Reusable Absorbent Article With Extractable Layers for Fast Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent products, such as diapers and menstrual pads, often fail to prevent leakage and spillage of bodily fluids, are unsanitary to handle and dispose of, and are wasteful, particularly in areas lacking proper waste management, leading to hygiene issues and social stigma.
Innovation Solution
A reusable absorbent article with a waterproof housing and foldable absorbent body, secured by mechanical connectors, allowing for quick cleaning and drying, and a pouch configuration for discreet carrying without direct contact with contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-use disposable absorbent products are used, then absorbency and leakage prevention are improved, but waste generation increases and cost becomes prohibitive in areas without proper waste management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reusable absorbent article design where the absorbent body can be removed, extracted, and washed separately from the housing. This allows the absorbent material to be recovered and reused multiple times, eliminating the need for continuous disposal of single-use products while maintaining leakage prevention capabilities through the waterproof housing and secure enclosing mechanisms.
2Loss of substance
If reusable absorbent articles are used, then waste reduction is improved, but cleaning and drying complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the absorbent article into separable components: a reusable housing and a removable absorbent body. The absorbent body itself is constructed with multiple layers that can be separated or accessed independently. This segmentation allows each component to be cleaned according to its specific requirements, reducing overall cleaning complexity compared to cleaning a single integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent body is designed to be extractable from the housing through opening mechanisms such as zippers, snaps, or magnetic connectors. This extraction capability allows the absorbent material to be removed for separate washing, while the housing can be cleaned independently, significantly simplifying the cleaning process compared to washing a fully integrated reusable unit.
3Reliability
If multi-layered absorbent structure is used, then absorbency is improved, but drying time increases beyond 24 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-layered absorbent structure is designed with layers that can be separated or accessed independently. The patent includes features such as perforations, cut lines, or separable connections between layers, allowing users to spread the layers out for drying or remove them from the housing to dry separately. This maintains the high absorbency of multiple layers while enabling much faster drying times by increasing surface area exposure to air circulation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If reusable pads are washed and dried in hiding, then privacy is maintained, but water consumption increases to penetrate multiple layers
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent body is designed to be extractable from the housing, allowing users to remove only the soiled absorbent material for washing while leaving the clean housing behind. This extraction capability reduces water consumption by washing only the necessary components rather than entire multi-layered pads. It also maintains privacy by allowing users to wash and dry components separately in discreet locations without needing to submerge entire thick pads in water.
5Reliability
If absorbent products are secured against groin, then leakage prevention is improved, but during movement products become unsecured and allow spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic securing mechanisms such as elastic bands, adjustable straps, or flexible connectors that adapt to user movement. These features allow the absorbent article to maintain secure positioning against the groin during various activities while accommodating changes in body position. The enclosing mechanisms include flexible wings or side panels that can move with the user while maintaining the sealed configuration to prevent leakage.
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 article effectively contains bodily fluids, reduces bacterial growth, and enhances hygiene by allowing for easy cleaning and discreet carrying, increasing user comfort and reducing social stigma.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent body configured to receive bodily excrement
Implementation Method 2
The absorbent body includes a plurality of portions, wherein the portions are connected to each other
Implementation Method 3
a waterproof housing and foldable absorbent body
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a reusable absorbent article comprising an outer shell, at least one absorbent layer within a shell interior of the outer shell, and a plurality of mechanical connectors configured to secure the reusable absorbent article to a wearable article. The outer shell can be opened to access the at least one absorbent layer in the shell interior, and the reusable absorbent article can be opened up into an inside-out configuration to allow a user to access and thoroughly clean and dry each absorbent layer and the outer shell. The present disclosure further provides an absorbent undergarment kit and a wearable article for providing absorbent relief.