Bi-Directional Tampon Ring Structure for Leak-Resistant Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cervical pads and tampons often leak during use and cannot be used during sexual intercourse, limiting their functionality and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directionally positionable tampon with an elastomeric ring and a covering comprising two pervious layers that support an absorbent pad, allowing for symmetrical placement adjacent to the cervical os, with the absorbent pad floatingly disposed between the layers to prevent tearing and enhance fluid absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cervical pads are designed with a single pervious layer, then manufacturing is simpler, but the user must orient the tampon correctly which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in reverse by creating a symmetric design where both layers of the covering are pervious. This symmetry eliminates the need for user orientation, as the tampon functions equally well regardless of which side faces the cervical os, thereby improving ease of operation without requiring complex user instruction.
Solution Approach 2:
Both layers of the covering are designed with pervious properties, making the tampon universally applicable regardless of orientation. This multi-functional design allows the same structure to perform the absorption function in either position, eliminating the need for user knowledge of which side is pervious and simplifying the operation.
2Strength
If the absorbent pad is fixedly attached to the elastomeric ring, then positioning is more stable, but the pad may tear during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the attachment function by introducing a third layer between the absorbent pad and the elastomeric ring. This intermediate layer acts as a buffer that decouples the pad from direct mechanical stress during insertion, allowing the pad to remain positioned without being directly attached to the ring, thus preventing tearing while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The third layer serves as a cushioning element that is already in place before insertion occurs. This pre-positioned layer absorbs and distributes the mechanical stress during insertion, protecting the absorbent pad from direct force and potential tearing, while still allowing the pad to be firmly positioned during normal use.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the elastomeric ring is made wider for better support, then the pad is more stable, but insertion becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric ring is designed with dynamic properties, being made of flexible elastomeric material that can deform under insertion force and then return to its original shape. This allows the ring to be compressed to a smaller width for easy insertion, then expand to provide wider support for the pad during normal use, resolving the contradiction between insertion ease and pad stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the elastomeric ring change during use - the width and shape are modified by applied force during insertion, then revert to the original state. This parameter change allows the ring to transition from a narrow insertion profile to a wider support profile, accommodating both ease of insertion and pad stability requirements.
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 tampon provides effective fluid absorption and can be used during sexual intercourse without leakage, offering enhanced user convenience and ease of placement due to its symmetrical design and floating absorbent pad configuration.
Implementation Method 1
The ring being elastomeric allows the tampon to be deformed under force for easy insertion into a vaginal opening and then reformed after force is released to its original or substantially original shape within the vaginal canal
Implementation Method 2
A covering comprising a first pervious layer (e.g., a first fabric layer) and a second pervious layer (e.g., a second fabric layer) disposed adjacent to the first pervious layer are attached to the elastomeric ring and disposed at least partially in the central aperture of the ring
Implementation Method 3
An absorbent pad is disposed in a cavity formed between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer of the covering to position the absorbent pad within the central aperture of the elastomeric ring
Data Source
AI summary
Bi-directionally positionable tampon configured to be disposed in a vaginal opening adjacent to a cervical os for absorbing and collecting vaginal discharge. The tampon includes an elastomeric ring to support an absorbent pad for collecting and absorbing bodily fluids. To support the absorbent pad, the elastomeric ring has a first circular-shaped edge and a second circular-shaped edge that surrounds the central aperture. A covering comprising a first pervious layer and a second pervious layer disposed adjacent to the first pervious layer is attached to the elastomeric ring and disposed at least partially in the central aperture of the ring. An absorbent pad is disposed in a cavity formed between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer of the covering. When the elastomeric ring is disposed in a vaginal opening, bodily fluid can pass through either the first and/or second pervious layers to reach the absorbent pad.