Odor Control System in Disposable Absorbent Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable absorbent articles face challenges in effectively integrating odor control systems, as antimicrobial materials can cause skin safety issues, odor masking materials may vaporize too quickly, and odor absorbing materials do not provide noticeable benefits, leading to ineffective odor control.
Innovation Solution
A disposable absorbent article with a three-layered odor control system: an antimicrobial material between the topsheet and the body-facing surface of the intermediate layer, an odor masking material between the backsheet and the garment-facing surface of the intermediate layer, and an odor absorbing/adsorbing material in the fluid storage layer, ensuring each component functions effectively without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If an antimicrobial material is added to the absorbent article to suppress odor development, then unpleasant odors are reduced, but skin safety issues may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate layer positioned between the antimicrobial material and the body-facing surface. This intermediate layer acts as a mediator that allows the antimicrobial material to function in suppressing odor-causing bacteria while preventing direct contact between the antimicrobial material and the user's skin, thereby avoiding skin safety issues.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a perfume is added to mask unpleasant odors, then odor masking is enhanced, but the perfume may vaporize rapidly and lose masking effect
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate layer also serves as a protective barrier for the perfume material, controlling its release and preventing rapid vaporization. This mediator allows the perfume to provide prolonged odor masking without losing its effect quickly.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If an odor absorbing material is added to the absorbent article, then odor absorption is provided, but the material does not provide noticeable benefits to consumers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the odor absorbing material with the fluid storage layer, integrating multiple functions into a single component. This merging ensures that the odor absorption works in conjunction with fluid management, providing noticeable benefits to consumers through improved overall performance rather than isolated functionality.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If multiple odor control materials are integrated into the absorbent article, then comprehensive odor control is achieved, but the disposition of materials becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the absorbent article into distinct functional layers, with the intermediate layer serving as a dedicated zone for odor control materials. This segmentation organizes the complex disposition of multiple odor control materials (antimicrobial, perfume, odor absorbing) into a structured arrangement, making the system manageable while achieving comprehensive odor control.
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 system effectively reduces odor generation, diffusion, and masking, providing prolonged odor control without skin safety issues or overpowering fragrances, ensuring a comfortable and odor-free user experience.
Implementation Method 1
Antimicrobial materials and bactericides in general are chemical compositions that are used to prevent microbiological contamination and deterioration of products
Implementation Method 2
The odor absorbing material absorbs unpleasant odors when the unpleasant odors develop
Implementation Method 3
an odor absorbing and/or adsorbing material disposed in the fluid storage layer
Implementation Method 4
the perfume may cause the user to perceive too strong smell of perfume or may rapidly vaporize to lose the masking effect
Data Source
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AI summary
A disposable absorbent article comprises a topsheet; a backsheet combined with the topsheet; a fluid storage layer disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet and adjacent to the backsheet; an intermediate layer disposed between the fluid storage layer and the topsheet. The intermediate layer has a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface. The disposable absorbent article comprises an odor control system. The odor control system comprises an antimicrobial material disposed between the topsheet and the body-facing surface of the intermediate layer; an odor masking material disposed between the backsheet and the garment- facing surface of the intermediate layer; and an odor absorbing and/or adsorbing material disposed in the fluid storage layer. The antimicrobial material and the odor masking material are separated by the intermediate layer.