Absorbent Cooling Pad Layout to Prevent Overcooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent products fail to balance liquid handling performance with effective thermal effects, particularly in the urogenital region, due to inadequate geometry and temperature distribution, leading to discomfort and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A disposable absorbent thermal effect pad with a thermal effect providing element (TEPE) positioned away from the wearer, an upper absorbent core with openings, and an optional fluid distribution and thermal insulation (FDTI) layer, ensuring a balanced thermal effect and improved absorbency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the TEPE is positioned close to the wearer for direct thermal effect, then the cooling effectiveness is improved, but the risk of overcooling and discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an upper absorbent core as an intermediary layer between the TEPE and the wearer's skin. This mediator allows thermal energy to be transferred indirectly, providing cooling effectiveness while preventing direct contact with extremely cold temperatures that would cause discomfort. The upper absorbent core acts as a thermal buffer that modulates the temperature transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the TEPE in the z-direction (away from the wearer) rather than directly contacting the skin, creating spatial separation. This dimensional arrangement allows thermal effects to be transmitted through the absorbent cores without direct thermal contact, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and comfort.
2Ease of operation
If the TEPE is positioned away from the wearer to prevent overcooling, then wearer comfort is improved, but the cooling effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper and lower absorbent cores serve as thermal mediators that conduct cooling effects from the remotely positioned TEPE to the wearer's skin. This intermediary transmission mechanism maintains wearer comfort through indirect contact while preserving cooling effectiveness through efficient thermal conduction through the absorbent materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent cores perform dual functions: they provide fluid absorption and simultaneously act as thermal conduction pathways. This multi-functionality allows the TEPE to be positioned away from the wearer for comfort while still effectively transmitting cooling effects through the same structural elements.
3Quantity of substance
If a continuous absorbent core is used to ensure fluid absorption, then liquid handling performance is improved, but the thermal insulation towards the wearer increases reducing thermal effect transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the absorbent core into separate upper and lower portions with the TEPE positioned between them. This segmentation creates distinct functional zones: the lower absorbent core handles fluid absorption from the wearer, while the upper absorbent core provides thermal conduction pathways without forming a continuous insulating barrier that would block thermal effects.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the absorbent core structure are assigned different functional qualities. The lower absorbent core near the wearer prioritizes fluid absorption, while the upper absorbent core toward the TEPE prioritizes thermal conduction. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between fluid handling and thermal transmission.
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 pad provides a long-lasting, comfortable thermal effect with improved absorbency, avoiding overcooling and enhancing user comfort by decoupling TEPE temperature from skin contact, allowing wider material selection and longer duration.
Implementation Method 1
an upper absorbent core, positioned between the TEPE and the topsheet... providing a substantial thermal insulation towards the ambient
Implementation Method 2
the cooling effect may be enhanced by using phase change materials in cool packs
Implementation Method 3
a lower fluid absorbent core, positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an absorbent product that provides both a thermal effect, such as cooling, and absorbency for receiving bodily exudates, such as released from the female urogenital tract, whilst providing the thermal effect, such as cooling, for this region.