Condom Surface Texture for Haptic Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Condoms for men often pose challenges in identifying the outside from the inside during unrolling, leading to incorrect placement and potential damage or failure in providing contraception and STI protection, especially in low-light conditions and when lubricated, which complicates handling and increases the risk of incorrect orientation.
Innovation Solution
A condom design featuring a surface structure on the outside, specifically in the sperm reservoir section, that enhances haptic perception and grip, allowing easier identification and handling by touch, thereby simplifying the unrolling process and ensuring correct orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a smooth surface is used on the condom, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the haptic perceptibility and grip are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding surface structures (protrusions, recesses, or texture patterns) only to specific regions of the condom, particularly the second section (reservoir area), while keeping other areas smooth. This localized approach enhances haptic perceptibility where needed without unnecessarily complicating the entire condom structure or manufacturing process.
2Loss of information
If no surface structure is added, then the condom design remains simple, but the identification of outside vs inside is difficult in low-light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry by creating an uneven surface structure on the outside of the condom that is distinctly different from the inside surface. This asymmetric design allows users to easily distinguish the outside from the inside through tactile feedback, with the surface structures (such as protrusions or patterns) being present only on the external surface, providing clear orientation information without requiring complex additional components.
3Ease of operation
If the entire condom has surface structure, then haptic perception is maximized, but the surface structure should not cover the entire length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the condom into distinct sections with different surface characteristics. The surface structures are concentrated in the second section (reservoir area) and do not extend along the entire length of the condom. This segmented approach provides adequate grip and haptic feedback in the critical handling area while maintaining simplicity and comfort in other regions, avoiding unnecessary complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3b
Figure 4a~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a contraceptive for men, which extends substantially along the longitudinal axis in at least one state. The contraceptive has a first section and a second section, the second section being situated at an end of the contraceptive as seen in the longitudinal direction. The arrangement according to the invention is characterised in that the second section has a surface structure on the outside, at least in some sections.