Washable Incontinence Undergarment Pocket for Reusable Leak Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing incontinence products are single-use, generating waste and being expensive, especially in institutional settings, and often cause discomfort or embarrassment due to their nature.
Innovation Solution
A washable incontinence undergarment with a washable absorbent insert and a main body featuring a pocket with water-resistant inner and outer walls, and layers designed to draw and retain liquids, allowing for reusable use and reduced environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If single-use incontinence products are used, then absorbency and protection are provided, but waste is generated and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The undergarment is designed to be reusable with washable components. The absorbent insert can be removed, washed, and reused multiple times, converting a single-use product into a reusable one, thereby reducing waste while maintaining absorbency functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The undergarment is divided into separate components: a reusable main body and a removable absorbent insert. This segmentation allows the insert to be independently washed and reused, enabling the product to transition from single-use to reusable while preserving its absorbent function
2Reliability
If single-use incontinence products are used, then protection is provided, but costs increase over time
Solution Approach 1:
The washable absorbent insert can be laundered and reused multiple times, eliminating the need to continuously purchase new disposable products. This recovery and reuse capability reduces long-term costs while maintaining protective functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The undergarment is designed to be self-maintaining through washing and reuse. The absorbent insert can be removed and washed by the user, enabling the product to serve itself without requiring continuous replacement, thereby improving cost efficiency
3Reliability
If disposable undergarments are used, then absorbency is provided, but discomfort and embarrassment occur
Solution Approach 1:
The reusable washable insert eliminates the need to constantly discard and replace disposable products. Users experience greater comfort and dignity by using a durable, washable product that can be reused, reducing the psychological burden associated with disposable incontinence products
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 undergarment provides effective liquid absorption and comfort while reducing waste and costs, making it suitable for institutional use and minimizing wearer embarrassment.
Implementation Method 1
a wicking layer in the pocket, the wicking layer being configured to draw liquids toward the absorbent layer
Implementation Method 2
an absorbent layer in the pocket, the absorbent layer configured to absorb liquids
Implementation Method 3
The pocket inner wall is at least water-resistant and proximal to a wearer when the undergarment is worn
Data Source
AI summary
An undergarment including a washable absorbent insert and a main body is disclosed. The main body includes a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion includes a left front portion, a right front portion, and a pelvic portion adjoining the left front portion and the right front portion. The pelvic portion has a pocket for retaining the insert therein. The pocket is defined by a pocket outer wall and a pocket inner wall. The pocket outer wall is absorbent and configured to retain liquid therein the pocket. The pocket inner wall is at least water-resistant and proximal to a wearer when the undergarment is worn. The pocket inner wall has a face defining a central opening above a lower portion of the face. The central opening is sized to allow for insertion and removal of the insert from the pocket. The central opening allows for liquid to be deposited directly on a wicking layer therein the pocket. The present invention can be washable, which allows it to be less expensive over time, the undergarment creates less waste, which is better environmentally. In addition, the washable undergarment can be worn more discretely or inconspicuously.