Absorbent Undergarment Composite Liner for Leakage Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing absorbent undergarments for incontinence and menstruation often compromise between comfort and absorption capacity, with many being bulky, uncomfortable, or insufficiently absorbent, leading to the need for supplementary products and leakage issues.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a layered fabric structure with a top layer, intermediate hydrophilic layers, and a breathable, waterproof layer, integrated into the crotch region of undergarments, providing improved fluid absorption and retention without the use of bulky padding or pockets, allowing for comfortable and stylish wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If thick paddings or highly absorbent inserts are used in the crotch region, then absorption capacity is improved, but the undergarment becomes bulky and uncomfortable to wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption capacityVSAvoidbulkiness
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple fabric layers with distinct properties: a hydrophilic top layer for fluid absorption, hydrophobic intermediate layers for containment, and a breathable waterproof layer for protection. This multi-layer composite structure achieves high absorption capacity without requiring thick padding, as each layer contributes specific functional properties that work synergistically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by applying different material properties to different regions of the undergarment. The crotch region features the multi-layer absorbent structure, while other areas use simpler fabric constructions. This localized approach concentrates absorption functionality where needed most, avoiding unnecessary bulk in non-crotch areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Shape

If the undergarment is made thinner for comfort, then wearability is improved, but absorption capacity becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethinnessVSAvoidabsorption capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials to achieve high absorption capacity in a thin profile. The multi-layer construction with hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and breathable waterproof layers creates efficient fluid management pathways that maximize absorption within minimal thickness, eliminating the need for thick padding while maintaining sufficient absorbency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs porous materials in the fabric layers, particularly in the hydrophilic top layer and breathable waterproof layer. These porous structures provide high surface area and capillary action for fluid absorption and transport, enabling effective absorption capacity within thin material layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

3Quantity of substance

If traditional disposable products are used to supplement thin undergarments, then absorption capacity is improved, but device complexity and waste increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption capacityVSAvoidproduct complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a single undergarment that performs multiple functions: absorption, containment, leakage prevention, and breathability. The integrated multi-layer structure replaces the need for separate disposable products, simplifying the overall system while maintaining sufficient absorption capacity for various menstrual and incontinence needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent addresses the disposable product issue by creating a reusable alternative that eliminates ongoing waste generation. The durable multi-layer construction is designed for repeated use and washing, replacing the continuous consumption of disposable pads and tampons with a single sustainable garment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Quantity of substance

If highly absorbent materials are used, then absorption capacity is improved, but breathability and comfort may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption capacityVSAvoidbreathability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials to resolve the conflict between absorption and breathability. The combination of hydrophilic layers for absorption with breathable waterproof layers allows fluid management while maintaining air permeability and thermal regulation, preventing the stuffiness associated with highly absorbent single-layer materials.

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

This solution enhances the comfort and absorption capacity of undergarments, reducing the need for supplementary products and preventing leakage, while maintaining a natural and stylish appearance.

Implementation Method 1

one or more intermediate hydrophilic layers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

a breathable and waterproof layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentUS20230338206A1Incontinence and menstrual apparel
Publication Date: 2023.10.26 THE CURATED NEST PTE LTD
  • US20230338206A1 patent drawing
  • US20230338206A1 patent drawing
  • US20230338206A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are apparel designed for use during menstrual cycle, incontinence or when involuntary discharge of bodily fluids is expected. Various styles of absorbent undergarments with various layering and structures therein are disclosed. In one embodiment, the disclosed absorbent undergarments include one or more absorbent liners. The absorbent liners can have one or more hydrophilic layers and one or more breathable, waterproof layers in the crotch region of the undergarments.