Applicator Tampon Assembly Using Compressed Air Threading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for assembling applicator tampons face challenges in smoothly closing the outer tube due to the difficulty in inserting the tampon stopper and feeding the withdrawal thread, especially when using biodegradable plastics, which cannot be deformed for subsequent shaping.
Innovation Solution
A tubular mounting channel with a funnel-shaped second section and a side channel, utilizing compressed air to guide and extend the tampon withdrawal thread into the inner tube, allowing for easier assembly and ejection of the applicator tampon without requiring deformation of the outer tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the tampon stopper is inserted through the end face of the outer tube using a guide rail, then the assembly of components can be performed, but the closure of the end face becomes difficult and requires subsequent deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting channel is pre-configured with a funnel-shaped second section and side channel arrangement that guides the withdrawal thread into the inner tube before the outer tube is closed. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for subsequent deformation or complex closure operations, as the thread is already correctly positioned within the sealed end face.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting channel acts as an intermediary device that facilitates the simultaneous insertion of the tampon stopper and guidance of the withdrawal thread into the inner tube. The funnel-shaped section and side channel work together as mediating structures to achieve proper component alignment and thread positioning without requiring end face deformation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If biodegradable plastics are used for the outer tube, then environmental compatibility is improved, but subsequent deformation for closure is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting channel is designed to perform all necessary positioning and threading operations before the outer tube requires closure. The funnel-shaped second section and side channel ensure the withdrawal thread is already guided into the inner tube, allowing biodegradable outer tubes to be sealed in their original form without requiring subsequent deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical deformation-based closure system with a pre-positioning system using the mounting channel's geometric features. Instead of deforming the outer tube material to close it, the system uses the funnel-shaped section and side channel to guide components into place before sealing, enabling the use of biodegradable materials that cannot be deformed.
3Manufacturing precision
If the withdrawal thread is fed into the inner tube during assembly, then proper positioning is achieved, but the process becomes complex with multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting channel combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the first section receives the outer tube, the funnel-shaped second section guides the withdrawal thread, and the side channel positions the thread into the inner tube. This merging of functions into one component achieves precise thread positioning without requiring multiple separate assembly steps or complex positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting channel serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it holds the outer tube, guides the withdrawal thread, positions the inner tube, and enables end face closure. This multi-functional design achieves precise component positioning and thread placement through a single universal device, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining manufacturing precision.
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
This method simplifies the production of applicator tampons by enabling smooth assembly and closure of the outer tube, even with preformed or biodegradable materials, reducing effort and ensuring efficient production cycles.
Implementation Method 1
through the distal opening of the second section compressed air is blown into the assembly channel so that the tampon withdrawal thread is extended into the side channel
Implementation Method 2
compressed air is blown through the side channel into the assembly channel, so that the tampon withdrawal thread is extended into the inner applicator tube
Implementation Method 3
the applicator tampon is ejected from the mounting channel by means of compressed air, which enters the mounting channel through the distal opening of the second section
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for assembling applicator tampons which consist of a tampon plug with retrieving thread and a small outer tube and a small inner tube. It is the problem of the invention to simplify the manufacture of applicator tampons and, in particular, to avoid the subsequent closure of the applicator. A tampon with tampon retrieving thread and a small applicator inner tube are pressed into a small applicator outer tube by means of a plunger, wherein the small applicator outer tube is positioned in the first section of the assembly channel in such a way that the opening of the small applicator outer tube bears against the shoulder, the tampon is pushed through the second section of the assembly channel into the small applicator outer tube in such a way that the tampon retrieving thread remains in the second section of the assembly channel, compressed air is blown into the assembly channel through the distal opening of the second section, with the result that the tampon retrieving thread is extended into the side channel, the small applicator inner tube is positioned in the second section of the assembly channel in such a way that the opening of the side channel remains free, compressed air is blown through the side channel into the assembly channel, with the result that the tampon retrieving thread is extended into the small applicator inner tube, the small applicator inner tube is pushed into the small applicator outer tube until the final position thereof is reached, and finally the applicator tampon is ejected out of the assembly channel.