FADE Product Layered Structure for Fluid Distribution

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional products for managing body fluids in patient transport and similar applications face issues such as gel blocking, poor fluid distribution, slow absorption rates, and structural integrity problems due to engorged superabsorbent polymers, leading to inefficient fluid management and potential pressure ulcers.

Innovation Solution

A fluid absorption and distribution enhancement product (FADE) with a layered structure comprising flow media layers and superabsorbent polymer layers, featuring drainage channels and flow channels to facilitate even fluid distribution and absorption, preventing gel blocking and maintaining structural integrity under load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If more superabsorbent polymer material is added to achieve good fluid distribution, then fluid distribution is improved, but the product becomes thicker and bulkier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid distributionVSAvoidproduct thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent pad is divided into multiple layers with different functions: a first layer containing superabsorbent polymer particles for absorption, and a second layer with a three-dimensional structure for distribution. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring excessive material in any single layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second layer is designed with varying thickness regions - thicker regions for fluid distribution and thinner regions for containment. This local quality variation optimizes fluid distribution while maintaining dimensional constraints and preventing gel blocking in specific areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If superabsorbent polymer is used to absorb body fluids, then absorption capacity is improved, but gel blocking occurs due to engorged polymers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabsorption capacityVSAvoidgel blocking

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent pad is divided into multiple layers with different functions: a first layer containing superabsorbent polymer particles for absorption, and a second layer with a three-dimensional structure for distribution. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring excessive material in any single layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second layer is designed with varying thickness regions - thicker regions for fluid distribution and thinner regions for containment. This local quality variation optimizes fluid distribution while maintaining dimensional constraints and preventing gel blocking in specific areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional absorbent pad structure is used, then manufacturing is simple, but poor fluid distribution occurs across the pad

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidfluid distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent pad is divided into multiple layers with different functions: a first layer containing superabsorbent polymer particles for absorption, and a second layer with a three-dimensional structure for distribution. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring excessive material in any single layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second layer incorporates a three-dimensional structure with porous characteristics that facilitate fluid distribution throughout the pad. This porous structure enables efficient fluid transport while maintaining a relatively thin overall profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

4Quantity of substance

If superabsorbent polymer is engorged to increase absorption, then absorption capacity is improved, but structural integrity of the containment pouch ruptures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabsorption capacityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent pad is divided into multiple layers with different functions: a first layer containing superabsorbent polymer particles for absorption, and a second layer with a three-dimensional structure for distribution. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring excessive material in any single layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second layer is designed with varying thickness regions - thicker regions for fluid distribution and thinner regions for containment. This local quality variation optimizes fluid distribution while maintaining dimensional constraints and preventing gel blocking in specific areas.

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 FADE product achieves accelerated fluid absorption, uniform distribution, and increased absorbency under load, reducing the risk of pressure ulcers and improving fluid management in patient transport and other applications.

Implementation Method 1

conventional products have utilized superabsorbent polymers to absorb these body fluids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

superabsorbent polymers to absorb these body fluids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

flow media layer formed from a porous material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9622924B2Fluid absorption and distribution enhancement systems

Publication Date: 2017.04.18 CORNERSTONE RESEARCH GROUP INC

AI summary

Embodiments of a fluid absorption and distribution enhancement (FADE) product comprises at least one flow media layer, and at least one superabsorbent polymer layer.