Protective Insert With Moisture-Wicking Inner Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dance, active, and swimwear offer inadequate protection against moisture leakage, leading to embarrassing situations and reduced participation in physical activities due to issues like light bladder leaks, menstrual overflow, and breastmilk leakage, prompting the need for disposable hygiene products.

Innovation Solution

A protective insert with a moisture-wicking, odour-resistant inner layer and a breathable, water-repellent outer layer, treated with antimicrobial and odour-absorbing compositions, is integrated into the garment to prevent fluid passage and enhance drying capabilities, allowing for up to 10 ml of moisture absorption without leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional reusable dance, active and swimwear are used, then the garment is comfortable and reusable, but the garment offers very little to no protection against moisture egress in the form of bodily fluids or secretions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against leakageVSAvoidgarment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective insert is divided into distinct functional layers: an inner moisture-wicking layer, an intermediate dispersal layer, and an outer liquid-impermeable layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall garment simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protective insert combines multiple fabric types with different properties - moisture-wicking fibers, dispersing fabrics, and liquid-impermeable materials - into a composite structure that provides comprehensive protection while maintaining comfort and breathability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If disposable hygiene products are used with dance, active and swimwear, then protection against leakage is improved, but comfort is reduced and participation in activities is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against leakageVSAvoidcomfort and activity participation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective insert is seamlessly integrated into the garment construction, merging the protective function with the wearable article. This eliminates the need for separate disposable products and allows users to participate in activities without feeling like they are wearing hygiene products.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective insert serves multiple functions simultaneously: moisture-wicking, dispersal, leak prevention, and breathability, all within a single integrated component that is comfortable for extended wear during various physical activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a liquid impermeable shield is added to prevent leakage, then protection against fluid passage is improved, but drying capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak-proof barrierVSAvoiddrying time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid-impermeable shield is positioned only at the outer layer where leak prevention is critical, while the inner layers maintain moisture-wicking and breathability properties. This localized application of impermeability preserves drying capability in the layers closest to the skin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The outer fabric layer is designed as a thin, flexible liquid-impermeable membrane that allows vapor transmission while blocking liquid. This thin-film approach maintains breathability and drying capability while providing the necessary leak-proof barrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 provides a comfortable, quick-drying, and sustainable option that prevents leakage, allowing users to engage in swimming, dancing, and exercise without fear of moisture issues, while being machine washable and durable.

Implementation Method 1

an inner layer comprising a moisture-wicking, odour resistant, fluid absorbent natural fibre or synthetic fibre

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

the outer layer or each face of the outer layer is treated with a water-repelling substance to prevent fluid passage through the garment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 3

The outer fabric layer includes a liquid impermeable, vapor permeable shield for providing a leak-proof barrier which prevents passage of liquid but permits dissipation of moisture in vapor form through the fabric

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVapor permeability: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP3668466B1Protective insert and a garment including such protective insert

Publication Date: 2024.05.29 MODIBODI AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

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AI summary

A protective insert (10) operatively attachable to an inner, body-facing layer of a garment. The protective insert generally comprises a first, operatively inner layer (12) comprising a moisture-wicking, odour resistant, fluid absorbent fibre with or without a waterproof laminate-film; and a second, operatively outer layer (14) comprising a breathable, odour resistant, water repellent fibre to further prevent fluid passage through the garment; wherein the operatively inner layer faces the body of a user while the operatively outer layer faces away from the body of a user, in use.