Refillable Reusable Underwear for Easy Liner Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorbent articles, such as diapers and underwear, are not designed for repeated use and require removal of lower clothing for liner replacement, posing challenges in hygiene, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A reusable underwear style absorbent article with a removably attachable disposable liner, featuring elastic bands, leak guards, and adjustable seams, allowing for easy liner attachment and detachment without removing lower clothing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional disposable diapers are used, then absorption function is provided, but they require removal of lower clothing for liner replacement and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent article is divided into two main segments: a reusable outer brief and a disposable inner liner. The liner can be removed and replaced independently without removing the outer brief or lower clothing, solving the contradiction by enabling easy liner replacement while maintaining reusability of the outer garment.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable liner is nested within the reusable outer brief. The liner fits inside the brief's containment structure, allowing the liner to be accessed and replaced independently. This nested configuration enables the inner component to be changed without removing the outer component or clothing.
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional disposable diapers are used, then absorption function is provided, but they are limited to one-time use and become expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the absorbent article into a reusable outer brief and a disposable inner liner. The outer brief can be laundered and reused multiple times, reducing waste. Only the inner liner is disposable, significantly reducing the amount of material that needs to be discarded compared to entirely disposable diapers.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable outer brief is recovered through laundering and reused across multiple cycles. Only the contaminated inner liner is discarded. This selective discarding approach maximizes resource utilization and minimizes waste generation while maintaining hygiene.
3Shape
If underwear style absorbent articles are used, then they conform to the body and have discreet profile, but side seams may fail after repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The underwear style article is segmented into modular components with reinforced connection points. The side seams are designed as separate, replaceable elements that can be strengthened independently. This segmentation allows the seams to be reinforced without compromising the overall body-conforming shape of the garment.
Solution Approach 2:
The side seams utilize composite construction combining multiple materials with complementary properties. High-strength stitching threads, reinforced fabric layers, and durable bonding agents are combined to create seams that can withstand repeated stretching and washing while maintaining the article's flexible, body-conforming shape.
4Ease of operation
If elasticized waist opening is used, then donning is facilitated, but user must stretch open the opening and lift feet in confined space
Solution Approach 1:
The elasticized waist opening is pre-configured with sufficient elasticity and appropriate tension to automatically expand when the garment is pulled up over the hips. This preliminary design eliminates the need for the user to manually stretch or manipulate the opening, simplifying the donning procedure while maintaining ease of operation.
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 convenient and hygienic use of absorbent articles by allowing multiple uses, reducing waste, and providing adjustable fit and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
featuring elastic bands
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.