Disposable Absorbent Insert for Reusable Diaper Cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current diaper designs with reusable outer covers have low-capacity absorbent inserts, which limits their effectiveness in containing and absorbing urine, feces, and menses.

Innovation Solution

The development of a high-capacity disposable absorbent insert designed to be used with reusable outer covers, featuring a combination of materials and structures that enhance absorbency and containment, including a topsheet, backsheet, and absorbent core, while maintaining the outer cover's ability to absorb small quantities of fluid to prevent leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If reusable outer covers with absorbent inserts are used, then environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness are improved, but absorbent capacity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental friendlinessVSAvoidabsorbent capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The diaper system is divided into two separate components: a reusable outer cover and a disposable absorbent insert. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the outer cover for reusability and environmental friendliness, while the insert provides high absorbent capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The absorbent insert uses superabsorbent polymer particles that can absorb and retain large quantities of liquid (urine, feces, menses) through changes in their physical state, transforming from dry particles to gel-like structures that hold fluid, thereby dramatically increasing absorbent capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If reusable outer covers with absorbent inserts are used, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but absorbent capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoidabsorbent capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent insert is designed as a disposable component that can be easily removed and replaced. This allows the expensive reusable outer cover to be used multiple times, while only the lower-cost insert is discarded after single use, improving overall cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The absorbent insert combines multiple materials including superabsorbent polymers, cellulosic fibers, and other absorbent materials to create a composite structure with enhanced absorbent capacity that exceeds what traditional single-material inserts could achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Quantity of substance

If high-capacity absorbent materials are used, then absorbent capacity is improved, but frequency of replacement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabsorbent capacityVSAvoidreplacement frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The superabsorbent polymer particles undergo phase changes when absorbing fluid, transforming from dry granules to gel-like structures. This parameter change allows them to absorb and lock away large volumes of fluid, extending the time between insert replacements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The insert design copies successful elements from traditional disposable diapers (such as the combination of cellulosic fibers and superabsorbent polymers) while adapting them for use with reusable outer covers, thereby achieving proven absorbent performance in this new application context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Reliability

If outer cover absorbs small quantities of fluid, then leakage prevention is improved, but overall absorbent capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleakage preventionVSAvoidoverall absorbent capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The outer cover is designed with specific local absorbent properties in strategic locations (such as around the leg openings and waistband) where leaks are most likely to occur. This localized approach provides leakage prevention without requiring the entire outer cover to have high absorbent capacity, preserving overall system effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 improved absorbency and containment capabilities, allowing for extended use without the need for frequent replacement, while maintaining the outer cover's ability to absorb small leaks and prevent environmental soiling.

Implementation Method 1

a high-capacity disposable absorbent insert designed to be used with reusable outer covers, featuring a combination of materials and structures that enhance absorbency and containment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

The development of a high-capacity disposable absorbent insert designed to be used with reusable outer covers, featuring a combination of materials and structures that enhance absorbency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS8759605B2High-capacity disposable absorbent inserts for reusable outer covers

Publication Date: 2014.06.24 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

High-capacity disposable absorbent inserts for reusable outer covers are disclosed.