Absorbent Article Skincare Agent Immobilization in Lipid Phase

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing absorbent articles face challenges in providing effective skincare delivery while preventing skin irritation and leakage, with previous solutions often resulting in complex products and increased waste.

Innovation Solution

An absorbent article comprising a liquid-pervious first sheet, a liquid-impervious second sheet, and a core part with a skincare agent treatment, where the skincare agent can be incorporated as strips between the sheets or in a lipid phase, ensuring effective skin care delivery and minimizing migration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If skincare agent is applied to the outside of the absorbent article, then skincare delivery is improved, but the lotion layer may come off before use and migration occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskincare deliveryVSAvoidlotion stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The skincare agent is incorporated into the adhesive layer during manufacturing, so it is pre-positioned within the article structure before use. This preliminary incorporation ensures the agent remains in place and is delivered reliably when needed, without coming off during handling or storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive layer serves as an intermediary medium that both bonds the layers of the absorbent article together and carries the skincare agent within its composition. This dual function ensures the skincare agent is securely held within the article structure while being released through the adhesive's natural function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If skincare agent is included in adhesive for manufacturing, then skincare delivery is simplified, but adhesive strength is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct designVSAvoidadhesive strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive composition is modified by incorporating the skincare agent into it, changing the parameters of the adhesive to include both bonding functionality and skincare delivery. This parameter change allows the adhesive to perform dual functions without requiring a separate skincare component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive layer is designed to perform multiple functions: it bonds the absorbent article layers together and simultaneously serves as a carrier for the skincare agent. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall product design by combining what would traditionally be separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple separate products are used for skincare and absorbency, then skincare effectiveness is improved, but product complexity and waste increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskincare effectivenessVSAvoidproduct complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The skincare agent and absorbent functions are merged into a single integrated product. The skincare agent is incorporated into the adhesive layer of the absorbent article, allowing both functions to be delivered simultaneously through one product rather than requiring separate skincare and absorbency products.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The absorbent article is designed with universal functionality by incorporating the skincare agent into its structure. This allows the single product to serve both as an absorbent article and as a skincare delivery system, eliminating the need for multiple separate products.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 improved skincare delivery and reduced skin irritation by maintaining the skincare agent within the absorbent product, preventing migration and leakage, while simplifying product design and reducing waste.

Implementation Method 1

The skincare agent may be included in a lipid phase, preferably as beads arranged between the absorbent core and the first and/or second sheet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase containment: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

The major function of absorbent articles, such as panty liners, sanitary napkins, incontinence guards as well as diapers is to absorb and contain body exudates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10058629B2Absorbent article with skin care agent composition immobilized in a lipid phase

Publication Date: 2018.08.28 ESSITY HYGIENE & HEALTH AB

AI summary

An absorbent article chosen from the group of diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins and incontinence guards includes a liquid-pervious first sheet intended to face the wearer, a liquid-impervious second sheet intended to face away from the wearer, and a core part including an absorbent core arranged between the first and second sheets, wherein said core part at least partially is treated with a skincare agent.