UV Fiber Orientation in Absorbing Devices for Faster Liquid Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbing devices struggle to maximize liquid acquisition and distribution speed while minimizing wet feeling, as they rely on super-absorbent polymers that form non-dispersible gels and require additional cellulose fibers for liquid transport, leading to suboptimal comfort and absorption efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using ultraviolet (UV) irradiation to geometrically transform the fibers in the liquid acquisition layer, aligning them vertically to enhance liquid uptake and transfer to the absorbing pad, while maintaining the device's structure intact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If super-absorbent polymer granules are used to retain moisture, then liquid absorption capacity is improved, but liquid transport and dispersion ability deteriorates because the gels formed are not soluble and cannot transport liquids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines super-absorbent polymer granules (for liquid retention) with cellulose fibers (for liquid transport and dispersion) into a single absorbing pad composite. This merging allows the system to simultaneously achieve high liquid absorption capacity and efficient liquid transport, as the cellulose fibers create channels that guide liquid through the polymer granules without compromising the polymer's absorption capability
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbing pad is constructed as a composite material system consisting of super-absorbent polymer granules embedded within a cellulose fiber matrix. The cellulose fibers provide a hydrophilic network that facilitates liquid wicking and distribution, while the polymer granules provide high-capacity liquid retention, creating a synergistic composite that overcomes the limitations of using either material alone
2Productivity
If additional layers of non-woven fabric are added to acquire and transfer liquids, then liquid acquisition function is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-woven fabric layers are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they act as acquisition layers that contact the skin and capture liquid, distribution layers that spread the liquid across the absorbing pad, and structural support elements that maintain device integrity. This multi-functionality allows the same layer to accomplish multiple tasks without requiring additional dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The non-woven fabric is applied selectively in specific zones where liquid acquisition and distribution are needed, rather than uniformly throughout the entire device. The fabric's properties (density, pore size, thickness) are optimized for local requirements - closer to the skin contact area where liquid acquisition is critical, and tapered or reduced in areas where the absorbing pad directly contacts the liquid source
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
This approach significantly increases absorption capacity and comfort by ensuring rapid liquid distribution and transfer to the absorbing pad, reducing the wet feeling perceived by the wearer.
Implementation Method 1
the method of implementing the absorbency of such a layer is achieved by using ultraviolet rays UV that geometrically transform the fibres of the layer concerned by imbibition
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for implementing absorbency and distribution of the liquids in an absorbing device (1), said absorbing device (1) comprising at least: a first upper layer (2) of fibre consisting of woven/nonwoven fabric (TNT) in contact with the user's skin; a second layer (3) of fibre consisting of woven/non-woven fabric (TNT), in contact with said first layer (2), adapted to capture the liquids received from said first layer (2) and to distribute said liquids to a third layer below; a third layer (5) below adapted to capture and absorb the liquids received from said second layer (3). The method is characterised by subjecting said absorbing device (1) to an irradiation by ultraviolet rays (UV), such as to modify the distribution of the fibres of said second layer (3) by ordering them along a direction essentially perpendicular to the surface of the absorbing device (1) spread out and increasing the thickness of said second layer (3). The invention also concerns the absorbing device (1) obtained by this method.