Layered Absorbent Article with Fumaric Acid and Polyphenol Odor Capture

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional absorbent articles still experience malodor after absorbing body fluids, despite existing measures to reduce unpleasant odors.

Innovation Solution

The absorbent article incorporates a water absorbent resin powder with fumaric acid in contact with absorbed fluids and a polyphenol compound, such as condensed tannin from persimmon juice, to inhibit bacterial proliferation and capture odor components, with a specific ratio of polyphenol compound to fumaric acid ranging from 7.8 to 388.9.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If fumaric acid is disposed at a position being able to be in contact with the body fluid absorbed in the absorbent article, then malodor occurrence is prevented, but the absorbent article structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemalodor occurrenceVSAvoidabsorbent article structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent body is divided into multiple layers: a first liquid permeable sheet, a water absorbent layer containing fumaric acid, and a second liquid permeable sheet containing polyphenol compound. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific deodorization function independently while maintaining overall structural organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different deodorizing substances are placed at different locations within the absorbent body: fumaric acid is disposed at positions able to contact absorbed body fluid, while polyphenol compound is disposed closer to the skin surface side. This local quality approach optimizes the deodorization effect by positioning each substance where it is most effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If polyphenol compound is disposed closer to the skin surface side than the back sheet, then odor components are captured, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveodor component captureVSAvoiddisposition position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent body is segmented into distinct layers with the polyphenol compound contained in the second liquid permeable sheet, separate from the fumaric acid in the water absorbent layer. This clear segmentation simplifies manufacturing by providing distinct zones for each substance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second liquid permeable sheet serves multiple functions: it contains the polyphenol compound for odor capture, maintains liquid permeability for fluid absorption, and provides a structural layer that positions the deodorizing substance closer to the skin surface side. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the ratio of polyphenol compound to fumaric acid is controlled within 7.8 to 388.9, then deodorization effectiveness is maximized, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeodorization effectivenessVSAvoidcomposition control
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies a quantitative parameter (ratio of polyphenol compound to fumaric acid between 7.8 and 388.9) to optimize deodorization effectiveness. This parameter control ensures that the combined deodorizing action of both substances is maximized while providing a clear manufacturing guideline.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The absorbent body uses a composite structure combining two different deodorizing substances (fumaric acid and polyphenol compound) with complementary deodorization mechanisms. This composite approach leverages the strengths of both substances to achieve superior overall deodorization performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 combination effectively prevents malodor occurrence and leakage by inhibiting bacterial growth and capturing odor molecules, providing enhanced odor control.

Implementation Method 1

disposing fumaric acid at the portion being able to be in contact with the body fluid or the like absorbed in the absorbent article can prevent occurrence of malodor from the absorbent article after absorbing the body fluid or the like

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntimicrobial action: Preservative

Implementation Method 2

disposing the polyphenol compound can capture the odor component occurring from the absorbed body fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP3957287B1Absorbent article
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 LIVEDO CORP
  • EP3957287B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3957287B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3957287B1 patent drawing

AI summary

[Problem] To provide an absorbent article further suppressing occurrence of malodor after absorbing body fluid. [Solution] An absorbent article comprising a liquid permeable top sheet disposed on a skin surface side, a liquid impermeable back sheet disposed on an external surface side, and an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, wherein the absorbent body has a water absorbent layer including a water absorbent resin powder, fumaric acid is disposed at a position being able to be in contact with body fluid absorbed in the absorbent article, and a polyphenol compound is disposed closer to the skin surface side than the back sheet.