Liquid-Impenetrable Garment Component for Aquatic Fluid Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Garments such as swimwear do not effectively prevent bodily fluids like menstrual fluid and urine from leaking into aquatic environments, causing embarrassment and unhygienic situations for individuals with irregular periods or urinary incontinence.
Innovation Solution
A garment component comprising a liquid impermeable base layer, a liquid impermeable peripheral layer, and a space defined by these layers that forms a sealing engagement with the skin to prevent fluid flow and absorb bodily fluids, using materials like polyester, nylon, and functional layers with wicking elements to manage moisture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional swimwear is used, then the garment is simple and comfortable, but it cannot prevent bodily fluids from leaking into the aquatic environment
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is divided into distinct functional layers: a liquid impermeable base layer, a peripheral layer, and an absorbent layer. Each layer performs a specific function, with the base layer preventing fluid penetration and the peripheral layer creating a sealing engagement with the skin to contain fluids within the absorbent layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent layer is positioned within the space defined by the base layer and peripheral layer, creating a nested structure where the absorbent layer is contained within the sealed compartment formed by the impermeable layers, allowing fluid absorption without compromising the barrier function.
2Reliability
If a liquid impermeable base layer is added to prevent fluid penetration, then fluid protection is improved, but the garment becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid impermeable base layer is implemented as a thin flexible film or shell that provides effective liquid barrier protection while maintaining flexibility and comfort against the skin, preventing fluid penetration without creating a bulky or restrictive structure.
3Reliability
If a peripheral layer is added to form a sealing engagement with the skin, then fluid containment is improved, but the garment structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral layer is designed with specific local properties to create an effective sealing engagement with the skin at critical areas, providing localized fluid containment without requiring complex structures throughout the entire garment. The layer is positioned at the periphery where sealing is most needed to prevent fluid escape.
4Reliability
If an absorbent layer is included to absorb bodily fluids, then fluid absorption capability is improved, but the garment becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent layer acts as an intermediary between the liquid impermeable base layer and the external environment, absorbing bodily fluids that may penetrate the barrier layer and preventing them from contacting the skin or the external aquatic environment, thus mediating the fluid management function.
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
Prevents leakage of bodily fluids into and out of the aquatic environment, maintaining hygiene and comfort by forming a robust seal and absorbing fluids effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid impermeable base layer; a liquid impermeable peripheral layer disposed along a periphery of the liquid impermeable base layer... the liquid impermeable base and peripheral layers prevent liquid flow into and out of the space
Implementation Method 2
the space absorbs bodily fluids from the user
Implementation Method 3
functional layers with wicking elements to manage moisture
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to a garment component for use in a garment. The garment component comprises: a liquid impermeable base layer; a liquid impermeable peripheral layer disposed along a periphery of the liquid impermeable base layer; and a space defined by the liquid impermeable base and peripheral layers. When the garment comprising the garment component is worn on a user, the garment forms a sealing engagement between the liquid impermeable peripheral layer and the user's skin, such that the liquid impermeable base and peripheral layers prevent liquid flow into and out of the space and the space collects bodily fluids from the user.