Homogeneous Odor Control Particles in Airformed Absorbent Cores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent articles face challenges in retaining odor control agents effectively, as loose particles are difficult to maintain in desired locations for odor absorption, and separate addition increases process complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating homogeneously distributed inorganic oxide odor control particles with high surface areas and modified transition metals within an airformed fiber matrix of absorbent cores, allowing for enhanced odor reduction without the need for chemical binders or additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If loose odor control particles are incorporated into absorbent articles, then odor reduction effectiveness is improved, but particle retention in desired locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines odor control particles with absorbent matrix materials to form a composite structure where particles are embedded within the matrix rather than being loose. This composite approach maintains particle effectiveness for odor reduction while the matrix provides structural support for reliable particle retention in desired locations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separate addition of odor control agents is used, then odor control functionality is improved, but process complexity and capital equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the odor control particle incorporation step with the existing absorbent article manufacturing process. Particles are added during the web formation or molding stage, combining multiple functions (absorbency and odor control) into a single integrated manufacturing process, thereby reducing process complexity and eliminating the need for separate addition equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process is designed to simultaneously produce both the absorbent matrix and incorporate odor control particles in one operation. The same equipment and process steps that form the absorbent web also distribute and embed the odor control particles, making the process multi-functional and eliminating the need for dedicated odor control particle addition equipment.
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 method ensures uniform distribution and increased surface area for odor absorption, improving the effectiveness of odor reduction in absorbent articles while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
odor control particles with high surface areas... for enhanced odor reduction
Data Source
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AI summary
A technique for incorporating odor control agent particles into an absorbent article is provided. More specifically, the odor control particles are "homogenously" distributed (e.g., in a substantially uniform manner) within an airformed fiber matrix of an absorbent core of an absorbent article. An absorbent core containing such a homogeneously distributed odor control particles may possess a greater surface area for contacting malodorous compounds, thereby increasing the likelihood of odor reduction.