moisture barrier, wherein the top layer has openings therein, and wherein each opening spans 1-10 stitches and there are 5-60 openings/cm2.