Reusable Absorbent Inserts with Folding Guides for Faster Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reusable absorbent inserts take an extended period to dry after cleaning, necessitating improved methods and designs for faster drying times.
Innovation Solution
The design of a configurable pad with multiple sections separated by a folding guide and a pad collection sleeve, allowing for customizable folding and layering to enhance absorbency and reduce drying times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If reusable absorbent inserts are designed with sufficient absorbency, then fluid absorption capacity is improved, but drying time after cleaning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent insert is divided into multiple sections separated by folding guides, allowing the pad to be folded into compact configurations. This segmentation enables the same absorbent material to provide sufficient absorbency when unfolded while reducing drying time through compact folding that increases surface area exposure during drying
Solution Approach 2:
The insert incorporates folding guides that enable dynamic transformation between unfolded (for maximum absorbency) and folded (for compact storage and faster drying) configurations. The folding mechanism allows the product to adapt its form factor based on operational needs
2Quantity of substance
If the pad width is increased to enhance absorbency, then fluid capacity is improved, but the pad becomes difficult to fit into standard collection sleeves
Solution Approach 1:
The pad is divided into sections with folding guides that allow it to be folded to match the width of standard collection sleeves. This enables the pad to have a larger unfolded width for enhanced absorbency while being foldable to fit into conventional sleeves for storage and handling
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional width constraint to a three-dimensional folding configuration. The pad can be folded along longitudinal axes to reduce its width dimension while maintaining its absorbent capacity through increased layering in the folded state
3Quantity of substance
If reusable inserts are made with thicker absorbent layers, then absorbency is improved, but drying time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Thicker absorbent layers are divided into multiple sections separated by folding guides. When folded, these sections create a compact configuration that reduces the effective drying thickness while maintaining total absorbent capacity through layered arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The folding structure allows thicker absorbent layers to be nested within each other in a compact configuration. The folded sections are contained within one another, creating a space-efficient structure that reduces drying time while preserving total absorbent material
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 configurable pad and sleeve configuration enables faster drying times by optimizing absorbency and maintaining integrity during use, facilitating efficient reuse.
Implementation Method 1
reusable absorbent inserts and absorbent assemblies including the same... to receive and contain urine and other body fluids
Implementation Method 2
The configurable pad includes a topsheet, absorbent core, and backsheet... to more efficiently absorb bodily fluids
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to reusable absorbent inserts, assemblies, and methods for use, the inserts including a configurable pad and pad collection sleeve. The configurable pad includes a first section and a second section, the second section separated from the first section at least partially by a folding guide. The configurable pad has an unfolded pad plan surface area comprising an unfolded pad width when the reusable absorbent insert is in an unfolded, flat-out configuration. The pad collection sleeve has an unfolded sleeve plan surface area including an unfolded sleeve width when the reusable absorbent insert is in an unfolded, flat-out configuration. The unfolded pad width is greater than or substantially equal to the unfolded sleeve width.