Reusable Diaper With Slidable Absorbent Flaps For Custom Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disposable absorbent articles, such as diapers and training pants, are typically used once and discarded, leading to waste and inconvenience due to their unitary construction, despite parts potentially being reusable.
Innovation Solution
Design of reusable diapers with adjustable liquid-absorbent flaps and layers that can be overlapped and slid relative to each other, allowing for customization and extended use by facilitating airflow for drying and accommodating different sizes and genders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If disposable diapers with unitary construction are used, then absorbency and comfort are ensured, but waste increases and cost rises due to discarding the entire product after single use
Solution Approach 1:
The diaper is divided into separate reusable components (outer cover, flaps, absorbent inserts) that can be independently washed and reused. The absorbent insert is the only disposable component, while the outer cover and flaps form a permanent reusable shell that reduces waste significantly compared to unitary disposable diapers.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows selective discarding of only the saturated absorbent insert while recovering and reusing the outer cover and flaps multiple times. This partial recovery approach minimizes waste and cost while maintaining functionality, as the reusable outer shell can be laundered and reused many times.
2Loss of substance
If reusable components are introduced to reduce waste, then environmental impact decreases, but manufacturing complexity and device structure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diaper is divided into separate reusable components (outer cover, flaps, absorbent inserts) that can be independently washed and reused. The absorbent insert is the only disposable component, while the outer cover and flaps form a permanent reusable shell that reduces waste significantly compared to unitary disposable diapers.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable outer cover and flaps are combined into a single washable assembly that functions together as the permanent shell. This merging simplifies manufacturing compared to assembling multiple small components, while still achieving the waste reduction goal of having reusable elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed absorbent layers are used, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different sizes and genders is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flaps are designed to be slidable relative to each other along the crotch portion, allowing dynamic adjustment of the diaper's functional length. This enables the same diaper to accommodate different sizes and genders by adjusting the overlap position of the flaps, transforming a static structure into an adaptable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent functionality is segmented into separate flaps that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows each flap to be placed at different positions to create variable absorbent zones, enabling customization for different wearers while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If absorbent flaps are made washable and reusable, then cost and waste are reduced, but drying time and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flaps are constructed with porous or permeable materials that allow rapid water penetration and evaporation during washing and drying cycles. This porous structure enables the flaps to be washed and dried quickly, reducing the time loss associated with reusability while maintaining absorbent functionality through multiple reuse cycles.
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 enables the reuse of absorbent materials, reducing waste and cost by allowing the absorbent flaps to be washed and reused, while providing a customizable fit and improved comfort through adjustable sizing and liquid-resistant regions.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first and second liquid-absorbent flaps includes an at least partially hollow interior and an opening for allowing airflow into the hollow interior to facilitate drying
Implementation Method 2
first and second liquid-absorbent flaps each having a fixed end portion coupled to the diaper and a free end portion opposite the fixed end portion
Implementation Method 3
at least one inner layer configured to be liquid-absorbent
Data Source
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AI summary
A reusable diaper includes a forward waist portion, a rearward waist portion, and a crotch portion between the forward waist portion and the rearward waist portion. The diaper also includes first and second liquid-absorbent flaps. Each flap may have a fixed end portion coupled to the diaper and a free end portion opposite the fixed end portion, which is not coupled to the reusable diaper. The first and second liquid-absorbent flaps may be positionable in an overlapping manner along the crotch portion with one of the first and second liquid-absorbent flaps overlapped by the other one of said first and second liquid- absorbent flaps and slidable relative to each other when overlapped. In some embodiments, the first and second liquid-absorbent flaps may each include an at least partially hollow interior and an opening for allowing airflow into the hollow interior to facilitate drying.