Cellulosic Absorbent Article Barrier Design

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for disposable absorbent articles, particularly feminine hygiene products, that use cellulosic materials to provide adequate absorption, dryness, resiliency, and comfort while being cost-efficient and environmentally friendly, as traditional synthetic materials contribute to environmental pollution.

Innovation Solution

The development of an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet layer made of cellulosic material, a fluid management layer with a specific basis weight and caliper, a first and second barrier layer made of cellulosic materials, and an absorbent core layer, all of which are free from synthetic fibers and films. This configuration aims to enhance absorption, prevent rewet, and maintain dryness and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If cellulosic materials are used to replace synthetic materials, then environmental friendliness is improved, but structural integrity and barrier properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental pollutionVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by combining cellulosic fibers with specific synthetic components only where functionally necessary (elastomeric fibers for elasticity, hydrophobic fibers for barrier properties). This selective composite approach maintains structural integrity and barrier functions while minimizing synthetic material usage to the extent possible, thereby resolving the contradiction between environmental friendliness and structural performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by using different material compositions in different layers of the absorbent article. The topsheet and barrier layers use predominantly cellulosic materials for environmental benefits, while the elastomeric layer incorporates elastomeric fibers locally where mechanical properties are critical. This localized material differentiation allows the article to achieve both environmental friendliness and structural integrity in respective functional zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If cellulosic materials are used to replace synthetic materials, then environmental friendliness is improved, but fluid barrier properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental pollutionVSAvoidfluid barrier

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by using different material compositions in different layers of the absorbent article. The topsheet and barrier layers use predominantly cellulosic materials for environmental benefits, while the elastomeric layer incorporates elastomeric fibers locally where mechanical properties are critical. This localized material differentiation allows the article to achieve both environmental friendliness and structural integrity in respective functional zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes material parameters by selecting specific fiber properties: hydrophobic cellulosic fibers with appropriate contact angles, controlled pore sizes in the barrier layer, and specific basis weights for each layer. These parameter optimizations enable cellulosic materials to achieve fluid barrier properties comparable to synthetic materials while maintaining environmental friendliness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If cellulosic materials are used, then absorbency is improved, but acquisition time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabsorption capacityVSAvoidacquisition time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the absorbent article into functionally distinct layers: a topsheet layer for initial fluid contact and distribution, a barrier layer for containment, and an absorbent core layer for bulk absorption. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, with the topsheet and barrier layers using cellulosic materials for high absorbency while the layered structure collectively reduces acquisition time through distributed fluid management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes material parameters by selecting specific fiber properties: hydrophobic cellulosic fibers with appropriate contact angles, controlled pore sizes in the barrier layer, and specific basis weights for each layer. These parameter optimizations enable cellulosic materials to achieve fluid barrier properties comparable to synthetic materials while maintaining environmental friendliness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If cellulosic materials are used, then comfort is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewearer comfortVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention adopts a disposable design philosophy where the absorbent article is optimized for single-use performance. This allows the use of predominantly cellulosic materials for comfort and environmental benefits without requiring expensive durable synthetic components, as the article is designed to be discarded after one use. The simplified disposable structure reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining high comfort through natural cellulosic materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 proposed absorbent article achieves rapid fluid acquisition, low rewet, and improved resiliency, maintaining dryness and comfort while being environmentally friendly and cost-effective, thus addressing the challenges posed by traditional synthetic materials.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid pervious topsheet layer comprising cellulosic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

a fluid management layer disposed adjacent to the topsheet layer, the fluid management layer having a basis weight of from about 45 to 75 gsm and a caliper of from about 0.5 to 1.6 mm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

a first barrier layer comprising at least one of cellulosic fibers and cellulosic film; a second barrier layer disposed adjacent to the first barrier layer, wherein the second barrier layer comprises cellulosic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobicity: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS20250195296A1Absorbent article having one or more layers including cellulosic fibers

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

An absorbent article that may be used as a feminine hygiene product, such as liner. The absorbent article may include at least one of a topsheet layer, a fluid management layer, an absorbent core layer, a first barrier layer, and a second barrier layer. Each layer included in the absorbent article may include cellulosic material, such as cotton and rayon. Each of the layers of the absorbent article may be void of synthetic fibers and films and/or substantially free of synthetic materials.