Reusable Diaper With Elastic Border Seal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing absorbent diaper solutions face challenges such as leakage, skin irritation, high maintenance, and environmental impact due to impermeable and reusable designs, and the cost and disposal issues associated with disposable products.

Innovation Solution

A reusable absorbent diaper structure featuring an external adjustable holding element, a flat absorbent element, and an impermeable intermediate element with elastic borders that maintain permanent contact with the skin, ensuring a tight seal and easy use, while allowing for modular use and separate washing of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If disposable diapers are used, then leakage and comfort problems are solved, but cost and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleakage preventionVSAvoidwaste generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The diaper is divided into separate reusable and disposable components. The reusable waterproof cover and elasticated intermediate layer can be washed and reused, while only the absorbent insert needs to be disposed of after use. This segmentation reduces waste compared to completely disposable diapers while maintaining leakage prevention through the waterproof cover and proper seal design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of substance

If reusable cloth diapers are used, then cost and environmental impact are reduced, but leakage and ease of use deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste reductionVSAvoidleakage prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A waterproof membrane or coating is applied to the inner surface of the reusable cover, creating a flexible waterproof barrier that prevents leakage while maintaining comfort and reusability. This allows the diaper to function like disposable diapers in terms of leakage prevention but retains the environmental and economic benefits of reusability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If reusable diapers without elasticated edges are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but fit and leakage control worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidseal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Elasticated edges are added specifically to the intermediate layer or leg openings of the diaper, providing localized flexibility and conformability to the baby's body contours in critical areas. This improves seal quality and leakage prevention without requiring the entire diaper to be complex, maintaining relative manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If soft intermediate material is added for comfort, then comfort is improved, but capillary action leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecomfortVSAvoidleakage prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A waterproof membrane is positioned between the soft intermediate material and the outer cover, creating a barrier that prevents capillary action from transporting liquid through the soft material to the external environment. This allows the soft material to provide comfort while the membrane maintains leakage prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution provides a comfortable, waterproof, and economically beneficial diaper system that minimizes leakage and maintenance, while being environmentally friendly by reducing waste and allowing for easy replacement and washing of components.

Implementation Method 1

dits bord élastique, dans l'état tendu et aplat, permet de recouvrir au moins une zone longitudinale de l'élément absorbant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

structure réutilisable couche absorbante

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

ce matériau, en contact avec les bords de la poche, peut suinter par action capillaire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP2389151B1Structure with a reusable absorbent layer, and associated sleeve
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 GENERATION PLUME
  • EP2389151B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2389151B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2389151B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a structure with a reusable absorbent layer with a longitudinal axis XX and including an outer support element (1) which can be adjusted to the body of a user, a flat absorbent element (2) and an intermediate impervious element (3) for supporting the absorbent element (2), the intermediate element being connected by an attachment means (33) to the outer element. According to the invention, the intermediate element (3) has, on each of the lengths thereof, an elastic border (31) which, when stretched and flattened, covers the absorbent element (2) according to at least one longitudinal area (34, 34'), and which, when the structure is in place on the user, is suitable for remaining in permanent contact with the skin of the user.