Multilayer Underwear Pad for Leak Prevention and Skin Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current undergarments for managing menstrual and incontinence-related bodily fluids are either unattractive, uncomfortable, and prone to leaks, with disposable solutions causing economic and environmental burdens, and existing alternatives like pads and tampons can lead to skin irritation and infections.
Innovation Solution
A leak-proof, moisture-wicking, antimicrobial undergarment with a multilayer pad integrated into the fabric body, featuring a moisture-impermeable layer, a moisture-absorbent layer, and a moisture-wicking layer, along with an antimicrobial layer, designed to be seamless and hidden from view, which also includes removable and washable or disposable pad options for enhanced comfort and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thick absorbent pad is used in the crotch area to reduce leakage risk, then liquid absorption capability is improved, but the garment becomes bulky and uncomfortable to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent pad is divided into multiple functional layers: a hydrophilic top layer for fluid acquisition, a hydrophobic barrier layer for containment, and a dispersal layer for distribution. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing the overall bulk compared to a single thick pad.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad combines materials with different properties: hydrophilic materials (cotton, rayon) for absorption, hydrophobic materials (polyethylene, polypropylene) for barrier function, and elastic materials for fit. This composite structure achieves effective leakage prevention with reduced bulk by leveraging the complementary properties of different materials.
2Reliability
If a leak-proof barrier is placed in contact with the skin to prevent leakage, then leakage resistance is improved, but skin irritation and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
A hydrophilic dispersal layer is introduced as an intermediary between the skin-contacting hydrophobic barrier layer and the liquid flow. This intermediate layer wicks moisture away from the barrier, preventing direct contact between the hydrophobic material and skin, thereby eliminating skin irritation while maintaining leak-proof functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the hydrophobic barrier layer directly against the skin (conventional approach), the invention inverts the arrangement by positioning the hydrophilic dispersal layer against the skin. This inversion allows the barrier to function effectively while eliminating the harmful skin contact effect.
3Reliability
If disposable pads and tampons are used to manage bodily fluids, then absorption capability is improved, but economic burden and environmental waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is designed with reusable outer layers that can be washed and reused multiple times, while only the inner absorbent pad requires disposal after use. This partial recovery approach significantly reduces waste compared to completely disposable products, as the majority of the garment (waistband, leg openings, outer fabric) is recovered and reused.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment is segmented into reusable components (outer fabric, elastic waistband, leg openings) and a disposable component (absorbent pad). This segmentation allows the durable parts to be recovered and reused, reducing overall waste while maintaining effective fluid absorption through the disposable pad.
4Loss of information
If the absorbent pad layers are visible through the garment to indicate absorption, then absorption status is detectable, but the garment becomes less attractive and more bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent pad incorporates color-changing indicators that transition from white to pink or purple as absorption increases. This allows absorption status to be detected through subtle color changes that remain aesthetically pleasing and do not compromise the garment's appearance, unlike visible bulk or dark staining.
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 undergarment effectively absorbs liquid flows, prevents leaks and stains, reduces skin irritation, and provides comfortable and sustainable management of bodily fluids, eliminating the need for disposable pads and tampons while offering cramp relief and environmental benefits.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate wicking insert 20 is positioned between the first and second fabrics 11,14 and extends along the garment from the area of the crotch to the area of the waist to wick moisture from the area of the crotch towards the area of the waist of the garment
Implementation Method 2
an inner moisture transport fabric layer 12 constructed of hydrophobic yarns for residing in skin contact during garment wear and an inner dispersal fabric layer 13 constructed of hydrophilic yarns
Implementation Method 3
an inner dispersal fabric layer 13 constructed of hydrophilic yarns and positioned adjacent to the inner moisture transport layer to receive and disperse moisture transported to it
Implementation Method 4
an outer moister vaporization fabric layer 15 constructed of hydrophobic yarns which is the outermost surface of the moisture management fabric during wear, and an outer moisture dispersal fabric layer 16 constructed of hydrophilic yarns
Data Source
AI summary
An undergarment includes a multiplayer leak-proof pad to wick moisture, impede bacteria, prevent leaks, and resist stain.