MicroPCM Foam Layer for Absorbent Article Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disposable absorbent articles fail to effectively manage heat buildup, leading to increased trans-epidermal water loss and potential skin irritation, especially in hot and humid environments, due to their inability to cool the user's skin directly or indirectly.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a foam layer with microencapsulated phase change material (microPCM) particles, which maintain a contact temperature near the phase change temperature of the microPCM particles, typically around normal body temperature, to moderate the absorbent article's surface temperature and provide self-cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If microporous breathable films are used to reduce heat buildup, then air flow and humidity control are improved, but direct cooling of the user's skin is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates microencapsulated phase change material (microPCM) particles that undergo phase transition at or near body temperature (98.6°F/37°C). When the user's body heat reaches the absorbent article, the microPCM particles absorb excess heat through phase change from solid to liquid, maintaining the contact temperature at or near the phase change temperature. This directly cools the user's skin without requiring complex active cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The microPCM particles automatically regulate temperature through their inherent phase change properties without requiring external control systems, power sources, or complex mechanisms. The material self-regulates by absorbing heat when temperature rises above the phase change point and releasing heat when temperature drops below it, providing autonomous thermal management.
2Reliability
If conventional absorbent articles are used in hot and humid environments, then basic absorption function is maintained, but trans-epidermal water loss increases due to heat buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The microencapsulated phase change material particles absorb excess body heat through phase transition at or near normal body temperature (98.6°F/37°C). By maintaining the contact temperature at or near the phase change temperature, the material reduces the temperature gradient between the user's skin and the environment, thereby reducing trans-epidermal water loss and preventing skin irritation in hot and humid conditions.
3Temperature
If the absorbent article is designed to maintain contact temperature near body temperature, then user comfort is improved, but additional material and processing are required
Solution Approach 1:
The microPCM particles are embedded specifically in the foam layer that is in direct contact with the user's skin, rather than distributing the material throughout the entire absorbent article. This localized placement provides the cooling function exactly where it is needed (at the skin interface) while minimizing the amount of additional material and processing required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines microencapsulated phase change material particles with a foam carrier material to create a composite structure. The foam provides mechanical support and positioning, while the microPCM particles provide the thermal regulation function. This composite approach integrates the cooling function into the existing absorbent article structure without requiring completely new manufacturing processes.
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 microPCM particles embedded in the foam layer reduce the contact temperature of the absorbent article by 1-2°F, enhancing user comfort and mitigating trans-epidermal water loss, thereby reducing the risk of skin irritation and discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
microencapsulated phase change material (microPCM) particles that maintain a contact temperature of the absorbent article at or near a phase change temperature of the microPCM particles
Implementation Method 2
The microPCM particles moderate the contact temperature of the absorbent article to a target temperature that is cooler to the touch
Data Source
AI summary
An absorbent article is provided with microencapsulated phase change material (microPCM) particles that are embedded in and/or coated onto a layer of the absorbent article that includes a resilient sheet of an open-cell foam. The foam layer is disposed such that it is in contact with or is in proximity to the user. The microPCM particles absorb heat generated during use of the absorbent article to reduce the contact temperature on the inside of the absorbent article and improve the comfort of the user. To maximize comfort, the phase change temperature of the microPCM particles may be an average normal body temperature.