Double-Network Hydrogel for Absorbent Product Fit and Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable absorbent products face challenges with conformance, comfort, and leakage due to poor fit and fluid management, particularly in dynamic movements and varying body shapes, and conventional hydrogels have inadequate mechanical properties and stretchability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of double-network hydrogel materials that shrink in one dimension and expand in another upon hydration, providing a flexible and elastic response for improved fit and fluid containment, utilizing a cross-linked polymer and a reversible, partially ionicly-bonded polymer with a moisture level of less than 15% to create a latent retractive force for dimensional change upon exposure to aqueous liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional hydrogels are used for fluid absorption, then absorbing capacity is improved, but mechanical properties and stretchability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a double-network hydrogel composite consisting of two interpenetrating polymer networks: a first network providing mechanical strength and elasticity, and a second network providing fluid absorption capacity. This composite structure allows the material to simultaneously achieve high absorbing capacity (26x its weight in water) while maintaining superior mechanical properties including stretchability (1000% elongation) and toughness, resolving the contradiction between absorption and mechanical strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If disposable absorbent products are made to fit various body types, then adaptability is improved, but conformance during dynamic movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates elastic elements and stretchable materials into the disposable absorbent product construction, allowing the product to dynamically adapt to body movements and positional changes. The elastic waistband, stretchable side panels, and flexible absorbent core maintain continuous contact with the body during dynamic activities, resolving the contradiction between initial fit adaptability and sustained conformance during movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible and stretchable material layers throughout the product construction, including elastic outer covers, stretchable barrier layers, and flexible absorbent structures. These flexible components allow the product to conform to varying body shapes and movements while maintaining structural integrity and functional performance, addressing the conformance issue during dynamic movement.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If product structure is designed for fluid containment, then leakage reduction is improved, but fluid management efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the absorbent core into multiple functional zones with different absorption characteristics: a rapidly absorbing outer layer for immediate fluid intake, a middle distribution layer for even fluid spread, and an inner containment layer for leak prevention. This segmented structure enables both fast fluid uptake and effective leakage containment by handling different stages of fluid management in separate zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous absorbent materials with controlled pore sizes and distributions to optimize fluid management. The porous structure allows rapid fluid penetration and absorption while maintaining capillary forces that prevent leakage. The hierarchical porosity enables fast initial intake through larger pores while smaller pores provide containment, resolving the contradiction between intake speed and leakage prevention.
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 enhances the fit of disposable absorbent products by contouring better to the body shape, reducing leakage through faster fluid intake and minimizing skin contact, while maintaining skin health and providing superior mechanical properties like elasticity and notch-resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the element is configured to release the retractive force to achieve a dimensional change in the disposable absorbent product with exposure of the element to an aqueous liquid
Implementation Method 2
materials that shrink in one dimension and expand in another dimension when absorbing a liquid such as water or a bodily fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable absorbent product includes a double-network polymer element including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, partially ionicly-bonded polymer, wherein the element has a moisture level less than or equal to 15 percent of the total weight of the element, wherein the element comprises a latent retractive force, and wherein the element is configured to release the retractive force to achieve a dimensional change in the disposable absorbent product with exposure of the element to an aqueous liquid. Manufacturing a disposable absorbent product includes producing a double-network hydrogel; elongating by force and dehydrating while still elongated the double-network hydrogel, wherein elongating and dehydrating captures a latent retractive force in the element; and positioning the element in a disposable absorbent product such that a dimensional change in the disposable absorbent product is achieved with exposure of the element to an aqueous liquid.