Odor Control Underwear with Segmented Carbon Filter Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing undergarments fail to effectively control the odor of flatulence due to inadequate filtering materials and complex manufacturing processes, leading to discomfort and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The development of odor-controlling underwear featuring a center panel composed of five-ply activated carbon fabric sandwiched between cotton and bamboo fabric, integrated with an elastic waistband and permeable side panels made of bamboo fabric.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filter material is extended from waist band down to gusset region and through gusset to front panel seam, then odor filtering coverage is improved, but gas can still flow through non-filter material in front between front seam and waist band
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is divided into distinct filter and non-filter zones. The filter material is segmented to extend only to the crotch region, while separate non-filter panels are positioned in the front and back regions away from the crotch. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function: filter material blocks odor near the source (crotch), while non-filter material provides comfort in areas not exposed to flatulence.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the garment are assigned different material properties based on their functional requirements. The crotch region uses filter material for odor control, while the front and back panels use non-filter material for comfort. This local differentiation ensures that filtering is applied only where necessary (near the flatulence source) rather than uniformly across the entire garment.
2Reliability
If entire undergarment is made out of filter material, then odor control is maximized, but the garment becomes cumbersome and uncomfortable to wear
Solution Approach 1:
Filter material is applied locally only in the crotch region where flatulence originates, rather than uniformly across the entire garment. This localized approach maintains odor control effectiveness at the source while allowing the rest of the garment to use comfortable, breathable materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment is segmented into filter and non-filter sections. The filter material section is confined to the crotch region, while separate non-filter panels cover the front and back. This segmentation allows the garment to combine odor control functionality with wearability comfort.
3Ease of operation
If undergarment is made thinner than 1 mm, then wearability is improved, but odor reduction capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The garment uses varying thicknesses in different regions. The crotch region contains multiple layers of filter material (greater than 1 mm thick) for effective odor reduction, while other regions use thinner materials for comfort. This local thickness variation ensures adequate filtering where needed without compromising overall wearability.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment combines multiple material types and thicknesses: filter material greater than 1 mm thick in the crotch region for odor control, and thinner non-filter materials in other regions for comfort. This composite construction achieves both odor reduction capability and wearability.
4Reliability
If complex panel shapes and seams are incorporated in underwear, then odor control coverage is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is divided into simple geometric panels (front panel, back panel, leg panels) connected by standard seams. The filter material is positioned within these simple panels, extending to the crotch region. This segmentation into simple shapes reduces manufacturing complexity compared to complex curved panels, while still achieving adequate odor control coverage.
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 solution effectively reduces the odor of flatulence to an acceptable level, providing comfort and efficient odor control without the need for complex manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
The center panel consists of activated carbon fabric bonded, via a bonding agent, to and sandwiched between a first layer of cotton fabric and a second layer of cotton fabric
Data Source
AI summary
The embarrassment of passing gas in public is ubiquitous. One solution is to wear a filter underwear that is generally constructed with a single ply of underwear side panels that are separated by an activated carbon center panel. The activated carbon center panel is attached to an elastic waistband at the underwear back and where the activated carbon center panel traverses between two leg openings to the waistband at the underwear front. The center panel is constructed with a five-ply activated carbon fabric that is sandwiched between cotton fabric, which is sandwiched between bamboo fabric. The five-ply center panel is greater than 1 mm thick to provide filtering capabilities to sufficiently reduce the odor of flatulence to an acceptable level that is not readily detected by a person close by.