Collapsible Menstrual Cup With Segmented Absorbent Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feminine hygiene products, such as sanitary napkins and tampons, are either bulky and prone to leakage or disrupt the natural moisture balance of the vaginal canal, leading to risks like toxic shock syndrome.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible menstrual cup with discrete, flower-petal shaped absorbent elements that expand for use, housed between an impermeable and semi-permeable membrane to prevent leakage and maintain vaginal moisture balance, allowing for discreet and efficient fluid collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a unified layer of absorbent material is used, then the device can absorb menstrual fluids, but the material cannot be compressed to a flat shape for compact storage
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent material is divided into multiple discrete pieces rather than a single unified layer. These separate pieces can be compressed together into a flat, compact configuration for storage, and then expanded when needed for use. The segmentation allows the material to be both compressible for storage and functional when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The discrete absorbent pieces are nested within the cup structure, allowing them to be compacted into a flat state for storage while maintaining their absorbent functionality when expanded for use. The nesting enables compact storage without compromising the absorbent capacity when the device is deployed.
2Volume of moving object
If discrete absorbent pieces are used, then the device can be compressed to a flat shape, but the pieces may shift and create noise during use
Solution Approach 1:
A permeable barrier layer is introduced as an intermediary between the discrete absorbent pieces and the surrounding environment. This barrier layer holds the absorbent pieces in place, preventing them from shifting and creating noise, while still allowing menstrual fluids to pass through to the absorbent material. The barrier acts as a mediator that maintains stability without compromising absorbency.
3Ease of manufacture
If the absorbent material is made from a single sheet, then manufacturing is simpler, but the material cannot freely move and expand when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent material is segmented into discrete pieces rather than a single continuous sheet. This segmentation allows each piece to move and expand independently when the cup is deployed, providing better adaptability to the required volume while still maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of a single material source that is cut into separate pieces.
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 collapsible design prevents spillage, maintains vaginal health, and allows for compact storage without compromising functionality, providing a safe and effective means for sanitary disposal of menstrual fluids.
Implementation Method 1
The absorbent elements are formed from a hydrophilic material, or a material attracted to water. The volume of hydrophilic material is selected to absorb around eighteen grams of menstrual fluid
Implementation Method 2
The absorbent elements are formed from a hydrophilic material, or a material attracted to water
Implementation Method 3
The inner semi-permeable membrane includes regular, spaced penetrations to direct menstrual fluids to the absorbent elements
Implementation Method 4
The outer impermeable membrane prevents any non-absorbed menstrual fluids from leaking out of the device
Implementation Method 5
The two layers are sealed—by plastic welding, adhesive, or similar—around the absorbent elements, creating pockets. The sealing prevents rubbing between the layers, thus preventing noise
Data Source
AI summary
The collapsible menstrual cup prevents spillage by absorbing menstrual fluids. Separating the absorbent elements into discrete pieces allows for a nested, collapsed, flat state, and an expanded, separated state. Discrete pieces being individual elements able to move with respect to each other, in contrast to a unified layer of material that would fold when moved from a flat shape to a cupped shape. Thus, storing multiple devices on one's person is simplified without compromising functionality. The absorbent elements are shaped like flower petals, radiating outward from a central point. At the center is an optional central absorbent element. In the collapsed position the absorbent elements take positions in close proximity, nesting next to each other. In the expanded position for use, the absorbent elements spread out, allowing the reservoir to expand, preparing for use.