Incontinence Article pH Regulator Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Incontinence articles often cause skin irritation due to prolonged contact with urine, which can lead to incontinence-associated dermatitis, as existing pH-regulating agents may not effectively control pH values on the skin-side surface and can remain in contact with the skin for too long, especially during sudden urine accumulation.
Innovation Solution
An incontinence article design with a pH-regulating agent strategically placed between the topsheet and backsheet, featuring distinct regions where the agent is absent in the central area to minimize skin contact, allowing it to act primarily where needed while reducing irritation risks in sensitive areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pH-regulating agent is arranged in a concentrated manner between the topsheet and backsheet, then the pH control effectiveness is improved, but the risk of skin irritation increases due to prolonged contact with the agent
Solution Approach 1:
The pH-regulating agent is segmented into multiple discrete regions distributed across the absorbent body, rather than being concentrated in one location. This segmentation allows the agent to be effective across a broader area while reducing the concentration in any single region, thereby minimizing skin irritation risk.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the absorbent body are assigned different functional qualities: the first and second regions contain the pH-regulating agent for pH control, while the central region is substantially free of the agent to prevent skin irritation. This local differentiation optimizes both pH control effectiveness and skin compatibility.
2Reliability
If the pH-regulating agent is placed in the central region closest to the skin, then the pH control on the skin-facing surface is improved, but the prolonged contact with the agent causes skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The pH-regulating agent is segmented into multiple discrete regions distributed across the absorbent body, rather than being concentrated in one location. This segmentation allows the agent to be effective across a broader area while reducing the concentration in any single region, thereby minimizing skin irritation risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent body layers act as intermediaries between the pH-regulating agent and the skin. The agent is placed in regions separated from the central skin-facing area, allowing it to regulate pH of absorbed fluids without directly contacting the skin, thus preventing irritation.
3Quantity of substance
If a large amount of urine hits the incontinence product quickly, then the absorption capacity is tested, but the product cannot drain the urine quickly enough leading to extended skin contact
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent body is segmented into multiple regions with different functions: the first and second regions contain pH-regulating agent for chemical control, while the central region is optimized for rapid fluid absorption and transport. This segmentation enables simultaneous pH control and rapid fluid management.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed pH-regulating regions ensure continuous pH control throughout the absorbent body as urine is absorbed and distributed. Multiple regions work simultaneously and continuously to maintain pH balance, rather than relying on a single location.
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
This design reduces the risk of skin irritation by ensuring the pH-regulating agent acts closer to the skin where necessary, minimizing contact with sensitive areas and effectively regulating pH values, thereby enhancing user comfort and reducing dermatitis risks.
Implementation Method 1
the incontinence article has a pH regulating agent arranged between the top sheet and the back sheet
Implementation Method 2
incontinence products often contain superabsorbent materials that can absorb and permanently bind large amounts of urine
Implementation Method 3
with an appropriate design of the incontinence product, for example, with perforated cover layers, fluids can be absorbed more quickly into the incontinence product and thus transported away from the user's skin
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an incontinence product for the absorption of bodily excretions comprising a topsheet that is at least partially permeable to liquid, a backsheet that is substantially impermeable to liquid, and an absorbent body arranged between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the incontinence product has a pH regulator arranged between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the pH regulator is arranged in at least a first region and a second region, wherein the first region and the second region each have a longitudinal extension and a transverse extension, wherein the first region and the second region are spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction of the incontinence product such thatthat a central region located between the first region and the second region, and at least partially encompassing a longitudinal central axis of the absorption body, is essentially free of pH regulator.