Absorbent Undergarment Pad With Low-pH Anti-Odor Fibers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorbent undergarments suffer from microbial growth, odors, and skin irritation due to the entrapment of body fluids, and existing antimicrobial solutions like silver have environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
An absorbent undergarment with a fabric layer and absorbent pad containing naturally-derived fibers treated with polycarboxylic acid, forming covalent bonds to create a low pH environment that inhibits microbial growth and maintains anti-odor properties after laundering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional absorbent pads are used to absorb body fluids, then absorption capacity is improved, but microbial growth and odors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by treating the absorbent pad with a polycarboxylic acid solution, which changes the pH parameter of the absorbent material. This chemical treatment modifies the surface properties and creates an acidic environment that inhibits microbial growth while preserving the absorption capacity of the pad.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating only the absorbent pad layer with polycarboxylic acid, while leaving other layers of the undergarment untreated. This localized treatment creates antimicrobial properties specifically where body fluids are absorbed, without affecting the overall structure or comfort of the garment.
2Reliability
If silver antimicrobial fibers are used to control odor and microbial growth, then anti-microbial effects are improved, but environmental sustainability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, environmentally problematic silver antimicrobial fibers with a cheaper, biodegradable polycarboxylic acid treatment. The acid treatment can be applied to conventional absorbent materials, eliminating the need for specialized silver-containing fibers while maintaining antimicrobial effectiveness and improving environmental sustainability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameter approach from using metal-based antimicrobial agents (silver) to using organic acid-based agents (polycarboxylic acid). This parameter change maintains the antimicrobial function while fundamentally improving the environmental profile of the undergarment.
3Quantity of substance
If absorbent pads entrap body liquids, then absorption function is improved, but skin pH balance and skin health deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter of the absorbent pad through polycarboxylic acid treatment, creating an acidic environment that mimics healthy skin pH. This prevents the alkaline shift that normally occurs when body fluids are trapped, thereby maintaining skin health while preserving absorption 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
The solution provides effective antimicrobial and anti-odor protection by maintaining a pH conducive to skin health, reducing microbial growth and odors, while being environmentally sustainable.
Implementation Method 1
The polycarboxylic acid has at least one carboxyl group which reacts with the free hydroxyl group of the naturally-derived fibers to form a covalent bond
Implementation Method 2
The free carboxyl group confers a low pH to the treated layer resulting in anti-microbial effects that remain present after laundering of the absorbent undergarment
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to an absorbent undergarment (1) comprising a fabric layer (2) defining a waist opening (5), two leg openings (6a and 6b) and a crotch region (7) between the leg openings, the absorbent undergarment (1) further comprising an absorbent pad (10) covering at least part of said crotch region (7) and being permanently attached to the fabric layer (2). The absorbent pad (10) comprises at least one absorbent layer (11) and a skin- facing layer (15). At least one layer, selected from said absorbent layer (11), said skin-facing layer (15) or an optionally present wicking layer (16), comprises naturally-derived fibers comprising a polycarboxylic acid. The polycarboxylic acid has at least one carboxyl group covalently bound to the naturally-derived fibers and at least one free carboxyl group.