Foldable Absorbent Member for Body-Cleft Fluid Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing absorbent products for body clefts face challenges such as high manufacturing costs, inefficient material utilization, and the need for improved flushability and biodegradability, while also requiring comfort and effective coverage during wear, especially for interlabial devices.

Innovation Solution

The absorbent article is designed with a pre-, in-, and post-use configuration, using biodegradable materials like cellulose fibers and superabsorbent polymers, and a foldable structure to ensure effective absorption and retention of bodily fluids, with minimal edge wetting and adherence to body contours, while being flushable and environmentally friendly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional absorbent products are used for body clefts, then absorbency is achieved, but manufacturing costs are high and material utilization is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveabsorbencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent article is divided into a folded structure with a first portion and a second portion connected by a fold line, allowing the absorbent core to be distributed efficiently across the folded configuration. This segmentation enables better material utilization while maintaining absorbency performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The absorbent core is positioned between the first and second portions in a nested arrangement, with the core embedded within the folded structure. This nesting approach maximizes the use of absorbent material within the available space, improving material utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Quantity of substance

If conventional absorbent products are used, then absorbency is provided, but flushability and biodegradability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveabsorbencyVSAvoidsewage system clogging

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent article is designed with specific dimensional parameters and material properties that enable it to pass through sewage systems without clogging. The folded configuration and material selection are optimized to maintain absorbency while ensuring flushability and biodegradability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If the article is designed for effective fluid absorption, then absorbency is improved, but edge wetting may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid absorptionVSAvoidedge wetting

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent core is positioned and configured with varying local properties - denser in the center for maximum absorption and tapered toward the edges to prevent wicking. This local quality variation ensures effective fluid absorption while minimizing edge wetting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If the article follows body contours for comfort, then wearability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomfortVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The folded configuration with side portions extending from the fold line creates a dynamic structure that adapts to body contours during wear. The fold line allows the article to conform to the body cleft shape while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 article provides high absorbency, comfort, and environmental sustainability by ensuring effective fluid management and disposal without causing sewage system clogging, while maintaining skin compatibility and reducing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

an absorbent core positioned between the first and the second surface... adapted to receive the bodily exudates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the absorbent core is positioned between the first and the second surface... effective absorption and retention of bodily fluids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

using biodegradable materials like cellulose fibers and superabsorbent polymers... ensuring environmental sustainability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiodegradation: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentEP3752112B1An absorbent member for a body cleft adapted product and product with such absorbent member

Publication Date: 2025.10.15 BLEVINS JOHN

Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~2F

AI summary

This invention is an absorbent article and more particularly to an improved absorbent device that is worn in body clefts, in particular interlabially by female wearers for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both and in the anal crease for light faecal incontinence or in the context of haemorrhoids, or underarm sweat-pads.