Disposable Absorbent Article With Fecal-Isolating Core Cavities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorbent articles struggle to effectively isolate fecal material from the skin, particularly in sitting positions or when heavily urine-loaded, leading to skin irritation and difficulty in clean-up, while also lacking in comfort and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A disposable absorbent article with a cellulose-free absorbent core containing absorbent particulate polymer material and defined cavities, including channels aligned with the body's anatomy to facilitate fecal isolation and enhance comfort and fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a diaper with a top sheet with one or more openings is provided to allow feces to pass through for storage underneath, then fecal material can be isolated away from the skin, but the void volume available to receive feces is diminished when the baby is in a sitting position or when the diaper is already highly urine-loaded
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent core is divided into multiple functional zones: a first region with higher absorbent material density for urine absorption, and a second region with lower density forming a void space for fecal storage. This segmentation allows the diaper to simultaneously maintain urine absorption capacity while creating dedicated fecal containment space, resolving the contradiction between skin protection and storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the absorbent core are given different material densities and compositions tailored to their specific functions. The first region (urine zone) has higher absorbent material content optimized for liquid absorption, while the second region (fecal zone) has lower density to create void space for solid waste containment, allowing each area to perform its designated function effectively without compromising the other.
2Ease of operation
If the diaper is made thinner and more flexible to improve comfort and fit, then comfort and flexibility are enhanced, but the ability to absorb and hold liquid may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the distribution and density parameters of absorbent materials rather than simply reducing overall thickness. By creating a heterogeneous structure with varying material densities across different regions, the diaper maintains adequate absorption capacity while achieving thinner profile and improved flexibility. The void regions reduce material thickness while strategic placement of absorbent zones ensures sufficient liquid holding capacity.
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 design effectively contains fecal material away from the skin, reducing skin irritation and enhancing comfort and flexibility while maintaining liquid absorption capacity.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent core, which may be located between the top sheet and the back sheet and may comprise an absorbent particulate polymer material
Implementation Method 2
the absorbent particulate polymer material present in the absorbent core may have a basis weight that varies across the absorbent core
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable absorbent article is provided having an absorbent core located in a chassis and including absorbent particulate polymer material defining at least one cavity. The absorbent core may be substantially cellulose free or comprise a combination of particulate absorbent polymer material and wood pulp. Methods for making such an absorbent core and corresponding disposable absorbent article are also disclosed.