Absorbent Core Channels for Adult Incontinence Fit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current adult incontinence absorbent articles fail to provide optimal fit and comfort across a wide range of body sizes and shapes, particularly for individuals with varying Body Mass Index (BMI), leading to issues with leakage and discomfort due to bulkiness and stiffness, both dry and wet.
Innovation Solution
The development of disposable absorbent articles with adaptable channel dimensions, shapes, and positions tailored to individual BMI-driven morphological changes, ensuring better fit and comfort by integrating channels into the absorbent core to distribute liquid effectively and provide structural rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If absorbent core designs use higher proportions of absorbent polymer particles to reduce thickness and bulkiness when dry, then the article becomes thinner and less bulky in dry state, but the liquid acquisition rate becomes slower and the article becomes saggy and bulky when wetted
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent core is segmented into multiple functional zones with different material compositions and channel configurations. The core includes front and rear waist regions, crotch regions, and leg regions, each with tailored channel spacing and absorbent polymer distribution to optimize both acquisition rate and bulk reduction in different anatomical zones
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the absorbent core have different properties: the crotch region has specific channel spacing (0.5-2.0 inches) and absorbent polymer concentration optimized for high acquisition, while waist regions have different configurations. This local differentiation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without compromising overall performance
2Volume of moving object
If absorbent core designs use higher proportions of absorbent polymer particles to reduce thickness and bulkiness when dry, then the article becomes thinner and less bulky in dry state, but the article becomes saggy and bulky when wetted
Solution Approach 1:
Longitudinal channels are pre-formed in the absorbent core at specific spacing (0.5-2.0 inches) before the article is used. These channels create predetermined structural pathways that maintain rigidity and prevent sagging when the article becomes wet, as the channels provide structural support throughout the wetting process
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent core uses a composite structure combining absorbent polymer particles with a matrix material that forms longitudinal channels. This composite design allows the core to achieve both thin dry bulk and structural integrity when wet, as the channel-forming matrix provides rigidity while the absorbent polymers provide absorption function
3Speed
If channel spacing is increased to improve liquid distribution and acquisition rate, then liquid acquisition rate improves, but the article may become bulkier and less conforming to body shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The channel spacing is dynamically optimized based on anatomical region and BMI category. The system transitions from fixed-channel designs to adaptive channel configurations where spacing varies by region (crotch vs. waist) and by wearer characteristics, allowing the article to maintain both acquisition performance and conformability across different body types
Solution Approach 2:
The channel spacing parameter is changed and optimized for different BMI categories and anatomical regions. By adjusting this key parameter within the 0.5-2.0 inch range, the system achieves optimal balance between liquid acquisition rate and article conformability without increasing overall bulkiness
4Device complexity
If a single size of absorbent article is used to serve a broad range of adult consumers, then manufacturing and inventory complexity is reduced, but fit and comfort are compromised for diverse body sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent core design with adjustable channel spacing and BMI-specific configurations serves multiple functions within a single product platform. The same basic article design can be adapted to different BMI categories and body shapes through parameter adjustments, reducing the need for entirely different product lines while maintaining optimal fit and performance
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than creating entirely different articles for different body types, the system uses parameter changes in channel spacing, absorbent polymer distribution, and core dimensions to adapt a single article design to various BMI categories. This approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving size and shape adaptability
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 enhances the fit and comfort of absorbent articles across diverse body sizes and shapes, reducing leakage and bulkiness, while providing a more conforming and discreet product experience for users.
Implementation Method 1
absorbent polymer particles and lower proportions of absorbent fiber
Implementation Method 2
absorbent polymer particles
Implementation Method 3
providing longitudinal structural rigidity through the crotch region of the article resulting from pressure within the wetted absorbent polymer particle deposits between the channels
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An array of packages comprising two or more different sizes of disposable absorbent articles may comprise first and second articles comprising first and second cores having different Channel Spacings, Curvatures, Arm Angles, and/or Lengths.