Active Graphic Two-Dimensional Code for Absorbent Article Information Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for further advancements in absorbent articles to provide users with easy access to information, beyond conventional wetness sensing and tracking features, without increasing costs or affecting the aesthetic appeal.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an active graphic with a machine-readable code into absorbent articles that changes visibility or color upon contact with an activation agent, such as body exudates, allowing users to access information through scanning with a reader device, which can link to websites or provide encoded text.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If an active graphic with machine-readable code is incorporated into the absorbent article, then information accessibility to users is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation accessibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a graphic representation (two-dimensional code) that can be scanned and decoded to retrieve information. Instead of incorporating complex electronic storage devices, the invention creates a visual copy of information that can be accessed externally through scanning, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining information accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The active graphic serves as an intermediary between the absorbent article and the user's information needs. Rather than directly embedding complex information delivery systems, the graphic acts as a mediator that can be scanned by external devices to provide access to product information, promotional content, or health insights.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If an active graphic is incorporated into the absorbent article, then information accessibility is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation accessibilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The active graphic is applied as a disposable element on the absorbent article that serves its information delivery function during the product's usage period. This approach uses low-cost materials and application methods that are economical for single-use products, minimizing the impact on production costs while providing valuable information access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

By using graphic representations and two-dimensional codes instead of expensive electronic components, the invention provides information accessibility through low-cost visual elements that can be manufactured and applied economically to the absorbent article.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Loss of information

If an active graphic is incorporated into the absorbent article, then information accessibility is improved, but aesthetic appearance is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation accessibilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The active graphic is strategically positioned on the absorbent article in locations that minimize visual impact while maintaining scanability. The design considers the overall aesthetic appearance by placing the information-carrying element in areas that are less prominent or can be integrated with existing product graphics and patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The active graphic may utilize color changes or visual transformations when contacted with activation agents (such as moisture or body fluids), allowing the graphic to remain aesthetically pleasing in its initial state while providing information access when needed. This dynamic visual property helps maintain aesthetic appearance while enabling information accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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 enables users to access product-related information, promotional content, or health insights without adding significant cost or altering the article's appearance, enhancing user interaction and information availability.

Implementation Method 1

the active graphic may comprise an active graphic that switches between a visible state and a state where the graphic is not readily noticeable until contacted with an activation agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectColor change upon contact with activation agent: Photochromism

Data Source

PatentUS9220640B2Absorbent article including two dimensional code made from an active graphic

Publication Date: 2015.12.29 KIMBERLY CLARK WORLDWIDE INC

AI summary

Absorbent articles are disclosed that convey information to a user. In particular, the absorbent articles include an active graphic that comprises a machine readable code. The active graphic, for instance, may comprise a disappearing graphic, an appearing graphic, and/or a color-change graphic. The change in appearance of the graphic may occur once contacted with a suitable activation agent, such as urine. The machine readable code contained in the active graphic, once scanned by a suitable reader device, may convey information to a user related to the absorbent article.