Washable Incontinence Undergarment With Removable Absorbent Pocket Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing incontinence products are single-use, generating waste and being expensive, while standard underwear offers little to no absorbency, causing discomfort and embarrassment for users.
Innovation Solution
A washable undergarment with a removable absorbent insert and a pocket system that includes water-resistant and absorbent layers, allowing for discreet and economical use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-use incontinence products are used, then absorbency and protection are provided, but waste generation increases and cost over time becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the discarding and recovering principle by designing a washable undergarment with an absorbent insert that can be reused multiple times. The insert is removed, washed, and reused, thereby recovering the absorbent material and eliminating the need to discard it after single use. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable absorbency and protection while significantly reducing waste generation and long-term cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the undergarment into a reusable main body and a removable absorbent insert. This segmentation allows the insert to be separately washed and reused, while the main body remains durable and washable. The segmentation enables the absorbent component to be recovered and reused, resolving the contradiction between providing reliable protection and reducing waste.
2Reliability
If single-use incontinence products are used, then absorbency is provided, but long-term cost becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers the absorbent insert by designing it to be washable and reusable. Instead of discarding the insert after single use, it is removed, washed, and reused for multiple cycles. This recovering approach maintains reliable absorbency while significantly reducing long-term cost by eliminating the need to continuously purchase new disposable products.
Solution Approach 2:
The undergarment system provides self-service through its washable, reusable design. The insert and main body can be washed and reused without requiring continuous external intervention to replace products. This self-service capability maintains absorbency reliability while reducing long-term expenditure by eliminating the need for continuous product replacement.
3Ease of operation
If standard underwear is used, then comfort and discretion are maintained, but absorbency and protection are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of standard underwear with incontinence protection by integrating an absorbent insert into a underwear-like main body. The combination maintains the comfort and discretion of standard underwear while adding the absorbency and protection needed for incontinence management. The insert is positioned within the crotch portion, preserving the external appearance and comfort of regular underwear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by placing the absorbent insert within the crotch portion of the undergarment main body. The insert is nested inside the pocket formed by the crotch portion, allowing the absorbent functionality to be contained within the structure of the underwear. This nesting maintains the external appearance and comfort of standard underwear while providing the necessary absorbency and protection.
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 undergarment provides effective absorbency, reduces waste, and is more comfortable and discreet, making it a cost-effective alternative to disposable options.
Implementation Method 1
The pocket outer wall is absorbent and configured to retain liquid therein the pocket
Implementation Method 2
The pocket outer wall forms a liquid collecting area
Implementation Method 3
The pocket inner wall is at least water-resistant and proximal to a wearer when the undergarment is worn
Implementation Method 4
The insert comprises a plurality of insert absorbent layers sandwiched between the two insert wicking layers, the insert wicking layers being configured to draw liquids toward the plurality of insert absorbent layers
Data Source
AI summary
An undergarment including a washable absorbent insert and a main body is disclosed. The main body includes a front portion, a rear portion, and a crotch portion having a pelvic end that adjoins the front portion and a buttock end that adjoins the rear portion. The crotch portion has a pocket for retaining the insert therein. The pocket is defined by a pocket outer wall and a pocket inner wall. The pocket outer wall is absorbent and configured to retain liquid therein the pocket. The pocket inner wall is at least water-resistant and proximal to a wearer when the undergarment is worn. The pocket inner wall has a face defining a longitudinal opening. The longitudinal opening is sized to allow for insertion and removal of the insert from the pocket. The longitudinal opening allows for liquid to be deposited directly on a wicking layer therein the pocket.