Adaptive Absorbent Articles with Integrated Sensors and AI

Publication ID: 24-11857397_0010_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Absorbent Articles with Integrated Sensors and AI,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857397_0010_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857397_0010_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,397.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A next-generation absorbent article that dynamically adjusts its conforming features in response to user activity levels, incorporating sensors, AI, and machine learning to optimize fluid absorption and distribution, and minimize environmental impact.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Absorbent article with conforming features', provided an innovative solution for absorbent articles, but its fixed conforming features limited its adaptability to changing user needs and activities. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by introducing adaptive conforming features that can dynamically adjust to user activity levels, providing improved fluid absorption and comfort.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept comprises a self-adaptive absorbent article with a conforming feature that integrates sensors and AI to detect changes in user activity levels and adjust its shape and structure accordingly. This is achieved through a modular design, allowing interchangeable conforming feature modules to be swapped out and replaced as needed. The conforming feature incorporates artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict and prevent fluid leakage, providing real-time feedback and alerts to the user. Additionally, the inventive concept envisions a wearable absorbent article that adapts to the user's body shape and movement patterns, and a biodegradable absorbent article that minimizes environmental impact while maintaining optimal fluid absorption and comfort.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in absorbent article technology by integrating sensors, AI, and machine learning to create adaptive conforming features. This is a significant departure from the fixed conforming features of the original patent, providing a more dynamic and responsive solution that addresses the limitations of traditional absorbent articles.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different types of sensors, AI algorithms, and machine learning models to optimize fluid absorption and distribution. Additionally, the modular design could be adapted for use in various types of absorbent articles, such as diapers, training pants, and adult incontinence pads.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The new inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the absorbent article market, particularly in the areas of wearable technology and sustainable products. The adaptive conforming features and integrated sensors and AI could provide a competitive advantage in the market, appealing to consumers who value comfort, convenience, and environmental responsibility.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61F13/15699
A A61 A61F13/15203
A A61 A61F13/15707
A A61 A61F13/15723
A A61 A61F13/15731
A A61 A61F13/15804
A A61 A61F13/472
A A61 A61F13/49011
A A61 A61F13/5116
A A61 A61F13/5121
A A61 A61F13/51108
A A61 A61F13/53
A A61 A61F13/536
A A61 A61F13/537
A A61 A61F13/53747
B B32 B32B5/022
B B32 B32B37/20
B B32 B32B38/0004
B B32 B32B38/06
D D04 D04H1/00
D D04 D04H1/04
D D04 D04H1/425
D D04 D04H1/732
D D04 D04H3/015
A A61 A61F2013/15406
A A61 A61F2013/15715
A A61 A61F2013/49093
A A61 A61F2013/5103
A A61 A61F2013/51019
A A61 A61F2013/51026
A A61 A61F2013/51028
A A61 A61F2013/53024
A A61 A61F2013/530233
A A61 A61F2013/530343
A A61 A61F2013/530481
B B32 B32B2555/02
D D10 D10B2401/021
D D10 D10B2509/026

Field of Art

Absorbent Article Design and Manufacturing, with expertise in biomechanical engineering, materials science, and adaptive textile technologies focused on personal hygiene products

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with advanced engineering or materials science degree, 3-5 years experience in absorbent product design, familiar with sensor integration, material adaptability, and fluid dynamics in personal care products

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating sensors and adaptive algorithms into absorbent articles represents a predictable technological evolution from static conforming features. The source patent's focus on conforming structures provides a clear technical foundation for introducing dynamic responsiveness through sensor and AI technologies. The modular design and activity-responsive features are logical extensions of existing absorbent article design principles, utilizing well-established engineering approaches to incrementally improve product performance.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Absorbent core with plurality of conforming features
PTD Variation
Integrating sensors to dynamically adjust conforming features based on user activity
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of adding electronic sensing capabilities to textile products, predictable result of improved product performance
Source Patent Element
Unitary airlaid absorbent core with cellulosic fibers
PTD Variation
Modular design allowing interchangeable conforming feature modules
Obviousness Reasoning
Design choice leveraging existing manufacturing techniques, finite set of predictable structural modifications
Source Patent Element
Absorbent article with specific stiffness and caliper ratios
PTD Variation
AI-driven algorithms to optimize fluid absorption and distribution
Obviousness Reasoning
Logical application of computational methods to improve existing performance metrics, known approach in adaptive material design
Source Patent Element
Disposable absorbent article with topsheet and backsheet
PTD Variation
Biodegradable materials integrated with smart conforming features
Obviousness Reasoning
Emerging trend in sustainable product design, combinable solution addressing environmental concerns
Source Patent Element
Conforming features across topsheet and absorbent core
PTD Variation
Wearable device integration for body movement adaptation
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable technological convergence between personal care products and wearable technology
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857397's teachings of conforming absorbent articles, the present disclosure demonstrates that a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the integration of sensor technologies, AI-driven adaptability, and modular design into absorbent articles an obvious technological progression. The disclosed variations represent incremental improvements utilizing known techniques and predictable combinations of existing technological approaches in personal care product design.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,397
TitleAbsorbent article with conforming features
Assignee(s)The Procter & Gamble Company