Composite Absorbent Structure for Fast Uptake and Fluid Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional absorbent materials face challenges in simultaneously achieving high absorption capacity and rapid water uptake due to limitations in pore space and absorption rate, leading to potential overflow and incomplete absorption of bodily fluids.

Innovation Solution

A composite absorbent body comprising a polymer absorbent with a hydrophilic continuous skeleton and continuous pores that expands upon fluid contact, instantaneously absorbing bodily fluids and transferring them to a superabsorbent polymer for steady retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a porous material is used as an absorbent body, then the water absorption rate is improved, but the water retention capacity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater absorption rateVSAvoidwater retention capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines porous material and superabsorbent polymer in a composite absorbent body. The porous material provides rapid water absorption through capillary action, while the superabsorbent polymer provides high water retention capacity. This merging of materials resolves the contradiction between fast absorption rate and high retention capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The porous material acts as an intermediary that rapidly absorbs water from the external environment and transfers it to the superabsorbent polymer. This mediator enables the system to achieve both fast initial absorption and sustained retention by bridging the gap between rapid uptake and long-term storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If a superabsorbent polymer is used as an absorbent body, then the water retention capacity is improved, but the water absorption rate deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater retention capacityVSAvoidwater absorption rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The composite absorbent body merges superabsorbent polymer particles with porous material. The superabsorbent polymer provides high retention capacity while the porous material provides rapid absorption pathways, resolving the contradiction between slow absorption rate and high retention capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the absorbent body have different properties: the porous material regions provide rapid water uptake pathways, while the superabsorbent polymer regions provide high retention capacity. This spatial differentiation of functional qualities allows simultaneous achievement of fast absorption and high retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Speed

If only porous material is used, then rapid water absorption is achieved, but the absorption capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater absorption rateVSAvoidabsorption capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges porous material with superabsorbent polymer to create a composite system. The porous material provides rapid absorption through its capillary structure, while the superabsorbent polymer provides additional absorption capacity through swelling, thereby overcoming the limited capacity of porous material alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The superabsorbent polymer particles are nested within the porous material structure. The porous material forms the outer framework that rapidly absorbs water, while the superabsorbent polymer particles nested inside provide additional absorption capacity, creating a multi-level absorption system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 composite absorbent body achieves high absorption performance by rapidly taking in and transferring bodily fluids, ensuring both immediate and sustained capacity through osmotic pressure and capillary action.

Implementation Method 1

the hydrophilic continuous skeleton instantaneously takes in the bodily fluid by osmotic pressure and expands

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOsmotic pressure: Osmotic Pressure

Implementation Method 2

a large amount of bodily fluid can be instantaneously absorbed, and further the absorbed bodily fluid can be transferred to a superabsorbent polymer (SAP)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP4248928B1Composite absorbent and sanitary material
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 UNI CHARM CORP
  • EP4248928B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4248928B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4248928B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention provides an absorbent which has a high absorption performance thereby being capable of instantly absorbing a large amount of a body fluid. A composite absorbent (4) according to the present invention is used for the purpose of absorbing a body fluid and is characterized by: containing a highly absorbent polymer and a high molecular weight absorbent that is provided with a hydrophilic continuous skeleton and a continuous pore; and taking in a fluid into the continuous skeleton and subsequently into the continuous pore when the composite absorbent absorbs the fluid.