Tampon with multi-zone indicator thread and external sensor for detecting the saturation level of the tampon

Abstract

The tampon comprises a multi-zone indicator thread running longitudinally through the tampon body, the capillary, electrical or optical properties of which change depending on the degree of saturation, and an external, wearable sensor outside the body which is coupled to the indicator thread and is designed to detect and display the degree of saturation.

Description

1. Title of the invention

[0001] Tampon with multi-zone indicator thread and external sensor for detecting the saturation level of the tampon 2. Purpose of the invention

[0002] The invention enables precise, zone-based, and early detection of a tampon's saturation level during menstruation. This facilitates timely changing, hygienic handling, and clean and safe disposal of the used tampon. 3. Technical Problem

[0003] Conventional tampons do not offer a way to determine their fill level in real time. Users must change them based on feeling or time intervals, which can lead to uncertainty, unnecessary changes, hygiene risks, or delayed disposal. An objective, reliable, and external method for detecting the saturation level does not currently exist. 4. Technical field

[0004] The invention belongs to the field of medical technology, hygiene products, sensors, wearables and systems for monitoring fluid absorption in absorbent personal hygiene articles. 5. Purpose of the invention

[0005] Provision of a tampon that reliably detects and displays the saturation level using a multi-zone indicator thread and an external sensor to enable timely changing, clean treatment and hygienic disposal. 6. Solution to the task

[0006] The task is accomplished using a tampon containing a longitudinally oriented, multi-zone indicator thread. This thread is connected to an external sensor worn outside the body. The indicator thread transmits capillary, electrical, or optical changes to the sensor, which analyzes them and determines the tampon's saturation level. The sensor can generate an optical, electrical, or digital signal and optionally transmit it to a device via Bluetooth. 7. Solution approach of the invention • Multi-zone indicator thread with graduated absorption or conductivity ranges • Connecting the thread to an external, reusable sensor (e.g., a clip on underwear) • Detection through capillary, electrical or optical properties • Evaluation by microelectronics in the sensor • Output of a warning signal when defined saturation levels are reached • Support for timely disposal and hygienic handling 8. Components 8.1 Mechanical Module • Tampon body made of absorbent material • Multi-zone indicator thread • Pull-out thread (optionally combined with the indicator thread) 8.2 Electrical Module • External sensor (e.g., yellow clip) • Evaluation electronics • Communication module (Bluetooth, LED, acoustic signal) • Power supply (e.g. button cell or rechargeable) 9. Functionality and advantages • Real-time detection of the saturation level • Zone-specific analysis (e.g., peak, mid-range, end-range) • Early warning of potential leakage • Reduction of unnecessary changes • Increased hygiene, comfort and safety • Enables timely disposal of the used tampon • Supports clean, hygienic treatment and handling • Reusable sensor reduces waste • Possibility of app integration 10. Compatibility with standard products • Tampon shape and size compatible with standard tampons • Modular, external, and reusable sensor • No changes to the usual usage by the user 11. Summary of the advantages • Precise and objective saturation detection • Modular design (disposable tampon + reusable sensor) • Hygienic, clean handling • Timely replacement and disposal • Improved safety and comfort • Digital expandability (app, statistics, warning system) 12. State of the art

[0007] Currently, there are no tampons with integrated sensors or indicator threads for active saturation detection. Known products are purely passive and offer no feedback on the fill level. 13. Comparison to the state of the art

[0008] The invention represents the first solution that combines an external, reusable sensor unit with a multi-zone indicator thread. This enables objective, reliable, and hygienic monitoring of the saturation level, which is not available in the prior art. 14. Degree of innovation

[0009] The combination of: • multi-zone indicator thread, • external sensor unit, • zone-based evaluation, • Digital signaling represents a novel, technologically advanced and patentable solution. 15. Ergonomic and sustainable features • Sensor reusable and durable • Biodegradable tampon possible • No impairment of application or wearing comfort • Promotes hygienic, clean handling and timely disposal • Waste reduction through modular construction

Claims

[1] Tampon comprising a multi-zone indicator thread running longitudinally through the tampon body, the capillary, electrical or optical properties of which change depending on the degree of saturation, and an external, wearable sensor outside the body which is coupled to the indicator thread and is designed to detect and display the degree of saturation. [2] Hygiene product according to claim 1, characterized by that the multi-zone indicator thread can also be integrated into other absorbent hygiene products, especially sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinence products or similar absorbent disposable products. [3] Hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the indicator thread comprises at least two, preferably three or more zones with different absorption or conductivity properties. [4] Hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the external sensor is designed as a reusable module and is attached to the underwear by means of a clip or retaining element. [5] Hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the indicator thread is combined with the pull-out thread or guided parallel to it. [6] Hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the external sensor includes an optical, electrical, or digital evaluation unit. [7] Hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sensor generates a warning signal as soon as a defined saturation level is reached. [8] Hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sensor includes a communication module that transmits data wirelessly, preferably via Bluetooth, to an external terminal device. [9] Hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the invention supports the timely disposal of the used hygiene product. [10] Hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the invention enables clean and hygienic handling. [11] Hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the tampon or hygiene product is compatible in shape, size and material with commercially available products and that the sensor is modular and reusable. [12] Hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the external sensor is designed to be water-resistant or waterproof, so that moisture, condensation or splashing water does not impair the function of the sensor. [13] Hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the external sensor is designed to be shock-resistant, so that mechanical influences such as shocks, vibrations or pressure do not impair the function of the sensor. [14] Hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the external sensor includes a replaceable or rechargeable energy source, in particular a button cell, a micro battery or an inductively rechargeable energy module. [15] Hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the external sensor can be attached using various clip options, in particular spring clips, magnetic clips, clamp clips or textile holders. [16] Hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the external sensor includes an optical display unit that visually represents the saturation level. [17] Hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the optical display unit includes at least one LED that uses different color codes to indicate different saturation levels. [18] Hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the external sensor is designed for repeated use over several menstrual cycles and can be safely stored between cycles. [19] Hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the external sensor includes a shutdown function or a power-saving mode, thereby reducing energy consumption and extending battery life.

Images