Reusable Dual Durometer Menstrual Collection Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional menstrual discharge collection devices, such as sanitary napkins and tampons, are bulky, cause odor and leakage issues, lead to contamination and infection risks, and are uncomfortable and expensive to manufacture, while existing internal devices are difficult to insert and remove, uncomfortable, and unreliable.

Innovation Solution

A reusable disc-shaped device made from dual durometer materials, featuring a hinge-enabled half-spherical dome catch that allows for easy cleaning and adjustment to fit different cervix physiologies, formed from a single or two molds using injection molded high-temperature resistant thermoplastic rubber, providing a flexible and antimicrobial solution for menstrual fluid collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional menstrual discharge collection devices (sanitary napkins and tampons) are used, then menstrual fluid can be collected, but the devices become bulky, cause odor and leakage, lead to contamination and infection risks, and are uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollection reliabilityVSAvoidodor, leakage, contamination, infection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical absorptive system of conventional tampons and napkins with a collection system that uses fluid dynamics and pressure differential. The device collects menstrual fluid through a collection chamber that maintains negative pressure relative to the vaginal environment, allowing fluid to be drawn in passively without mechanical absorption materials that cause bulk and odor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs flexible thin-film walls for the collection chamber that can expand and contract while maintaining structural integrity. These thin films allow the device to be compact when empty yet accommodate fluid collection without becoming bulky, while also enabling comfortable insertion and removal through vaginal canal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If internal menstrual discharge collection devices are used, then collection is more effective, but insertion and removal become difficult and uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollection effectivenessVSAvoidinsertion and removal ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates a dynamic rim structure that can change shape between insertion and use states. During insertion, the rim is compressed to a smaller profile that fits easily through the vaginal opening. Once in position, the rim expands to its natural circular shape to provide stability and comfort during wear, and can be compressed again for easy removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into functionally distinct segments: a flexible collection chamber, a structured rim for positioning, and a closure mechanism. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the collection chamber for fluid gathering, the rim for ease of insertion/removal, and the closure for secure sealing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If reusable devices are used, then cost is reduced, but cleaning and sanitization become necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing economyVSAvoidcleaning and sanitization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The closure mechanism is designed as a removable component that can be detached from the collection chamber. This extraction of the closure allows the main body to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized by passing fluid through the open chamber, while the closure itself can be separately disinfected, simplifying the overall sanitization process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates porous filtering materials in strategic locations that allow menstrual fluid to pass through while trapping particulate matter. These porous structures are designed to be resistant to bacterial growth and can be easily cleaned by flushing, reducing the complexity of sanitization procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Data Source

PatentUS11857455B2Reusable dual durometer polymeric menstrual discharge collection device

Publication Date: 2024.01.02 CASCO BAY MOLDING

AI summary

A reusable menstrual discharge collection device is described comprising: dual durometer article that forms a menstrual discharge disc-shaped collection device with a half spherical dome catch where the half spherical dome catch includes a continuous circumferential top and bottom portion, and wherein the continuous top portion is attached to a continuous uniform flexible hinge that is placed along an entire circumferential uniform upper portion of the half spherical dome catch and wherein the hinge also forms a base for and is connected to a 360-degree continuous uniform circumferential rim section such that the hinge allows the half spherical dome catch to be in both an inverted use position/configuration that allows movement of the catch toward the rim section allowing for adjustability to fit multiple cervix physiologies and the elongated configuration allows for ease of manufacturing and cleaning.