Asymmetric Absorbent Core for Menstrual Fluid Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorbent articles for menstrual fluid absorption face challenges in balancing comfort and absorbency, as increasing thickness or width to handle gush flows compromises comfort, and there is a need for improved body fit and placement guidance.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an asymmetric absorbent core with a smaller upper layer of open-celled foam and a larger lower layer with a fibrous network, where the upper layer has a surface area at least 5% greater than the lower layer, providing enhanced absorbency where needed while maintaining comfort and improving body fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the width or thickness of the absorbent article is increased to handle gush flows, then absorbency is improved, but comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent core is designed with asymmetric distribution of absorbent materials, concentrating higher absorbency in the rear portion where gush flows are most likely to occur, while maintaining lower thickness in the front region for comfort. The upper layer has greater surface area than the lower layer, creating localized absorbency enhancement without increasing overall article thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent core is divided into multiple layers with different functions: an upper layer with higher absorbency for gush flows and a lower layer with lower absorbency for trickle flows. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function without compromising overall comfort.
2Ease of operation
If the absorbent article is designed to fit the narrow front region of the body, then comfort is improved, but absorbency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent core features asymmetric geometry where the upper layer has a greater surface area than the lower layer. This asymmetry allows the article to conform to the narrow front region of the body while providing enhanced absorbency capacity in the rear portion where fluid accumulation is greatest.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the absorbent core are designed with different properties: the front region maintains thinness for comfort and fit, while the rear region incorporates increased absorbent capacity to handle gush flows, resolving the contradiction between overall fit and localized absorbency needs.
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 configuration enhances absorbency where needed, reduces wetness on the body, and improves comfort and fit by allowing the absorbent article to conform to the body's shape, minimizing bunching and leaks, while maintaining high absorbency throughout the article's length.
Implementation Method 1
The upper layer includes an open celled foam
Implementation Method 2
the lower layer includes a fibrous network
Data Source
AI summary
An absorbent article. The absorbent article includes a topsheet having a body contacting surface, a backsheet joined to said topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the absorbent core has an upper layer and a lower layer.