Bio-based Cotton Tampon Applicator Density Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disposable absorbent articles, particularly tampons, face challenges when using renewable materials, as cotton has lower absorbency per gram compared to rayon, requiring more cotton to achieve similar absorbency, leading to discomfort and leakage issues due to increased mass and compression needed for insertion.
Innovation Solution
The use of absorbent tampons made from 50% to 100% cotton fibers, compressed to a density of 0.25 to 0.45 grams per cubic centimeter, housed in a bio-based plastic applicator, which expands upon fluid contact to minimize leakage and maintain comfort during insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cotton absorbent is used to achieve renewable material goals, then environmental sustainability is improved, but the mass of the absorbent increases leading to discomfort and leakage issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the density parameter of the cotton absorbent from conventional higher density to a controlled range of 0.25-0.45 g/cm³. This parameter change allows the cotton to achieve the required absorbency with reduced mass while maintaining proper insertion characteristics through the applicator.
2Ease of operation
If higher compression is applied to fit larger mass of cotton into normal sized applicators, then insertion feasibility is improved, but expansion capability upon fluid contact deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the density parameter to a specific range (0.25-0.45 g/cm³) that balances compression feasibility with expansion capability. This density range allows the cotton to be sufficiently compressed for insertion while retaining enough structural integrity and porosity to expand properly upon fluid contact, preventing leakage.
3Ease of operation
If larger barrel applicators are used to accommodate larger mass of cotton, then insertion comfort is improved, but device complexity and user comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the density parameter of the cotton absorbent to 0.25-0.45 g/cm³, the patent reduces the mass required to achieve the same absorbency, allowing the use of standard-sized applicators without increasing device complexity or compromising insertion comfort.
4Productivity
If more cotton is used to achieve the same absorbency as rayon, then renewable material usage is improved, but the additional mass causes discomfort and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the density parameter of cotton to optimize its packing efficiency and absorbency characteristics. This parameter change allows cotton to achieve comparable absorbency to rayon with reduced mass by optimizing how the fibers are arranged and compressed, maintaining renewable material benefits while eliminating the mass-related disadvantages.
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 solution effectively expands upon fluid contact, reducing leakage and maintaining comfort, while utilizing renewable resources, achieving absorbency comparable to rayon-based tampons without the discomfort of larger applicators.
Implementation Method 1
The absorbent tampon is disposed within the insertion portion and comprises from about 50 percent to about 100 percent by weight cotton fibers... expands upon fluid contact to minimize leakage
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
An absorbent article comprising an applicator and an absorbent tampon is disclosed herein. The applicator has an insertion portion and a plunger portion, the plunger portion being movable within the insertion portion. The absorbent tampon is disposed within the insertion portion, and the absorbent tampon has a primary absorbent member. At least one of the applicator or absorbent tampon is made up of, at least in part, bio-sourced material.