Multi-Layer Absorptive Garment with Selective Stitching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current incontinence and menstrual underwear lacks both waterproofing and resistance to wear and tear, failing to provide a satisfactory solution for absorption and durability.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates multiple layers with specific stitching and bonding patterns, including a first layer as the innermost, a seventh layer as the outermost, with the second layer bonded to the third and sixth layers, and stitching that avoids the third, fourth, and fifth layers, to create a waterproof and durable absorptive garment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If waterproofing is enhanced in incontinence and menstrual underwear, then water resistance is improved, but resistance to wear and tear deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater resistanceVSAvoidresistance to wear and tear

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof barrier is divided into multiple separate layers (second layer, sixth layer, seventh layer) rather than using a single thick waterproof membrane. Each layer contributes to the overall waterproofing while being individually thin and flexible, reducing stress concentration and improving durability against wear and tear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The garment combines multiple materials with different properties: the second layer provides waterproofing, the third and fourth layers provide absorption, and the sixth and seventh layers provide additional waterproof protection. This composite structure achieves both waterproofing and durability by distributing functional requirements across different material layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If multiple layers are added to improve absorption and waterproofing, then functional performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabsorption and waterproofing performanceVSAvoidnumber of layers and stitching patterns

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple layers are bonded together using adhesive bonding in addition to stitching. The second layer is bonded to both the third layer and sixth layer, creating integrated assemblies that reduce the number of separate components and simplify the overall structure while maintaining the multi-layer functional performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Bonding adhesives are used as intermediary materials between layers to join them together. This bonding method provides a simpler alternative to extensive stitching, reducing complexity by eliminating the need for numerous stitches while still achieving secure layer integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250000721A1Technologies for incontinence and menstrual garments and underwear

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 THINX LLC

AI summary

An absorptive or incontinence and menstrual underwear or garment including a crotch area hosting a stitching, a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, a fourth layer, a fifth layer, a sixth layer, and a seventh layer, wherein the first layer is innermost, wherein the seventh layer is outermost, wherein the second layer extends between the first layer and the third layer, wherein the fourth layer extends between the third layer and the fifth layer, wherein the sixth layer extends between the fifth layer and the seventh layer, wherein the stitching extends through the first layer, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer, wherein the stitching avoids extending through the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, and the fifth layer, wherein the second layer is bonded or adhered to the third layer.