Disposable Insert Array for Absorbent Assemblies

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current absorbent articles lack flexibility in accommodating varying fluid discharge levels between day and night, necessitating separate inserts for optimal protection and comfort, which can be inconvenient for caregivers.

Innovation Solution

An array of disposable inserts with different absorbency levels and features, including varying amounts of superabsorbent polymers, acquisition distribution layers, and channel configurations, designed to fit within a reusable outer shell, allowing for adaptable use based on time of day.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single absorbent insert is used in the outer shell, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying fluid discharge levels between day and night

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying fluid discharge levelsVSAvoidcomplexity of managing multiple inserts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outer shell is designed to universally accommodate multiple different inserts (day-time and night-time) through a standardized interface, allowing one shell to perform multiple functions by accepting different inserts based on the time of day and fluid discharge expectations

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

2Reliability

If separate day-time and night-time inserts are used, then absorbency performance is optimized, but the ease of operation for caregivers is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorbency performanceVSAvoidease of insert replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent system is segmented into two independent components: a reusable outer shell and disposable inserts. This segmentation allows the inserts to be easily replaced without discarding the entire absorbent article, simplifying the operation for caregivers who only need to change the insert rather than the whole diaper

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static single-insert design to a dynamic multi-insert design where the appropriate insert can be selected and swapped based on changing conditions (time of day, fluid discharge levels), making the system adaptable and easier to operate in different scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If inserts with different absorbency levels are provided, then protection and comfort are improved, but the quantity of different insert types increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection and comfortVSAvoidnumber of different insert types
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Different inserts are designed with local quality variations - day-time inserts have lower absorbency suitable for daytime use, while night-time inserts have higher absorbency for nighttime use. This localized optimization of absorbency properties ensures appropriate protection and comfort for each time period without requiring all inserts to have maximum absorbency

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

Provides enhanced care by offering inserts tailored to specific absorbency needs, ensuring better protection and comfort by accommodating different fluid discharge levels, allowing for flexible use of inserts across different times of the day.

Implementation Method 1

The general purpose of such absorbent articles is to absorb, distribute and store various types of body exudates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The absorbent core comprising absorbent material arranged in between the topsheet and backsheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

the absorbent material comprises superabsorbent polymers comprising synthetic hydrogel-forming polymers (SAP) and/or superabsorbent polymers comprising natural hydrogel-forming polymers (bio-SAP)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrogel formation: Hydrogel

Data Source

PatentEP4197508A1Array of disposable inserts for absorbent articles
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 ONTEX BV
  • EP4197508A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4197508A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4197508A1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The present invention relates to an array of disposable inserts (25,26) for an absorbent assembly (1), the array comprising: • a first package comprising a plurality of first inserts (25) for an absorbent assembly (1), configured to be arranged on or at least partially within an outer shell (2); • a second package comprising a plurality of second inserts (26) for absorbent assembly (1), configured to be arranged on or at least partially within an outer shell (2); • each first and second insert (25,26) comprising a topsheet (8), a backsheet (9) and an absorbent core (10) comprising absorbent material (23) arranged in between the topsheet (8) and backsheet (9); the first insert (25) comprising a first absorbency as measured by method and the second insert (26) comprising a second absorbency as measured by method; wherein, the first absorbency is greater than the second absorbency. The invention also pertains to an absorbent assembly (1) and to an array of absorbent assemblies (1).