Absorbent Menstrual Cup with Segmented Reservoir Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feminine hygiene products, such as sanitary napkins and tampons, suffer from bulkiness, leakage, and the risk of toxic shock syndrome due to direct contact with vaginal tissues, which disrupts the natural moisture balance and can lead to severe health issues.
Innovation Solution
A flexible absorbent menstrual cup with a multi-layered reservoir that separates the absorbent material from the vaginal walls, featuring a non-removable absorbent layer to prevent fluid absorption and leakage, and includes a flexible rim with grooves for fluid flow and outer projections for easy handling, constructed from biodegradable materials for single-use disposable convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If tampons are used to absorb menstrual fluids through direct contact with vaginal walls, then absorbency is improved, but the risk of toxic shock syndrome increases due to disruption of vaginal moisture balance
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional layers: an outer reservoir layer for fluid collection, a middle absorbent layer for fluid absorption, and an inner non-absorbent layer that contacts the vaginal wall. This segmentation allows the absorbent layer to be separated from direct contact with vaginal tissues, eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining the useful absorption function.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner non-absorbent layer acts as an intermediary between the absorbent middle layer and the vaginal wall. This intermediary layer prevents direct contact between the absorbent material and vaginal tissues, thereby maintaining vaginal moisture balance and preventing toxic shock syndrome while still allowing the absorbent layer to perform its function.
2Quantity of substance
If absorbent material directly contacts vaginal walls for fluid absorption, then menstrual fluid collection is improved, but beneficial vaginal fluids are also absorbed disrupting natural balance
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the absorption function from direct vaginal contact through the three-layer structure. The inner non-absorbent layer specifically prevents contact between absorbent material and vaginal walls, thereby preventing loss of beneficial vaginal fluids while maintaining menstrual fluid collection capability.
3Loss of substance
If reusable absorbent cups are used to reduce waste, then environmental impact is reduced, but cleaning and reuse introduces contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed as a disposable single-use product that can be safely discarded after one use. This eliminates the contamination risks associated with cleaning and reusing absorbent materials, while the biodegradable components minimize environmental impact compared to traditional single-use products.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses composite materials including biodegradable components that can be safely disposed of. The combination of different materials (reservoir layer, absorbent layer, non-absorbent layer) creates a structure that is both functional and environmentally responsible when disposed of properly.
4Quantity of substance
If the absorbent layer is made thick to increase absorption capacity, then menstrual fluid absorption is improved, but the device becomes bulkier and less comfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The middle absorbent layer is designed with local quality - it is positioned only where needed between the reservoir and vaginal wall, and its thickness is optimized to provide sufficient absorption capacity without excessive bulk. The layer conforms to the available space in the vaginal canal.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent middle layer is nested within the reservoir structure, utilizing the space efficiently. The layered configuration allows the absorbent material to be contained within the overall device structure, minimizing external dimensions while maintaining internal absorption capacity.
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 absorbent menstrual cup effectively collects menstrual fluids without disrupting vaginal balance, reducing the risk of toxic shock syndrome, allowing safe wear for extended periods and easy disposal, while maintaining comfort and preventing unclean handling.
Implementation Method 1
The inner reservoir layer is a fine mesh, nonstick material, or a perforated sheet comprised of a non-absorbent material
Implementation Method 2
The one or more middle reservoir layers are absorbent, gathering the menstrual fluid and containing it
Implementation Method 3
The outer reservoir layer is impervious to liquids. This both prevents menstrual fluid from seeping out of the absorbent menstrual cup and vaginal fluids from being absorbed into the device
Implementation Method 4
The flexible rim must be of sufficient thickness and resilience to maintain the shape of the absorbent menstrual discharge device
Data Source
AI summary
The absorbent menstrual cup solves the problem of spillage while removing a menstrual cup by combining a flexible menstrual cup with a non-removable absorbent layer.