Feminine Care Applicator Tip Design for Petal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicators for feminine care devices face design limitations due to petal bending at their bases during the post-doming process, leading to an aggressively tapered insertion tip that may appear uncomfortable and cause expulsion difficulties, especially with longer petals that tend to overlap and become stuck.
Innovation Solution
The applicator insertion tip features a non-uniform taper with varying wall thickness angles and inflection points, including vertical ribs and bridging material between petals, to enhance flexural resistance and prevent premature bending, while maintaining a comfortable and functional design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If relatively long petals are used to reduce the force required to open the petals, then the expulsion force is improved, but the applicator tip becomes too tapered and pointy looking which gives the appearance of uncomfortable insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different wall thicknesses to different regions of the applicator. The insertion tip has a greater wall thickness than the barrel, creating a non-uniform thickness profile. This local variation in thickness allows the tip to maintain structural integrity and a less tapered appearance while still permitting the petals to function properly with reduced opening force.
2Ease of operation
If relatively long petals are used, then the expulsion force is improved, but the petals tend to overlap at their distal ends and become stuck causing expulsion to be difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a non-uniform wall thickness profile where the insertion tip has greater thickness than the barrel. This localized thickness variation provides structural support at the tip region, preventing petal overlap and sticking at the distal ends while still allowing the petals to flex and open properly for device expulsion.
3Ease of manufacture
If the petals are repositioned inwardly through pressure and heat during post-doming, then the applicator is closed to secure the device, but the petals tend to flex at their bases limiting design options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a non-uniform wall thickness profile with the insertion tip being thicker than the barrel. This localized thickness provides enhanced structural support at the tip during the post-doming process, allowing petals to be repositioned inwardly without excessive flexing at their bases. This enables greater design flexibility for petal geometry and arrangement while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
Applicators for inserting feminine care devices into the body are provided. The applicators include an applicator barrel having unique insertion tip designs. The insertion tips employ a plurality of petals that can have an inflection or bending point above the bases of the petals.