Expandable Vaginal Absorptive Unit for Semen Odor Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional feminine hygiene products are inadequate for absorbing seminal fluid, leading to vaginal odor and discomfort due to their shape, material, and method of use, often failing to remove semen from remote regions of the vaginal cavity.
Innovation Solution
A device with a plunger and absorptive unit, including expandable polyurethane sponge elements, that deploys within the vaginal cavity to conform to anatomical features, absorbing semen effectively and reducing odor through materials like hyaluronic acid and boric acid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional feminine hygiene products (tampons, pads, cups) are used to absorb semen, then the products can absorb some fluid, but they fail to adequately absorb seminal fluid from remote regions of the vaginal cavity due to shape, material, and method of use limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The absorptive element is configured to expand from a compressed state within the applicator to a deployed state within the vaginal cavity. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt to the anatomical space, reaching remote regions including the vaginal apex and fornices, thereby resolving the contradiction between absorption capacity and anatomical conformance.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorptive element undergoes parameter changes in volume and shape as it transitions from the compressed configuration in the applicator to the expanded configuration in the vaginal cavity. This parameter change enables the device to achieve both adequate absorption capacity and proper anatomical conformance simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If conventional feminine hygiene products are used, then they can be easily inserted, but they cannot provide absorption in remote regions of the vaginal cavity such as the vaginal apex and fornices
Solution Approach 1:
The absorptive element is nested within the applicator in a compressed state during insertion, making the device easy to insert. Once inside the vaginal cavity, the absorptive element is deployed from the applicator and expands to reach remote regions. This nesting principle allows the device to maintain ease of operation while achieving large absorption coverage volume.
3Device complexity
If conventional materials are used in feminine hygiene products, then the products are simple in structure, but they are not sufficiently absorbent to adequately remove semen from the vaginal cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The absorptive element is made of porous material specifically selected for high seminal fluid absorption capability. This material choice enables the device to achieve sufficient absorption quantity without significantly increasing structural complexity, as the porosity is an intrinsic material property rather than a complex structural feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs composite material construction, combining the absorptive element made of high-absorption porous material with the applicator structure. This composite approach allows the device to achieve adequate semen absorption while maintaining relatively simple overall structure through the integration of specialized materials.
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 device enhances semen absorption and odor reduction by conforming to vaginal anatomy, providing higher absorption rates and maintaining vaginal hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
The absorptive unit can include an absorptive element affixed to a frame structure
Implementation Method 2
The absorptive element or at least one absorptive element of the plurality of absorptive elements can absorb fluid at an effective rate
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a shell including a proximal end and a distal end of the shell. The device also includes a plunger within the shell. The plunger can include a flexible stop at a proximal end of the plunger and a distal end. The device can further include an absorptive unit configured to absorb fluid within a vaginal cavity. The absorptive unit can be affixed to the distal end of the plunger. The absorptive unit can include an absorptive element affixed to a frame structure configurable to reversibly transition between a compressed and uncompressed configuration. The absorptive unit can also include a tether coupled to the absorptive unit via the frame structure. The tether can extend through the proximal end of the plunger. Related methods of use are also described.