Water-Soluble Topsheet Coating for Skin-Friendly Sanitary Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sanitary articles cause skin irritation due to occlusion, moisture, and microbial factors, leading to deteriorated skin barriers, and existing hydrophobic compositions compromise absorbency.
Innovation Solution
A sanitary article with a water-soluble dry coating containing allantoin and betaine on the topsheet to enhance skin barrier function and prevent irritation, while maintaining absorbency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If hydrophobic compositions are applied to the topsheet to provide skin barrier protection, then skin irritation prevention is improved, but absorbency performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the coating from hydrophobic to water-soluble. The hydrophobic composition is replaced with a water-soluble composition containing skin-protective agents, which dissolves upon contact with moisture to provide skin benefits without forming a water-repellent barrier that would compromise absorbency.
Solution Approach 2:
The water-soluble coating is designed to be temporary and disposable, dissolving completely after providing its skin-protective function during the initial wear period. This allows the coating to serve its protective purpose without leaving residual hydrophobic material that would interfere with the absorbent core's performance.
2Quantity of substance
If hydrophobic compositions are applied in low amounts and in stripes to maintain absorbency, then absorbency performance is preserved, but skin barrier protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solubility parameter of the coating composition from hydrophobic to water-soluble, enabling the coating to dissolve and transfer active ingredients to the skin without forming a persistent hydrophobic barrier. This allows for more uniform and potentially higher coverage while maintaining absorbency.
Solution Approach 2:
The water-soluble coating acts as an intermediary that delivers skin-protective agents to the skin without creating a hydrophobic barrier. The coating dissolves in the moisture present at the skin interface, releasing its active ingredients and allowing bodily fluids to pass through to the absorbent core unimpeded.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If separate application of creams and ointments is used to treat skin irritation, then skin protection can be provided, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the skin-protective function with the sanitary article itself by incorporating the water-soluble coating directly onto the topsheet. This combines the benefits of a sanitary product with skin-care functionality into a single integrated product, eliminating the need for separate cream or ointment applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The sanitary article provides skin protection autonomously through its water-soluble coating, which automatically dissolves and transfers protective ingredients to the skin upon contact with moisture. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for the user to manually apply separate skin-care products.
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 combination of allantoin and betaine in a water-soluble coating provides a soothing and moisturizing effect, reducing skin irritation and improving skin barrier function, with effective transfer to the skin.
Implementation Method 1
The topsheet is provided with a water-soluble dry coating in a coated zone on a first side thereof. The first side of the topsheet is the wearer facing side of the topsheet and the dry coating is a water-soluble dry coating comprising allantoin and betaine.
Data Source
AI summary
A sanitary article, such as a sanitary pad, a pantyliner, a pant diaper or an open diaper, according to the present disclosure includes a fluid permeable topsheet and a backsheet. The sanitary article extends in a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction and has first and second longitudinal side edges and a front and a rear edge. The topsheet is provided with a dry coating in a coated zone on a first side thereof, the first side of the topsheet being the wearer facing side of the topsheet, the dry coating is a water-soluble dry coating comprising allantoin and betaine.