Refillable Underwear Liner Attachment for Easy Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorbent articles, such as diapers and underwear, are not designed for repeated use and require complete removal from the user to replace disposable liners, leading to inconvenience, potential unsanitary conditions, and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A reusable underwear style absorbent article with a removably attachable disposable liner that can be laundered and adjusted to fit various sizes and positions, using elastic bands, seams, and cohesive materials for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional diaper style absorbent articles are used with side fasteners, then the absorbent article can be easily fastened and removed, but it cannot be pulled up or down over the hips like traditional undergarments and has visible bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent article is divided into front and rear portions that are connected by elastic side panels, allowing the front portion to be pulled down independently during donning and doffing operations, enabling underwear-style wearability while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The side panels incorporate elastic properties that allow dynamic stretching and recovery, enabling the absorbent article to be pulled up and down over the hips like traditional undergarments while maintaining secure fit and discreet profile
2Shape
If underwear style absorbent articles are designed to conform closely to the body, then they have a discreet profile under clothing, but they lack adjustable side seams and may not withstand repeated pulling without seam failure
Solution Approach 1:
The side panels are constructed as composite structures combining elastic materials with reinforced seam constructions, providing both the flexibility needed for discreet conforming fit and the strength required to withstand repeated pulling without seam failure
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic side panels provide dynamic flexibility that allows the absorbent article to conform closely to the body for a discreet profile while the elastic recovery provides the strength to withstand repeated pulling operations without seam failure
3Adaptability or versatility
If disposable liners are made removable and attachable, then they can be adjusted to different sizes and positions, but the attachment mechanism adds device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The liner attachment mechanism utilizes self-adhesive properties or simple snap-fit connections that allow the liner to attach itself to the absorbent article without requiring complex fastening operations, providing adjustability while minimizing added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is extracted to be a separate, simple component system that can be independently adjusted, allowing liner size and position adjustment without requiring complex integrated fastening systems
4Loss of substance
If reusable underwear is used instead of disposable articles, then cost and environmental impact are reduced, but the absorbent capacity may be insufficient for heavy incontinence
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent article is segmented into a reusable outer underwear portion and removable disposable liner portions, allowing the reusable portion to be laundered and reused for cost and environmental benefits while disposable liners can be replaced when absorbent capacity is needed
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent capacity parameter is made variable by allowing different sizes and types of disposable liners to be attached to the reusable underwear, enabling adjustment of absorbent capacity to match the user's specific incontinence needs while maintaining the cost and environmental benefits of reusability
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
Enables easy donning and doffing like traditional undergarments, reduces the risk of falls or injury, and allows for adjustable and cost-effective use of disposable liners, minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
using elastic bands, seams, and cohesive materials for secure attachment
Implementation Method 2
using elastic bands, seams, and cohesive materials for secure attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A launderable absorbent article, including a chassis having a front portion, a rear portion, a crotch portion extending longitudinally between the front portion and the rear portion wherein at least a portion of the chassis may receive removably attachable disposable liners to absorb body discharges. The launderable absorbent article is presented in an underwear style to the user.