Absorbent Incontinence Article with Split Flaps for Underwear Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorbent products for male urinary incontinence are uncomfortable, embarrassing, and poorly fitting, leading to emotional distress and increased business costs due to the need for multiple sizes and complex fitting instructions.
Innovation Solution
A disposable absorbent article with adjustable, conforming fit and engaging placement, featuring split or cleft designs for absorbent flaps that anchor to underwear, optional additional absorbent layers for increased capacity, and placement indicia for proper positioning, made from virgin or recycled fibers for comfort and absorbency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional absorbent products are used, then fluid absorption is achieved, but comfort and user appeal deteriorate due to diaper-like appearance and poor fit
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent article is divided into distinct functional zones including a first absorbent region for primary absorption, a second absorbent region for additional capacity, and a barrier region for leak prevention. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally while contributing to overall comfort and effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the absorbent article are assigned different material properties and absorbency characteristics. The first absorbent region uses highly absorbent materials directly contact with the body, while the barrier region uses liquid-resistant materials at the edges. This local differentiation optimizes both performance and comfort in each specific area.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple sizes are offered to accommodate different body builds, then fit accuracy improves, but device complexity and inventory requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent article incorporates elastic bands and flexible materials that allow the product to dynamically adapt to different body shapes and sizes. The elastic waistband and leg cuffs can stretch and conform to various circumferences, enabling a single size to fit multiple body types effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The article uses materials with varying degrees of elasticity and flexibility in different regions. The barrier region has different material properties than the absorbent regions, allowing the overall structure to maintain its shape while accommodating body variations. This parameter differentiation enables one-size-fits-most functionality.
3Reliability
If absorbent flaps extend down over underwear crotch region, then fluid containment improves, but device complexity increases due to additional engagement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent flaps are designed to automatically engage with the underwear crotch region through their own weight and elastic properties. The flaps naturally conform to and secure against the underwear without requiring separate fastening mechanisms, buttons, or adhesives. This self-securing design simplifies the overall structure while maintaining effective fluid containment.
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 a comfortable, discreet, and effective absorbent article that minimizes fluid leakage and movement, increasing absorbency by up to 50% and allowing users to easily adjust for a snug fit, reducing emotional and practical challenges associated with urinary incontinence.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent structure that absorbs fluid
Implementation Method 2
The absorbent article includes an upper portion and a lower, or bottom, portion where the lower portion includes at least a two or three-ply or more fiber based sheets
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure provide for improved adjustability and engaging placement of absorbent incontinence articles. An absorbent article designed to fit various body contours and sizes and facilitate placements of the scrotum or genitals for comfort. An absorbent article may include a structure materials to absorb fluid, for instance a paper or napkin-like article made using virgin fiber or recycled fibers in order to achieve certain softness and strength attributes. The article, for instance a sheath, liner, or barrier, is adapted to provide at least one split or cleft, and thus absorbent flaps, at the bottom of the barrier to engage a crotch of the underwear and restrict movement of the article and facilitate comfortable placement of genitals as preferred and to achieve an engaged geometry of article with underwear. The absorbent article also includes graduated placement indicia to facilitate retention of proper fit based on body size.