Cellulose-Free Absorbent Core with High Saline Flow Conductivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for more effective absorbent polymer materials and thinner, more flexible absorbent articles to enhance absorption and comfort in disposable absorbent products like diapers, while maintaining the ability to contain liquid effectively.

Innovation Solution

A disposable absorbent article with a substantially cellulose-free absorbent core containing absorbent polymer material that has a saline flow conductivity greater than 100 x 10^-7 cm^3/sec/g and a centrifuge retention capacity of greater than 20 g/g, which is designed to be thin and flexible, using a thermoplastic composition to immobilize the absorbent particulate polymer material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the absorbent polymer material is made more effective for absorption, then the absorption capacity is improved, but the article becomes thicker and less flexible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption capacityVSAvoidarticle thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the saline flow conductivity parameter of the absorbent polymer material to greater than 100 x 10^-7 cm^3/sec/g. This parameter change allows the material to achieve high absorption capacity while maintaining thin profile and flexibility, as the enhanced conductivity enables efficient liquid distribution throughout the material at lower thicknesses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining absorbent polymer material with specific binders and coatings to create a multi-functional absorbent core structure. This composite approach enables the material to achieve both high absorption capacity and improved flexibility through optimized material interactions and structural properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If the absorbent polymer material is made more effective for absorption, then the absorption capacity is improved, but the flexibility and comfort of the article deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption capacityVSAvoidflexibility and comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the saline flow conductivity parameter to greater than 100 x 10^-7 cm^3/sec/g, which enables the material to achieve high absorption capacity without compromising flexibility. This parameter optimization allows the article to remain thin and conformable to the wearer's body while providing enhanced absorption performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs porous materials by utilizing the porous structure of the absorbent polymer material to achieve high surface area and absorption capacity. The porous architecture allows efficient liquid wicking and distribution while maintaining material flexibility and breathability, thereby preserving wearer comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

3Length of moving object

If the absorbent core is made thinner to improve flexibility, then the flexibility is improved, but the liquid containment capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecore thicknessVSAvoidliquid containment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the saline flow conductivity to greater than 100 x 10^-7 cm^3/sec/g and centrifuge retention capacity to greater than 20 g/g. These parameter optimizations enable the thin absorbent core to achieve effective liquid containment through enhanced liquid distribution and retention mechanisms, compensating for the reduced thickness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating zones of different absorbent material properties within the absorbent core. This zoned structure provides targeted absorption and containment functions in different regions, enabling effective liquid management throughout the thin core structure while maintaining overall flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 absorption and containment capabilities, maintaining flexibility and comfort while effectively managing liquid, even when loaded with exudates, by utilizing a high-performance absorbent core with enhanced saline flow conductivity and retention capacity.

Implementation Method 1

Absorbent polymer material absorbs liquid and swells

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

absorbent particulate polymer material has a saline flow conductivity greater than 100 x 10^-7 cm^3/sec/g

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

using a thermoplastic composition to immobilize the absorbent particulate polymer material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2157951B1Disposable absorbent article with enhanced absorption properties with substantially continuously distributed absorbent particulate polymer material
Publication Date: 2015.09.02 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • EP2157951B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2157951B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2157951B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A substantially cellulose free absorbent core comprising absorbent polymer material having a saline flow conductivity greater than about 100 x 10-7 cm3sec/g and a centrifuge retention capacity of greater than about 20 g/g. A disposable absorbent article is also disclosed.