Vacuum Dry Diaper for Urinary Adult Incontinence

Manufacturing VDD
The process begins with manufacture of a regular commercial adult disposable diaper without any superabsorbent polymer (SAP). The design is modified to add an internal pouch to hold the suction device. The modification required in the diaper manufacturing machine is quite minimal; it only needs installation of a special hot melt gun with an expected total investment well under US$50K per line.
The suction device is independent of the diaper. It can be produced separately (or outsourced) and is a disposable component of the system. It is made of a flexible hose connected to a liquid sensitive valve and a metallic cup, similar to a small bottle cap. There is a reusable external vacuum generator, which is a flexible plastic reservoir with an internal spring. This too can be manufactured separately, or outsourced.


How does it work?
The hose of the suction device is inserted into the pre-made pouch either by the user or the nurse, and is held in position by an external reusable magnet. Then the hose is connected to a reusable vacuum generator, which is a flexible plastic reservoir with an internal spring; it is designed to generate the required vacuum while holding the extracted urine. Using two check valves it is possible to drain the urine from the reservoir by simply squeezing the container with hand and regenerating the vacuum at the same time, making the system ready for a new urine extraction cycle.
The VDD diaper is subjected to a high vacuum. The vacuum is not lost while waiting for the urine because the liquid sensitive valve remains closed. The valve melts when the diaper is first insulted; the warm urine quickly melts the liquid sensitive valve as it is made of exactly the same materials as are used to manufacture medicine capsules. Once this valve is melted, the hose connects to the vacuum generator and the urine extraction process begins. When the absorbent fibers are wet, they immediately collapse and their thickness reduces significantly. The external magnet located outside of the backsheet forces the suction cup to further compress the absorbent fibers, creating an excellent seal between the metal cup and the wet fibers. The final result is the extraction of the urine with a minimal intake of gas, making the system extremely efficient in removing urine and keeping the skin dry and comfortable.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Vacuum Dry Diaper
• Carlos Richer
• Virginio Marconato