Reusable Diaper Shell With Replaceable Gel Pad for Hygiene
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a long-felt need for a reusable diaper that combines the benefits of disposable and reusable diapers, allowing for safe reuse after soiling without risking skin infections or irritation, and addressing issues of limited access and unsanitary reuse of existing diapers.
Innovation Solution
A reusable diaper with a disposable pad device, featuring a body with secure tabs and a removably-attached absorbent pad with a gel top surface and impermeable bottom, designed for easy replacement and skin comfort, preventing spillage and infection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If disposable diapers are reused due to supply issues or financial constraints, then cost is reduced, but hygiene deteriorates leading to skin conditions and infections
Solution Approach 1:
The diaper is divided into two distinct segments: a reusable outer shell and a disposable inner pad. This segmentation allows the reusable portion to be washed and reused multiple times, while the soiled pad is discarded after a single use, eliminating the hygiene problems associated with reusing complete disposable diapers while maintaining affordability.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable pad is designed to be discarded after single use when soiled, while the reusable outer shell is recovered and washed for repeated use. This selective discarding approach maintains hygiene by removing contaminated materials while preserving clean components for continued use.
2Quantity of substance
If cloth diapers are washed and reused, then cost is reduced, but hygiene deteriorates and washing burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the diaper into reusable outer shell and disposable inner pad, the washing burden is significantly reduced. Only the outer shell requires washing, which is less frequent and less labor-intensive than washing entire cloth diapers after each use.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable pad is extracted as a separate removable component from the reusable outer shell. This extraction allows the pad to be easily removed and discarded without washing, while only the outer shell needs to be washed and reused.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the entire diaper is disposable, then hygiene is improved, but cost increases and environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The diaper system is segmented into reusable and disposable portions, allowing hygiene to be maintained through disposable pad replacement while reducing overall cost and environmental impact by reusing the outer shell multiple times.
Solution Approach 2:
Only the soiled pad is discarded after single use, while the outer shell is recovered and reused. This selective discarding approach maintains hygiene benefits of disposable diapers while reducing the total quantity of disposable materials required.
4Device complexity
If the pad is permanently attached to the diaper body, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability worsens when pad replacement is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a static permanent bond to a dynamic removable connection. Fasteners allow the pad to be easily attached and detached from the outer shell, providing adaptability for replacement while maintaining simplicity through straightforward fastening and unfastening actions.
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 diaper provides improved hygiene and comfort by allowing safe reuse of the device while replacing soiled pads, combining the benefits of both disposable and reusable diapers without skin irritation or infection risk.
Implementation Method 1
The top surface of the pad may further be comprised of a gel pad and infused with lotion, such that it does not irritate the skin of the user
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a reusable diaper with a disposable pad device primarily comprised of a body that has an outer surface, an inner surface with at least one pad and a rear surface and a front surface each with at least two tabs. The tabs allow the device to be secured around the user. The pad is further removably-attached to the inner surface via at least one fastener, such that the pad can be removed when a user soils and/or defecates in the device. The top surface of the pad is further comprised of a gel pad and infused with lotion, such that it does not irritate the skin of the user. Therefore, a user can replace the pad when necessary, while continuing to utilize the rest of the device for multiple diaper changes.