Moisture-Lock Fluid Retention Assembly for Leak-Resistant Garments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garments with absorbent regions bonded along the leg openings are bulky, uncomfortable, and prone to side leaks, limiting their absorbency and concealment capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The development of fluid retention assemblies with an absorbent layer and a moisture-impermeable layer that wraps around the perimeter, coupled to the garment base without seams through the absorbent region, creating a leakproof and leak-resistant garment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If absorbent regions are bonded along the leg openings to enhance fluid retention, then leakproof performance is improved, but the garment becomes bulky and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent region is segmented into multiple layers (fluid distribution layer, fluid acquisition layer, fluid transfer layer, fluid containment layer) with distinct functions. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific purpose while maintaining overall thinness, resolving the contradiction between leakproof performance and bulk reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin film structures for the moisture-impermeable layer and uses bonded laminations to create a flexible, conformal assembly that adheres to body contours without adding bulk. This approach maintains leakproof performance while eliminating the bulkiness associated with traditional quilted or padded absorbent garments.
2Strength
If seams are used to secure multiple layers of the absorbent region, then structural integrity is improved, but side leaks occur at the seam locations
Solution Approach 1:
A moisture-impermeable layer is introduced as an intermediary element that extends beyond the absorbent layers and is bonded to the garment body. This intermediary layer creates a seamless barrier that prevents fluid migration along the edges, eliminating side leaks while maintaining structural integrity through bonded laminations rather than traditional seams.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional layers (absorbent, moisture-impermeable, transfer layers) are merged into a single bonded lamination assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate seams to secure each layer, as the entire assembly is bonded as one unit to the garment, preventing fluid leakage at layer interfaces.
3Reliability
If absorbent regions extend to the leg openings to maximize absorbency, then fluid retention is improved, but the garment becomes difficult to conceal and less comfortable
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the crotch assembly have different properties: the central region contains the absorbent layers for fluid retention, while the peripheral regions feature moisture-impermeable barriers for leak prevention. This local differentiation allows the absorbent region to be contained within a smaller, more concealable area while maintaining effective fluid retention through the layered structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent layers are nested within a containment structure formed by the moisture-impermeable layer and the garment body. This nested configuration allows the absorbent functionality to be enclosed within a compact footprint that does not extend to the leg openings, improving concealability and comfort while maintaining fluid retention through the nested layered structure.
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 prevents side leaks and enhances absorbency without increasing bulk, providing a discreet and comfortable wear experience.
Implementation Method 1
a moisture-impermeable layer that underlies the absorbent layer and separates the garment base interior side from the absorbent layer exterior side. The moisture-impermeable layer is substantially impermeable to moistures and fluids
Implementation Method 2
The moisture-impermeable layer extends to and wraps around at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly such that it may be coupled to the assembly interior side
Implementation Method 3
an absorbent layer configured to absorb fluid excreted from the wearer when the garment is worn
Data Source
AI summary
Garments may include a fluid retention assembly coupled to the garment base interior side and having an outer perimeter. The fluid retention assembly includes an absorbent layer configured to absorb fluid excreted from the wearer when the garment is worn, and a moisture-impermeable layer that underlies the absorbent layer and separates the garment base interior side from the absorbent-layer exterior side. The moisture-impermeable layer is configured to restrict fluid from exiting the fluid retention assembly to the garment base interior side. The moisture-impermeable layer extends to and wraps around at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly and is coupled to the assembly interior side, thereby creating a moisture lock to retain fluids within the fluid retention assembly.