Absorbent Structure Back Suction Liquid Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent structures in hygiene and medical products face challenges in preventing back wetting effects while optimizing the absorption power of super absorbent components, as they rely solely on capillary forces which are insufficient to manage liquid distribution effectively.
Innovation Solution
An absorbent structure comprising a sequence of layers including a liquid absorbent layer, a liquid storage layer with super absorbent polymer particles or fibers, and a liquid distribution layer, where the super absorbent polymer extends into the distribution layer to create a back suction effect, and the layers are produced using an in-line process with air laid cellulose fibers and thermoplastic fibers to enhance liquid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If capillary effect is used to transport liquids through pore structure selection, then liquid transport is achieved, but back wetting effects occur and absorption power is not optimally utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the absorption system by introducing super absorbent polymer particles with specific absorption characteristics. These SAP particles have a swelling capacity that allows them to absorb liquid and create a back suction effect, fundamentally changing how liquid transport is managed compared to traditional capillary-only systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite absorbent structure combining cellulose fibers with super absorbent polymer particles. This composite material system leverages the capillary properties of cellulose and the swelling/absorption properties of SAP particles to achieve both liquid transport and back wetting prevention simultaneously.
2Quantity of substance
If super absorbent polymer particles are added to enhance absorption, then absorption capacity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the super absorbent polymer particles with the cellulose fiber matrix to form an integrated composite structure. The SAP particles are distributed within and between the cellulose fibers, allowing the absorption function to be embedded within the existing structural framework rather than adding separate complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the porous structure of both the cellulose fibers and the aggregated SAP particles to facilitate liquid transport. The pore network in the composite material allows capillary action to work in conjunction with SAP swelling, creating a coordinated system that enhances absorption without requiring complex mechanical structures.
3Ease of operation
If pore structure is optimized for capillary transport, then liquid distribution is improved, but back wetting cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating SAP particles that proactively absorb liquid and create a back suction effect before back wetting can occur. The SAP particles are positioned throughout the structure to intercept and retain liquid, preventing it from reaching the distribution layer and causing back wetting effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The SAP particles act as an intermediary between the liquid absorbent layer and the distribution layer. They mediate the liquid flow by absorbing excess liquid and creating a pressure gradient that prevents back wetting, while still allowing controlled liquid distribution to occur through the porous 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 structure effectively absorbs and distributes liquids, preventing back wetting by utilizing the suction effect of super absorbent polymers, allowing for controlled liquid flow and storage, thereby improving the absorption efficiency and reducing unwanted liquid runoff.
Implementation Method 1
a capillary effect is used for transporting liquids in which the capillary effect is generated through a selection of the pore structure in order to move the liquid in a controlled manner into a storage position
Implementation Method 2
The super absorbent polymer causes a back suction effect for the liquid which has entered through the liquid absorption layer and the liquid storage layer into the liquid distribution layer
Data Source
AI summary
An absorbent structure with a sequence of two layers includes at least one liquid absorption layer, a subsequent liquid storage layer with super absorbent polymer particles and super absorbent polymer fibers, and a subsequent liquid distribution layer. The layers are connected and form a sheet structure. The liquid storage layer has its super absorbent polymer extending from the liquid storage layer into the liquid distribution layer in order to generate a return suction effect for the liquid that has passed through the liquid absorption layer and liquid storage layer into the liquid distribution layer.