Repositionable Diaper Blocking Member for Leak Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing diapers face challenges in effectively preventing leakage due to bulkier, non-adjustable leak-proof guards that add unnecessary bulk and are not versatile, leading to difficulties in containing bodily waste, especially in infants with watery feces or during sudden bowel movements.

Innovation Solution

A diaper assembly featuring a blocking member with a resilient pad and attachment layer that can be repositionably attached to the inner surface, conforming to the wearer's contours to prevent leakage, and can be used selectively when needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a folded, stacked, or pleated waist seal is incorporated into the diaper to prevent leakage, then leak prevention is improved, but the diaper bulk increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleak preventionVSAvoiddiaper bulk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member is divided into multiple functional layers: a resilient pad layer for leakage prevention, an attachment layer for securing to the diaper, and a release liner for easy removal. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function efficiently without adding unnecessary bulk to the overall diaper structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking member is designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable rather than permanently fixed. The attachment layer with pressure-sensitive adhesive allows the blocking member to be positioned and secured as needed, then easily removed and repositioned to adapt to different diaper sizes and wearer contours, providing flexibility without permanent bulk addition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a leak-proof guard is incorporated into the diaper to prevent leakage, then containment reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainment reliabilityVSAvoiddiaper structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member serves multiple functions: it provides leakage prevention through the resilient pad, ensures secure attachment through the attachment layer, and allows easy removal through the release liner. This multi-functionality in a single component reduces overall device complexity compared to separate components for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking member's properties are optimized through parameter changes: the resilient pad uses specific durometer ranges (20-40 Shore A) to balance containment effectiveness with comfort, and the attachment layer uses pressure-sensitive adhesive with controlled tack to ensure secure yet removable attachment. These parameter optimizations simplify the design by eliminating the need for additional adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a fixed waist seal is used to prevent leakage, then leak prevention is improved, but adaptability to different body contours is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleak preventionVSAvoidadaptability to body contours
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member transitions from a static, pre-formed seal to a dynamic, positionable component. The attachment layer allows the blocking member to be placed at different positions and orientations to match various wearer body contours and diaper sizes, while the resilient pad conforms to the waistline shape when attached, providing both adaptability and effective leakage prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking member's resilient pad is designed with specific local properties (durometer 20-40 Shore A, specific thickness ranges) that allow it to conform to different body contours at the point of contact, while the attachment layer provides uniform bonding across the entire blocking member surface, enabling localized adaptation without compromising overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable blocking member is used to prevent leakage, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverepositionabilityVSAvoidease of attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment layer uses pressure-sensitive adhesive that automatically bonds the blocking member to the diaper upon contact, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations. The user simply positions the blocking member and presses it onto the diaper inner surface, allowing easy attachment and repositioning without requiring tools or complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution provides effective leak prevention without adding bulk, allowing for adjustment and reuse, enhancing comfort and convenience by preventing leakage and allowing for easy repositioning and reuse.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient pad coextensive with the portion of the inner surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an attachment layer bonded to the resilient pad and capable of being repositionably attached to the inner surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS10925777B2Diaper accessories and related methods
Publication Date: 2021.02.23 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • US10925777B2 patent drawing
  • US10925777B2 patent drawing
  • US10925777B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Diaper assemblies, along with related articles and methods, are provided. The diaper assembly includes a diaper comprising an inner surface and a blocking member coupled to a portion of the inner surface. The blocking member has a resilient pad coextends along a portion of the inner surface and further includes an attachment layer bonded to the resilient pad and may be repositionably attached at other locations along the inner surface. Advantageously, the blocking member can provide a releasable and repositionable seal that conveniently enhances the functionality of commercially available diapers.