Reusable Sanitary Article With Elastomer-Coated Barrier for Heat Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reusable sanitary and incontinence articles face challenges in being efficiently washable and dryable at high temperatures without compromising their integrity and fluid retention performance, often making noise due to membrane barriers and having high production complexity.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer structure with a textile outer layer coated with an elastomer, such as silicone, forms a seamless barrier, eliminating the need for membranes and allowing high-temperature washing and drying, while incorporating flock for noise reduction and improved comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a membrane is used as water barrier, then fluid retention performance is improved, but breathability deteriorates and rustling noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by replacing the membrane with an elastomer coating having different physical properties (elasticity, flexibility) that eliminates the rustling noise while maintaining fluid barrier function through appropriate elasticity and sealing characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining textile substrate with elastomer coating layer, creating a new material system that integrates the breathability of textile with the fluid barrier and noise-reducing properties of elastomer
2Reliability
If a membrane is used as water barrier, then fluid retention performance is improved, but heat resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by selecting elastomer with appropriate glass transition temperature and thermal stability, enabling the coating to withstand high-temperature washing (60-90°C) while maintaining its fluid barrier properties and elastic sealing function
3Reliability
If a membrane is used as water barrier, then fluid retention performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water barrier function, sealing function, and noise reduction function into a single elastomer coating layer, eliminating the need for separate membrane components and reducing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and application method by using a coating process that allows the elastomer to be applied as a liquid or paste and then cured, creating a seamless barrier without complex assembly steps
4Reliability
If reusable articles are designed for high-temperature washing, then hygiene is improved, but material integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameters by selecting elastomer materials with high glass transition temperatures and excellent thermal stability, allowing the coating to withstand repeated washing at 60-90°C without degradation, cracking, or loss of adhesive properties
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 quiet, comfortable, and effective reusable article that maintains fluid retention performance through high-temperature washing and drying, reducing production complexity and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomer can be applied in dots, lines or areas and penetrates into the fabric of the fabric layer so that, after the elastomer has cured, there is a strong and permanent bond with the fabric layer
Implementation Method 2
The elastomer used, for example, is a thermoplastic elastomer that becomes soft or liquid when heated and hardens when cooled
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates primarily to a reusable sanitary or incontinence article having a multilayer structure comprising an inner layer including a gusset area nearest to a wearer's skin for taking up body fluid from the wearer and/or transporting the body fluid away from the wearer; an outer layer including a sealing portion for providing a barrier for the body fluid and side edge portions; an absorbent core between the inner layer and the outer layer; and a fluid tight joint connecting the inner layer, the outer layer and optionally the absorbent core to each other along at least a part of a perimeter of the gusset area; wherein the sealing portion is composed of a textile coated with an adhering coating material that forms a contiguous, impervious coating extending at least over the gusset area into the side edge portions, and wherein the side edge portions extend from opposite sides outside the gusset area, are folded over side edges of and connected to the inner layer forming a fluid tight joint between the inner layer and the outer layer along side edges of the gusset area.