Perforated Conduit Drypad for Rapid Liquid Removal

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drypads and underpads are inadequate in quickly absorbing and removing large quantities of liquid, such as urine, deposited over a short period, leading to saturation of bedding and floors, and compromising sanitary conditions.

Innovation Solution

A drypad with a structure comprising an absorbent material arranged with one or more perforated conduits that create suction to rapidly transport liquid away from the drypad when connected to a suction device, optionally including a hydrophobic layer to prevent liquid penetration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional drypads use traditional absorbent layers, then they provide basic absorption capability, but they cannot quickly absorb or remove large quantities of liquid deposited over a short period

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid absorption speedVSAvoidliquid capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent core is divided into multiple zones with different functions: a first zone with high capillary pressure for rapid liquid uptake, and a second zone with lower capillary pressure for liquid distribution. This segmentation allows the drypad to quickly absorb large quantities of liquid while maintaining proper distribution to the collection layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent varies the capillary pressure parameter across different zones of the absorbent core. The first zone has higher capillary pressure to rapidly draw in liquid, while the second zone has lower capillary pressure to distribute it evenly. This parameter change enables both rapid absorption and adequate liquid capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If conventional drypads use thick absorbent layers to increase capacity, then they can hold more liquid, but they increase saturation time and reduce responsiveness to large fluid volumes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid capacityVSAvoidsaturation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent core is divided into multiple zones with different functions: a first zone with high capillary pressure for rapid liquid uptake, and a second zone with lower capillary pressure for liquid distribution. This segmentation allows the drypad to quickly absorb large quantities of liquid while maintaining proper distribution to the collection layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses capillary pressure gradients (a hydraulic principle) to drive liquid movement through the absorbent core. By creating a pressure gradient from the first zone to the second zone, liquid is rapidly drawn in and distributed without requiring thick layers or external pressure sources, reducing saturation time while maintaining capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Productivity

If conventional drypads use simple absorbent structures, then they are easy to manufacture, but they lack the capability to rapidly transport liquid away from the drypad surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid transport speedVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent varies the capillary pressure parameter across different zones of the absorbent core. The first zone has higher capillary pressure to rapidly draw in liquid, while the second zone has lower capillary pressure to distribute it evenly. This parameter change enables both rapid absorption and adequate liquid capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses porous absorbent materials with controlled pore structures to create the capillary pressure gradients. By varying the pore size and distribution in different zones, the material itself provides the liquid transport mechanism without requiring complex mechanical structures, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving rapid liquid transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 drypad effectively absorbs and removes large quantities of liquid quickly, preventing saturation of bedding and floors, and maintaining sanitary conditions, addressing the limitations of conventional drypads.

Implementation Method 1

one or more perforated conduits capable of creating an area of suction on the topmost layer of the drypad and transporting liquid away from the drypad when subject to reduced pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

an absorbent material arranged with one or more perforated conduits

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

A drypad can optionally include a hydrophobic layer to attenuate penetration of liquid from the drypad

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS20250134721A1Drypad with rapid absorption and liquid removal

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 MEDLINE INDUSTRIES

AI summary

Disclosed is a liquid removal drypad and liquid removal system suitable for absorbing and removing liquid produced by an individual. The drypad can include one or more perforated conduits arranged with an absorbent material. A source of reduced pressure can be connected to the one or more perforated conduits to remove liquid from the drypad. The drypad can be positioned under a patient and liquid produced by the individual can be removed by applying reduced pressure to the drypad. The drypad can be made by combining one or more conduits with an absorbent material.