Incontinence Garment Insert Structure for Heavy Leak Containment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional incontinence products, such as disposable briefs and reusable underwear, face issues with limited absorbency, discomfort, visibility, and waste generation, particularly for individuals with heavy bladder leaks, leading to a demoralizing experience and substantial environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A protective garment with a removable and disposable absorbent portion, featuring gasket portions and multiple layers for enhanced absorbency, along with inter-labial pads for additional leakage protection, and a kit for discreet disposal, designed to manage heavy bladder leaks effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If disposable incontinence briefs are used for heavy bladder leaks, then high absorbency is achieved, but the garment becomes bulky, uncomfortable, and visible
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is divided into separate functional components: a reusable outer garment and a removable disposable absorbent insert. This segmentation allows the absorbent portion to be optimized for capacity while the outer garment maintains a normal fit and appearance, resolving the contradiction between high absorbency and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent material is positioned in a crotch pocket rather than extending outward, utilizing the three-dimensional space within the garment structure. This dimensional repositioning allows high absorbency without increasing the external bulk and visibility of the garment.
2Quantity of substance
If disposable incontinence briefs are used for heavy bladder leaks, then high absorbency is achieved, but the garment becomes obvious and requires wardrobe planning
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the absorbent function into a removable insert rather than integrating it into the garment structure, the outer garment maintains its normal shape and appearance. The absorbent portion can be changed independently without affecting the visible aspects of the clothing.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent material is extracted from the main garment structure and placed in a dedicated crotch pocket. This extraction allows the garment to be worn normally without the bulk and visibility associated with traditional disposable briefs, while still providing high absorbency when needed.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional disposable incontinence briefs are used, then absorbency is provided, but substantial waste is generated from extraneous material
Solution Approach 1:
The garment system is segmented into a reusable outer portion and a disposable inner absorbent insert. This allows only the minimal necessary absorbent material to be discarded after use, eliminating waste from the extraneous material that would otherwise be thrown away with each brief.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable outer garment is designed to be washed and reused multiple times, while only the saturated absorbent insert is discarded. This selective discarding approach recovers the majority of the garment material, significantly reducing waste compared to disposing of entire disposable briefs.
4Ease of operation
If reusable incontinence underwear is used, then comfort and discretion are improved, but liquid retention is limited to a few teaspoons
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the comfort of reusable underwear with the high absorbency of disposable materials through a removable insert that can be exchanged when saturated. This dynamic system allows the wearer to experience both comfort and high liquid retention capacity without the compromises of traditional reusable or disposable options.
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 garment provides high absorbency, discretion, and reduced waste by allowing customizable absorbency levels and minimizing visible signs of use, enhancing user comfort and dignity while reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent portion (15) structured and arranged to contain and absorb body fluids
Implementation Method 2
absorbent portion... to contain and absorb body fluids
Implementation Method 3
a first gasket portion (36) formed on the central absorbent portion (34), and a second gasket portion formed on the first gasket portion
Data Source
AI summary
A protective undergarment having an absorbent portion that includes a central absorbent portion having opposing sides, a first gasket portion formed on the central absorbent portion, and a second gasket portion formed on the first gasket portion. In some variations, the protective undergarment may include a pair of briefs having an opening for a wearer's torso and leg openings for each of the wearer's legs. The leg openings may include leg cuffs that may include one or more of: light ruching on or inside the leg cuffs, stretch binding or a stretch seam formed on an outer edge of the light ruching, and/or absorbent binding on the leg cuffs.