Elastic Barrier Garment Resolves Slippage in STI Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prophylactics for oral sex are inadequate, as they often require manual handling, are unstable during use, provide insufficient coverage, and can lead to the transmission of STIs due to slippage and inadequate material properties, while also being unattractive and costly, which discourages their use.
Innovation Solution
A thin, non-porous, elastic, skin-tight barrier garment designed like an undergarment that provides comprehensive coverage without needing manual adjustment, is stable during use, and is aesthetically appealing, made from elastomeric materials that allow for full penetration and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional prophylactics (condoms, dental dams) are used for oral sex, then STI protection is provided, but they require manual handling and adjustment which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier garment is designed to be worn on the body like underwear, automatically staying in place through elastic compression and anatomical shaping. The garment self-adjusts to body movements and contours, eliminating the need for manual holding or frequent repositioning during sexual activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment uses thin film barriers (0.003-0.01 inches thick) made of elastomeric materials that conform to body contours. These flexible thin films provide effective STI protection while being imperceptible during use, allowing natural sensation and movement without rigid structures.
2Reliability
If traditional prophylactics are used, then some protection is provided, but they are unstable and slip during use reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is shaped to conform to the curved contours of the human body, with specific curvature in the genital region that matches anatomical surfaces. This curved design prevents slippage by distributing pressure evenly and maintaining contact with body contours during movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment uses varying elastomeric material properties throughout - thicker (0.006-0.01 inches) in high-friction areas for stability, and thinner (0.003-0.006 inches) in sensitivity areas for sensation. This parameter variation optimizes both stability and effectiveness.
3Reliability
If thicker barrier material is used, then STI protection is improved, but sensation for the recipient decreases and performer fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The garment employs non-uniform thickness with the thinnest material (0.003 inches) in the genital contact area for maximum sensation, gradually thickening toward the edges and back for enhanced protection. This local quality variation optimizes both protection and sensory experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment uses composite elastomeric materials with different properties in different layers - the inner layer contacting the genital area is extremely thin and highly elastic for sensation, while outer layers provide structural support and barrier integrity. This composite structure balances protection and pleasure.
4Area of stationary object
If excess material is included in the barrier, then coverage area is improved, but breathing difficulty and gagging increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is segmented into distinct functional zones: a minimal thin film in the oral cavity area for breathing, extended coverage panels for STI protection, and elastic compression zones for stability. This segmentation allows comprehensive protection without excess material in the mouth region.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment extends protection in multiple dimensions - thin film coverage over the genital area, extended panels along the thighs and abdomen, and three-dimensional shaping that accommodates body contours. This multi-dimensional approach provides comprehensive coverage without adding bulk in critical areas.
5Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parts are used in the barrier design, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The garment merges multiple functions into a single integrated piece - STI barrier protection, anatomical shaping for stability, elastic compression for fit, and aesthetic design - all manufactured as one seamless elastomeric component through dip-molding, eliminating assembly costs.
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 barrier garment effectively prevents STI transmission, enhances pleasure by maintaining stability and comfort, and is cost-effective and easy to use, addressing the limitations of existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
A thin, non-porous, elastic, skin-tight barrier garment designed like an undergarment
Data Source
AI summary
A barrier garment apparatus and methods of its use are provided. In an embodiment, the barrier garment apparatus is shaped like an undergarment and worn during oral-vaginal and/or oral-anal sex to protect another person's mouth, lips, tongue, saliva, nose, and breath from contact with the wearer's vulva, perineum, anus, and surrounding areas, in order to prevent the transmission of bacteria, sexually transmitted infections, fluids, tastes, and scents. The barrier garment apparatus is thin, substantially non-porous, elastic, effectively skin-tight, and aesthetically attractive. The barrier garment apparatus can be, for example, a device, a panty, a boyshort, a short, a lingerie item, a barrier, a garment, an undergarment, a membrane, a prophylactic, and/or a system.