Liquid Acquisition Material for Absorbent Articles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing absorbent articles with high concentrations of super-absorbent polymers face challenges in efficiently distributing liquid from the point of impact to remote areas, leading to suboptimal wearing comfort and dryness, especially under varying conditions of temperature and pressure.

Innovation Solution

A liquid acquisition material comprising chemically cross-linked cellulose fibers and man-made fibers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, rayon, or lyocell, with a specific weight ratio that enhances liquid handling characteristics, including a topmost layer of resin-bonded fibers for improved distribution and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If higher concentrations of super-absorbent materials are used to achieve high absorbing capacity with thin storage members, then the absorbent capacity is improved, but the ability to distribute liquid from the point of impact to remote areas deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabsorbent capacityVSAvoidliquid distribution ability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent article is divided into functionally distinct layers: a storage member with high super-absorbent polymer concentration (50-90% SAP) for bulk liquid storage, and a separate acquisition member with lower SAP concentration (10-40% SAP) and hydrophilic fibers for liquid acquisition and distribution. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The acquisition member acts as an intermediary layer between the liquid source and the high-capacity storage member. It acquires liquid first through capillary action and hydrophilic properties, then distributes it to the storage member, enabling the thick SAP layer to function effectively without direct liquid contact issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of stationary object

If higher concentrations of super-absorbent materials are used to reduce product thickness, then the product thinness is improved, but the liquid acquisition speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct thicknessVSAvoidliquid acquisition speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The acquisition member uses a different composition ratio than the storage member, with lower SAP content (10-40% vs. 50-90%) and higher hydrophilic fiber content, creating optimal parameters for rapid liquid wicking and distribution while the storage member maintains high capacity with its thick SAP layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If acquisition members are added to improve liquid distribution, then the liquid handling characteristics are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid handling characteristicsVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The acquisition member combines multiple functional elements into a single integrated layer: SAP particles for absorption, hydrophilic fibers for wicking, and hydrophobic fibers for structural integrity and liquid routing. This merging provides complex functionality without requiring multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The acquisition member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a wick to draw liquid away from the surface, a distributor to spread liquid across the storage member, and a comfort layer to maintain dryness against the skin, thereby reducing the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides superior liquid handling and wearing comfort by efficiently distributing liquid, achieving improved dryness and increased absorbent capacity, even under diverse conditions, thus enhancing the overall performance of absorbent articles.

Implementation Method 1

They are capillary active towards body fluids and allow for an improved distribution of liquids within the absorbent article

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

said first fibers are chemically cross-linked cellulose fibers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

US 2003/0097104 A1 (Gilbert) discloses the use of a wicking overwrap, which allows good acquisition and wearing comfort

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWicking: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS9273419B2Fluid acquisition layer

Publication Date: 2016.03.01 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A liquid acquisition material for use in an absorbent article. The liquid acquisition material having first fibers and second fibers. The first fibers are chemically cross-linked cellulose fibers and the second fibers are selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, rayon, lyocell, and mixtures thereof. The liquid acquisition material has a total dry weight, the first fibers have a first dry weight, and the second fibers have a second dry weight. The first dry weight is from 30 to 95 percent of the total dry weight and the second dry weight is from 5 to 70 percent of the total dry weight.