Fluid Absorbing Sheet Using Powder SAP and Porous Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid absorbing sheets used in healthcare settings are thick, bulky, and inefficient in storing and disposing of body fluids, requiring excessive resources for cleaning and storage, and lack the ability to cover entire surfaces effectively.
Innovation Solution
A thin, elastic fluid absorbing sheet with a diffusing upper layer, a middle layer of super absorbent polymer in powder form, and a water-tight bottom layer, optionally including additional absorbent layers and a fluid-tight bag for collecting and disposing of body fluids, designed to be as thin as an ordinary bed sheet and easy to use in various medical settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional fluid absorbing sheets use thick layers of absorbent material, then absorption capacity is improved, but sheet thickness and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of absorbent material from bulk layers to powder form, and modifies the carrier layer properties to be thin yet highly porous. This allows achieving high absorption capacity (26) through increased surface area and porosity rather than increasing thickness (7). The carrier layer porosity is specifically optimized to accommodate powder absorbents while maintaining thin overall sheet structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining a thin porous carrier layer with powder absorbent material distributed throughout its pores. This composite approach (40) allows the thin sheet to achieve high absorption capacity by utilizing the synergistic effects of the carrier's porous structure and the powder's high absorbency, eliminating the need for thick layers.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional pads use thick absorbent layers, then fluid absorption is improved, but ease of operation and patient comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the absorbent material into powder form and distributes it within a thin porous carrier, changing the physical parameters of the absorption system. This allows high fluid absorption (26) to be achieved in a thin profile that provides patient comfort and ease of operation (33), eliminating the discomfort associated with thick pads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a highly porous carrier layer with optimized porosity to hold powder absorbent material. This porous structure (31) enables rapid fluid wicking and distribution throughout the thin sheet, providing both high absorption capacity and a comfortable, non-bulky feel against the patient's skin.
3Volume of moving object
If conventional sheets are made thin, then storage space is reduced, but absorption capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite material system combining thin porous carrier with powder absorbent, where the carrier's porous structure provides high surface area within minimal thickness. This composite approach (40) enables the sheet to achieve high absorption capacity (26) while maintaining thin dimensions (7) for compact storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The highly porous carrier layer acts as a three-dimensional matrix that accommodates powder absorbent particles. The porosity provides extensive internal surface area within a thin profile, allowing the thin sheet to achieve high absorption capacity through efficient use of space rather than increasing thickness.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional pads use bulk absorbent material, then absorption is improved, but cleaning resources and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes absorbent material to powder form distributed in a thin carrier layer, creating a thin, conformable sheet that provides comprehensive surface coverage. This design achieves high absorption (26) while minimizing the volume of material requiring disposal and cleaning, reducing cleaning time (25).
Solution Approach 2:
The thin sheet design serves multiple functions: it provides high absorption capacity, conformes to various surface shapes for complete coverage, and facilitates easy disposal. This multi-functionality (6) reduces the need for extensive cleaning operations compared to thick, bulky pads.
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 sheet efficiently absorbs large volumes of body fluids, reduces storage needs, minimizes cleaning resources, and provides comprehensive surface protection, allowing for controlled fluid collection and waste management while being comfortable for patients.
Implementation Method 1
a middle layer of super absorbent polymer (SAP) for absorbing of body fluids
Implementation Method 2
super absorbent polymer (SAP) for absorbing of body fluids
Implementation Method 3
an upper layer of diffusing material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fluid absorbing sheet including a bottom- or under-layer of water- or fluid-tight material, a middle layer of super absorbent polymer (SAP) and an upper layer of diffusing material The fluid absorbing sheet may further include at least one water- or fluid-tight bag for collecting and/or disposing of body fluids and/or other body wastes. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a sheet as well as its use.