Reusable Storage for Elastic Constriction Rings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elastic constriction rings used for maintaining erections are difficult to clean and maintain hygiene due to their reusable nature, lacking effective cleaning and storage solutions.

Innovation Solution

A reusable packaging and storage article with a frusto-conical pillar and tubular cavity design that suspends the ring above the base, promoting airflow for drying and featuring a frictional closure mechanism for easy handling and secure storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the ring is placed directly on the base of the cavity for storage, then it is easy to retrieve, but airflow is blocked and drying effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of retrievalVSAvoiddrying effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The pillar elevates the ring from the base plane into the vertical dimension, creating space for airflow beneath the ring while maintaining easy accessibility. The ring rests on the pillar apex rather than the cavity base, transitioning from direct contact to suspended positioning that enables drying.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the perimeter lip is positioned high for secure closure, then the members engage firmly, but the ring surface area exposed for user grip is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure securityVSAvoidease of removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The perimeter lip is positioned at optimal height to provide sufficient closure security while maximizing the exposed ring surface area. The lip height is specifically designed to balance two local requirements: securing the cap to the base and exposing enough ring surface for user grip and removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a complex closure mechanism is added to secure the ring, then retention is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvering retentionVSAvoidclosure mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frictional engagement between cap and base perimeter lips creates a self-locking closure mechanism that secures the ring without requiring additional fasteners, latches, or complex mechanisms. The simple pressed-fit design allows easy opening and closing by the user while maintaining reliable retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Facilitates effective drying and storage of elastic constriction rings by ensuring airflow and providing a secure, easy-to-use closure mechanism for hygiene and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

an inner surface of the aperture in the elastic constriction ring makes contact with the pillar to secure the ring in frictional engagement with the pillar

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

promote airflow around a portion of the ring to permit effective drying thereof post-cleaning

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

the perimeter lips of both the bottom member and the top member are sized to form frictional contact with each other when the top member and the bottom member are engaged with each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3250470B1Reusable packaging and storage article
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 RECKITT BENCKISER HEALTH LTD
  • EP3250470B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3250470B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A reusable packaging and storage article for an elastic constriction ring is described wherein the article comprises a top member and a bottom member configured to releasably engage with each other, wherein the bottom member comprises: a cavity of substantially circular shape having a perimeter lip with an inner and outer surface to house, in use, a portion of the elastic constriction ring; and an at least partially pillar extending from a substantially central portion of the cavity; and wherein a summit of the pillar has a diameter less than the diameter of a central aperture of the elastic constriction ring, and a lower portion of the pillar has a diameter greater than the diameter of a central aperture of the elastic constriction ring; and wherein the top member comprises: a cavity of substantially circular shape having a perimeter lip with an inner and outer surface to house, in use, a portion of the elastic constriction ring, wherein the diameter of an inner surface of the perimeter is the same or greater than the diameter of the outer surface of the perimeter lip of the bottom member. A consumer product is also described.