Odor Control Composition Placement in Absorbent Articles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unscented or low-scented absorbent products face challenges in effectively controlling odors while maintaining a visually appealing appearance, as existing odor reduction ingredients may not be aesthetically pleasing when incorporated into the products.

Innovation Solution

The absorbent articles incorporate an odor control composition, such as activated carbon or zeolites, between the core wrap and the liquid management system, covering up to 80% of the core wrap surface area, which is strategically placed to be concealed from view, ensuring effectiveness without compromising appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If odor control composition is incorporated into the absorbent article, then odor reduction effectiveness is improved, but visual appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveodor reduction effectivenessVSAvoidvisual appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The odor control composition is extracted from the visible surface and placed between the core wrap and liquid management system, removing it from the visual field while preserving its odor control function. This extraction resolves the contradiction by separating the functional element from the aesthetic element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The odor control composition is nested within the layered structure of the absorbent article, specifically between the core wrap and liquid management system. This nesting conceals the composition within the product architecture, maintaining visual appeal while preserving odor control effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If odor control composition is placed to maximize odor neutralization, then odor reduction effectiveness is improved, but interaction with other components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveodor neutralization capabilityVSAvoidunwanted interaction with components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid management system acts as an intermediary layer between the odor control composition and other components. This intermediary structure allows the odor control composition to function effectively while limiting direct interactions with other components that could cause unwanted chemical or physical reactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Shape

If odor control composition is placed between core wrap and liquid management system, then visual appearance is maintained, but odor control effectiveness may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appealVSAvoidodor control effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The odor control composition is applied locally to the surface of the core wrap that faces the liquid management system, maximizing contact with the liquid management system for effective odor control while remaining concealed from external view. This localized application optimizes both aesthetic and functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This solution effectively reduces unwanted odors while maintaining the product's aesthetic appeal, as the odor control composition is hidden from view and securely positioned to limit interaction with other components, enhancing the product's odor-neutralizing capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

Manufacturers of unscented or low scented products for controlling odors rely on odor reduction ingredients or other technologies (e.g. filters) to reduce malodors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS10653571B2Article comprising odor control composition
Publication Date: 2020.05.19 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • US10653571B2 patent drawing
  • US10653571B2 patent drawing
  • US10653571B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Absorbent articles comprising odor control compositions that are not visible from the outside of the article due to placement on or next to the absorbent core wrap.