Resilient Absorbent Composite Material Fluid Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lofty, resilient nonwoven webs used in sanitary products have poor absorbency and rewet properties due to their low density, which affects their performance in fluid handling.
Innovation Solution
An absorbent composite material comprising a fibrous matrix with superabsorbent polymer dispersed within, an absorbent mixture applied to the surface, and a superabsorbent retention layer to enhance fluid handling and maintain resilience in both dry and wet states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lofty, resilient nonwoven webs are used to provide comfort and conformability, then user comfort is improved, but absorbency and rewet properties deteriorate due to low density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining lofty resilient nonwoven webs with superabsorbent polymers and absorbent mixtures. The composite structure integrates the comfort-providing nonwoven layer with high-absorbency SAP particles and absorbent mixture layers, allowing the material to simultaneously deliver user comfort through conformability and superior absorbency through the SAP-containing layers. This resolves the contradiction by creating a multi-component system where each material performs its strength.
2Stability of the object's composition
If lofty, resilient nonwoven webs are used to maintain structural integrity, then shape retention is improved, but fluid handling characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the absorbent article into distinct functional layers: a lofty resilient nonwoven web layer for shape retention and comfort, and separate absorbent layers containing superabsorbent polymers and absorbent mixtures for fluid handling. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in its primary function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between shape retention and fluid handling characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by integrating the structurally-stable nonwoven web with SAP particles and absorbent mixtures in a composite construction. The nonwoven web provides the structural framework that maintains shape, while the embedded and adjacent absorbent components provide reliable fluid handling, creating a composite material system that exhibits both properties simultaneously.
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 absorbent composite material exhibits superior fluid handling characteristics while retaining resilience, ensuring effective absorption and preventing fluid rewetting.
Implementation Method 1
superabsorbent polymer dispersed within the fiber matrix
Implementation Method 2
superabsorbent polymer dispersed within the fiber matrix
Implementation Method 3
the absorbent mixture including superabsorbent polymer and adhesive
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an absorbent composite material and an absorbent article including such absorbent composite material. More particularly, the present invention relates to an absorbent composite material for use in sanitary absorbent products such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, diapers, adult incontinence products, and the like.