Reusable Absorbent Structure for Underwear Fluid Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current body fluid absorbing products, such as underwear, often fail to provide efficient and sustainable solutions for fluid absorption and odor neutralization, leading to leakage and discomfort, while also posing environmental concerns due to disposability and material toxicity.
Innovation Solution
A reusable underwear system with a multilayer absorbing structure comprising high-density synthetic fibers, hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers with protruding channels, cellulosic fibers for odor neutralization, and a microporous polymer membrane, along with a thermo-adhesive strip for leakage prevention, ensuring effective fluid absorption and odor control without compromising user mobility or skin dryness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable body fluid absorbents are used, then absorption function is provided, but environmental waste and non-recyclability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reusable absorbent system that can be washed and reused multiple times, replacing the disposable model. The absorbent core, barrier layers, and elastic components are designed to withstand repeated washing cycles while maintaining functionality, thereby recovering and reusing materials instead of discarding them after single use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the durability parameter of the absorbent system by using wash-resistant materials and constructions. The elastic components, adhesive systems, and fabric layers are selected and configured to maintain their functional properties after multiple wash cycles, transforming the product from single-use to multi-use.
2Reliability
If conventional absorbent materials are used, then fluid absorption is achieved, but odor neutralization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction with multiple functional layers: an absorbent core layer for fluid absorption, a barrier layer with odor-blocking properties, and additional functional layers. This composite structure allows simultaneous achievement of fluid absorption and odor neutralization through different material properties working together.
3Reliability
If thick absorbent layers are used, then absorption capacity increases, but user mobility and comfort decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies absorbent materials with varying properties in different locations within the product. The absorbent core is concentrated in areas where fluid contact is most likely, while other areas use thinner constructions or different materials that provide comfort and flexibility. This localized differentiation maintains absorption capacity while minimizing impact on mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction with multiple thin functional layers instead of a single thick layer. The absorbent core is combined with breathable barrier layers, elastic components, and soft fabric layers, creating a multi-layer system that provides adequate absorption capacity while maintaining flexibility, breathability, and comfort against the skin.
4Reliability
If synthetic fibers are used for absorption, then capillary transport is improved, but environmental sustainability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material selection parameters by choosing synthetic fibers with improved environmental profiles and configuring them in specific constructions that enhance their sustainability. The synthetic fibers are used in controlled amounts and combined with other materials to reduce overall environmental impact while maintaining capillary transport functionality.
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 system provides long-lasting protection against body fluids, inhibits microorganism growth, prevents leakage, and maintains skin dryness, while being durable, washable, and environmentally sustainable, with the ability to withstand multiple wash cycles.
Implementation Method 1
the transport of liquids in fibrous structures, as is the case with textiles, is mainly governed by wettability and capillarity mechanisms
Implementation Method 2
the diffusion of water vapor in the fibrous structure
Implementation Method 3
the transport of liquids in fibrous structures, as is the case with textiles, is mainly governed by wettability and capillarity mechanisms
Implementation Method 4
a third layer of cellulosic fibers capable of neutralizing odors
Implementation Method 5
a fourth layer comprising a polymer, microporous and liquid impermeable membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A clothing item absorbing structure, in particular to a washable and reusable structure, for the absorption of body fluids in which at least a set of four overlapping layers are provided. A first layer has high density and porosity synthetic fibers suitable for the entry of body fluids. A second layer has a combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers with a plurality of protruding channels for dispersing body fluids. A third layer of cellulosic fibers neutralizes odors and absorb moisture. A fourth layer has a polymer, microporous and liquid impermeable membrane. And a strip connects along the periphery of said set of layers, wherein the strip together with the fourth layer seals said set of layers to prevent leakage of body fluids. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to underwear that incorporates the absorbing structure.