Nanofiber Hygiene Top Sheet for Controlled Release and Fluid Wicking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Disposable hygiene articles cause skin irritation due to prolonged exposure to bodily fluids and friction, and existing active ingredient release mechanisms often result in burst release.

Innovation Solution

A disposable hygiene article with a perforated hydrophilic non-woven fabric layer and a nanofiber layer comprising densely and loosely packed nanofibers, which includes active ingredients for controlled release and improved fluid redistribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a nanofiber layer is added to improve fluid redistribution and controlled release, then fluid absorption and active ingredient release are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid absorption rateVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining nanofibers with different packing densities (densely packed and loosely packed nanofibers) within a single layer. This composite structure enables simultaneous fluid absorption, redistribution, and controlled active ingredient release without requiring multiple separate functional layers, thus improving productivity while managing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by creating regions with different nanofiber packing densities within the nanofiber layer. The densely packed regions provide controlled release properties while the loosely packed regions facilitate fluid absorption and redistribution. This spatial variation in material properties allows multiple functions to be achieved within a single layer structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If active ingredients are released quickly to treat skin irritation, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but burst release occurs causing loss of substance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactive ingredient release rateVSAvoidactive ingredient loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by creating a time-dependent release mechanism through the dual-density nanofiber structure. The loosely packed regions allow rapid initial release for quick treatment effectiveness, while the densely packed regions provide sustained release over time. This dynamic release profile prevents burst release loss while maintaining high initial activity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying the nanofiber packing density parameter within the layer. This structural parameter variation creates different release kinetics zones that control the temporal profile of active ingredient release, enabling both rapid initial release and sustained subsequent release without burst loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If non-woven materials are used for friction resistance, then structural integrity is improved, but skin irritation increases due to friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidskin irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies porous materials by using a nanofiber layer with controlled porosity and pore size distribution. The porous structure provides structural integrity while the nanoscale pore dimensions and surface properties reduce friction against the skin. The pores also facilitate fluid wicking away from the skin surface, further reducing irritation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements flexible thin films through the nanofiber layer construction. The nanofiber mat structure creates a flexible, conforming layer that moves with the skin rather than resisting movement, thereby reducing friction-induced irritation while maintaining sufficient structural integrity through the interconnected fiber network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 nanofiber layer stabilizes active ingredients, preventing burst release and enhancing fluid absorption and distribution, reducing skin irritation and improving wearer comfort.

Implementation Method 1

a nanofiber layer disposed on the garment facing surface of the perforated hydrophilic non-woven fabric layer, wherein the nanofiber layer comprises densely packed nanofibers disposed between at least a portion of the plurality of pores; and loosely packed nanofibers disposed over at least a portion of the plurality of pores

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

a nanofiber layer comprising densely and loosely packed nanofibers, which includes active ingredients for controlled release

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS20260020992A1Hygiene articles containing nanofibers

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 PROFIT ROYAL PHARMA LTD

AI summary

Disposable hygiene article including a top sheet comprising a perforated hydrophilic non-woven fabric layer, wherein the perforated hydrophilic non-woven fabric layer has a plurality of pores and a skin facing surface and a garment facing surface opposite the skin facing surface; and a nanofiber layer disposed on the garment facing surface of the perforated hydrophilic non-woven fabric layer, wherein the nanofiber layer has densely packed nanofibers disposed between at least a portion of the plurality of pores; and loosely packed nanofibers disposed over at least a portion of the plurality of pores.