Absorbent Underwear Gusset With Launderable Odor Adsorbent Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies have not effectively addressed the challenges of odor control and comfort in durable absorbent underwear, and the challenges of odor control in durable absorbent underwear, and the challenges of effectively managing unpleasant odors that may result from microbial growth within discharged menstrual fluid, retained within an absorbent underwear, have not been marketed to date.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves designing a durable absorbent underwear with a combination of specific materials and innovative structures, incorporating a durable absorbent underwear with a combination of specific materials and innovative structures, incorporating a durable absorbent underwear with odor control features and microbial antimicrobial agents, which remain in place and continue to be effective following a plurality of launderings of the pant, and continue to be effective in place and continue to be effective following a plurality of launderings of the underwear, and continue to be effective in solving the problem of odor control and microbial growth within the absorbent underwear, and continue to be effective in solving the problem of odor management and efficacy in solving the problem of odor management and efficacy in managing microbial growth within the absorbent underwear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If antimicrobial materials (metallic elements, organic acids, inorganic compounds) are incorporated into absorbent underwear to control odor, then odor control effectiveness is improved, but consumer acceptance deteriorates due to concerns about skin harm and bacterial resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (natural antimicrobial agent such as olive leaf extract, tea tree oil, or other plant-based compounds) that mediates between the need for odor control and consumer safety concerns. This intermediary provides antimicrobial activity while being perceived as safer and more biocompatible than traditional metallic or synthetic antimicrobials, thus resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and acceptance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the antimicrobial agent from synthetic/metalllic compounds to natural plant-based compounds. This parameter change maintains or improves antimicrobial effectiveness while significantly improving consumer acceptance due to the natural origin, biodegradability, and lower toxicity profile of plant-based antimicrobials
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional antimicrobial materials are used to prevent microbial growth, then odor prevention is improved, but development of resistant bacterial strains worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of antimicrobial resistance into a benefit by using natural plant-based antimicrobials that have multiple active compounds working synergistically. This complexity makes it difficult for bacteria to develop resistance, as they would need to overcome multiple simultaneous mechanisms of action rather than a single target, thus converting the resistance problem into a durability solution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite antimicrobial formulations combining multiple natural plant-based antimicrobial agents (e.g., olive leaf extract with tea tree oil, or combinations of different essential oils). This composite approach creates a multi-target antimicrobial system that is more effective at preventing resistance development compared to single-agent conventional antimicrobials
3Quantity of substance
If absorbent structure retains menstrual fluid, then absorption function is improved, but microbial growth and odor generation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating antimicrobial agents into the absorbent structure before menstrual fluid contact. This pre-positioned antimicrobial protection is already in place to inhibit microbial growth as soon as fluid is absorbed, preventing odor-causing bacteria from proliferating in the retained fluid. The antimicrobial layer acts as a preventive barrier that activates immediately upon fluid contact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional absorbent structure that simultaneously performs absorption and antimicrobial functions. The absorbent material is integrated with antimicrobial agents, allowing a single component to fulfill both the fluid retention function and the odor prevention function, rather than requiring separate systems for each function
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 effectively manages unpleasant odors resulting from microbial growth within discharged menstrual fluid, retained within an absorbent structure in durable absorbent underwear, by incorporating materials that withstand laundering and remain effective, are not irritating or harmful to the user's skin, and are not disruptive to the user's skin, and do not contribute to the development of bacterial strains that are resistant to the effects of such materials.
Implementation Method 1
Many of such materials may include metallic elements such as copper, silver or zinc, or compounds thereof other materials that may be incorporated for antimicrobial effects may include organic acids or inorganic compounds. Such materials may have a lethal or growth-inhibiting effect on microbes, upon contact or proximity.
Implementation Method 2
Many women have utilized conventional tampons and/or absorbent feminine hygiene pads to intercept, contain and absorb menstrual discharge
Implementation Method 3
When menstrual fluid is present within an absorbent structure following discharge, microorganisms that were present within the normal microbiome of the vagina and/or are present about the external surfaces of the skin and the proximate environment, may begin acting upon components of the fluid
Implementation Method 4
As they act upon components of the fluid, some microbial species generate gases or volatile organic compounds that may become airborne and may be perceived as unpleasant odor(s)
Data Source
AI summary
A durable absorbent pant may include an absorbent gusset disposed in at least a crotch portion, the absorbent gusset comprising at least one layer of absorbent fabric and a fluid barrier layer disposed beneath the at least one layer of absorbent fabric; the absorbent fabric having a forwardmost end edge in the front portion, a rearwardmost end edge in a rear portion, and a pair of opposing side edges proximate the respective leg opening edges; a peripheral region; and an odor-adsorbent structure disposed at least partially in a peripheral region, the odor-adsorbent structure comprising an adsorbent layer comprising an adsorbent material selected from the group consisting of zeolites, functionalized silicas metal-organic frameworks, activated carbon, and combinations thereof.