Reusable Absorbent Bed Pad With Non-Slip Layer and Removable Insert

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bed pads for urinary incontinence are not discreet, comfortable, or cost-effective, as they are noisy, difficult to position, and require significant effort to clean, leading to discomfort and practical issues.

Innovation Solution

An absorbent bed pad with a non-slip bottom layer, secure attachment mechanism, and removable absorbent pad, along with an optional liquid-impermeable insert, and a weighted blanket for added comfort, addressing the need for discreet and easy cleanup while maintaining user comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If disposable bed pads are used, then cleanup is fast and easy, but they crumple under weight and movement reducing effectiveness and comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleanup speedVSAvoidprotection effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bed pad is divided into multiple functional layers including a top layer, absorbent core layer, and bottom layer with distinct responsibilities. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently - the top layer for comfort, the absorbent core for liquid management, and the bottom layer for mattress protection - while maintaining overall structural integrity under weight and movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bed pad employs composite material construction combining hydrophilic materials in the top layer for liquid wicking, hydrophobic materials in the bottom layer for moisture barrier protection, and appropriate fillers in the absorbent core. This composite approach ensures both effectiveness in liquid management and durability under user weight while maintaining comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If disposable bed pads are used, then cleanup is fast and easy, but they cause discomfort and are noisy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleanup speedVSAvoiduser comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the bed pad into specialized layers, the top layer can be specifically designed for comfort with soft, breathable materials that feel pleasant against the skin, while the internal absorbent layers handle the functional requirements. This separation allows comfort to be optimized without compromising cleanup efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the bed pad have different properties tailored to local requirements - the top layer has soft, comfortable qualities for skin contact, the middle layer has high absorbency for liquid management, and the bottom layer has protective qualities for mattress defense. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between comfort and functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of substance

If reusable bed pads are used, then costs are reduced, but they require substantial time and effort to launder and replace

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidlaundering time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bed pad is designed as a removable insert that can be easily extracted from the bed covering without moving or disturbing the rest of the bedding. This segmentation allows for quick removal and placement in the laundry, significantly reducing the time and effort required for maintenance while enabling reusable construction for cost savings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bed pad incorporates features such as attachment mechanisms and structured design that allow it to be pre-positioned and easily removed when needed. This preliminary preparation of the removal process reduces the actual time required for laundering operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Stability of the object's composition

If bed pads are positioned securely, then they remain in place during movement, but they become noisy and difficult to position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidpositioning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bed pad uses composite materials including non-slip surfaces on the bottom layer that provide secure attachment to the mattress or bed covering through friction, while the overall construction remains quiet during movement. The combination of materials achieves both stability and ease of positioning without noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 reliable protection for mattresses, reduces cleanup effort, and offers comfort through secure attachment and adjustable weight distribution, enhancing user experience and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

At least a portion of the bottom layer may include a roughened or substantially non-slip surface to prevent slippage of the absorbent bed pad relative to a fitted sheet, mattress, or other structure or material thereunder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

an absorbent bed pad with a non-slip bottom layer, secure attachment mechanisms, and a removable absorbent pad design

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

an absorbent bed pad with a non-slip bottom layer, secure attachment mechanisms, and a removable absorbent pad design

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 4

The interior pocket may include a substantially liquid-impermeable insert layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid impermeability: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS20180168849A1Reusable, discreet absorbent bed pad
Publication Date: 2018.06.21 DASTRUP LINDA L
  • US20180168849A1 patent drawing
  • US20180168849A1 patent drawing
  • US20180168849A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A reusable, discreet absorbent bed pad for medical use. The bed pad may include a base layer and an upper layer. The upper layer may include an aperture to receive an absorbent pad between the base layer and the upper layer such that a central portion of the absorbent pad is exposed through the aperture and an outer periphery of the absorbent pad is overlapped by the upper layer. A weighted blanket for medical use is also disclosed and claimed herein.