Fenestrated Flap Absorbent Article for Genital Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorbent articles fail to effectively prevent stool from soiling the penis and scrotum, leading to potential infections, inflammation, and scarring, especially in post-operative situations, due to the lack of barriers preventing stool migration to the genitalia region.
Innovation Solution
An absorbent article with a fenestrated flap positioned between the front and back portions, featuring a fenestration that allows the penis and scrotum to pass through while preventing stool contact, and a liquid-impermeable outer cover with absorbent layers and a bodyside liner to manage urine and feces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a conventional absorbent article is used to maximize urine absorption, then urine absorption is improved, but stool migration to the genitalia region occurs causing soiling and infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent article is divided into distinct functional zones: a first absorbent portion for urine absorption, a barrier layer to prevent stool migration, and a second absorbent portion. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently, preventing stool contact with genitalia while maintaining urine absorption capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
A barrier layer is introduced as an intermediary element between the absorbent portions and the genitalia region. This barrier layer specifically blocks stool migration while allowing the article to maintain its urine absorption function, thus resolving the contradiction between absorption and protection.
2Reliability
If surgical dressings are placed on the penis and scrotum to prevent bleeding and infection, then wound protection is improved, but the dressing becomes stool soiled requiring early removal
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier layer serves as a mediator that protects the surgical dressing from stool contamination. By blocking stool migration at the absorbent article level, the dressing remains clean and can be retained for the full intended duration (2-5 days), improving both protection reliability and duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier layer is pre-positioned in the absorbent article before the surgical dressing is applied. This preliminary protective measure prevents stool from reaching the dressing, eliminating the need for early removal and ensuring continuous wound protection.
3Ease of manufacture
If the absorbent article structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to prevent stool migration to genitalia is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent article is segmented into functional zones (first absorbent portion, barrier layer, second absorbent portion) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of each component using existing processes, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving stool migration prevention through the barrier layer.
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 absorbent article effectively shields the penis and scrotum from stool, reducing the risk of infection and inflammation, facilitating easier cleaning, and preventing prolonged contact with excrement, thereby minimizing the risk of urinary tract infections and skin rashes.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid permeable bodyside liner covers the first absorbent and the second absorbent
Implementation Method 2
An absorbent article includes a liquid-impermeable outer cover
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
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AI summary
An absorbent article is disclosed which is designed to protect both a wearer's penis and scrotum from any bowel movement waste. The absorbent article includes a liquid-impermeable outer cover with a first absorbent and a second absorbent longitudinally positioned on the outer cover. The first absorbent has a first end and a second end, and the second absorbent has a first end and a second end. The second end of the first absorbent is spaced apart from the first end of the second absorbent. A liquid permeable bodyside liner covers the first absorbent and the second absorbent. The absorbent article further includes a fenestrated flap disposed between the first and second absorbents. The fenestrated flap has a first end which is bonded directly to the outer cover. A method of forming the absorbent article, a method of securing the absorbent article onto a body, and a method of removing the absorbent article from a body are also disclosed.