Absorbent Insert With Segmented Core For Underwear-Like Garment

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a disposable absorbent garment that resembles conventional underwear while effectively managing bedwetting, as existing products are often perceived as 'diaper-like' and do not meet the requirements of users seeking a more underwear-like solution.

Innovation Solution

A discrete absorbent insert is designed with a specific configuration, including intake materials and an absorbent core, positioned between sheets with a unique width distribution and intake rates, and is integrated into a containment pant with a fluid-impervious pouch and elastic features to provide effective urine management without the appearance of traditional diapers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If disposable absorbent garments are designed to look like conventional underwear, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but urine intake speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunderwear-like appearanceVSAvoidurine intake speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent garment is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first receiveable area with high intake speed for initial urine contact, and a second receiveable area with higher absorption capacity for subsequent urine. This segmentation allows the garment to simultaneously achieve quick intake (like traditional diapers) while maintaining an underwear-like overall appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the absorbent garment are assigned different material properties and absorption characteristics. The first receiveable area uses materials optimized for rapid urine intake, while the second receiveable area uses materials with higher total absorption capacity. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing both quick intake and adequate absorption within an underwear-like design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If absorbent material quantity is increased to improve absorption capacity, then urine management effectiveness is improved, but garment thickness and bulk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorbent material quantityVSAvoidgarment bulk
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent material is divided into two distinct receiveable areas with different functions. The first area is optimized for rapid urine uptake with appropriate material quantity, while the second area provides additional absorption capacity. This segmentation allows the garment to achieve high total absorption without requiring uniform thickening throughout the entire garment, thus maintaining a sleek underwear-like profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The garment employs composite material construction with different absorbent materials in different zones. The first receiveable area may use materials with high intake speed characteristics, while the second receiveable area uses materials with high absorption capacity. This composite approach enables the garment to provide adequate absorption capacity without increasing overall bulk, as each material is used where it is most effective.

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 allows for quick intake of urine, comfort similar to conventional underwear, and effective containment, addressing user preferences for a product that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Implementation Method 1

The absorbent core has at least 40% superabsorbent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuperabsorbent: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The first sheet and the second sheet are fluid permeable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

the first sheet is joined with the second sheet at the perimeter seal with adhesive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 4

the first sheet is joined with the second sheet at the perimeter seal with an ultrasonic bond

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic bonding: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP2872094B1Absorbent insert
Publication Date: 2017.11.15 KIMBERLY CLARK WORLDWIDE INC
  • EP2872094B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2872094B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2872094B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A discrete absorbent insert includes an absorbent core positioned between a first sheet and a second sheet. The first sheet and the second sheet extend beyond the core and are joined together to form a seal. The absorbent core has at least 40% superabsorbent. The absorbent insert has an intake layer of at least 100 gsm between the first sheet and the absorbent core. The first sheet and the second sheet are fluid permeable, spunbond webs of synthetic polymer filaments. The absorbent insert is devoid of a fluid-impervious layer and has an absorbent capacity of at least 600 g. The first end section of the absorbent core has a maximum width of at least 135 mm, the central section of the absorbent core has a maximum width of less than 90 mm, and the second end section of the absorbent core has a maximum width of at least 135 mm.