Expandable Vaginal Absorptive Unit for Semen and Odor Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional feminine hygiene products are inadequate for absorbing seminal fluid, leading to vaginal odor and increased risk of infections due to semen persisting in the vaginal cavity, particularly in remote regions like the vaginal apex and fornices.
Innovation Solution
A device with a plunger and absorptive unit, including expandable absorptive elements and a frame structure, designed to deploy and conform to the vaginal cavity for enhanced semen absorption, featuring materials like thermoplastic elastomers and polyurethane sponges, which can absorb semen at higher rates and reduce odor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional feminine hygiene products (tampons, pads, cups) are used, then menstrual fluid absorption is achieved, but seminal fluid absorption is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the absorptive element from conventional tampon/pad materials to highly absorbent polymers specifically selected for seminal fluid absorption. The absorptive element is configured with specific dimensional parameters (length, width, thickness) optimized for vaginal cavity anatomy, enabling effective semen absorption rather than menstrual fluid absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple functions in one product: the absorptive element simultaneously provides high-capacity semen absorption, odor reduction through enclosed design, and anatomical adaptation through flexible configuration. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate products for different fluid types.
2Quantity of substance
If self-evacuation or manual insertion of paper products is used, then some semen removal is achieved, but absorption in remote regions (vaginal apex and fornices) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The absorptive element transitions from a two-dimensional flat configuration to a three-dimensional expanded configuration within the vaginal cavity. This dimensional transformation enables the absorptive element to reach and absorb semen from remote regions including the vaginal apex and fornices, significantly increasing coverage area beyond what flat paper products can achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorptive element is designed to dynamically change shape and expand within the vaginal cavity to conform to anatomical features. This dynamic adaptation allows the element to reach remote areas and maintain contact with semen throughout the absorption process, rather than remaining in a fixed position.
3Ease of operation
If conventional products are used, then vaginal opening proximity absorption is achieved, but remote region absorption is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the absorption function into distinct zones within the absorptive element, with different regions optimized for different anatomical locations. This segmentation allows simultaneous absorption at the vaginal opening and in remote regions, ensuring complete semen removal while maintaining simple insertion through the unified device structure.
4Reliability
If semen persists in vaginal cavity, then no immediate discomfort occurs, but vaginal odor develops and infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of semen persistence (odor and infection risk) into a benefit by using the absorptive element to actively seek out and absorb semen throughout the vaginal cavity. The very presence of semen, which causes harm when persistent, becomes the target of rapid absorption, preventing odor development and infection before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorptive element is designed to perform preliminary absorption action immediately upon insertion, preventing semen from persisting long enough to cause odor or infection. The element proactively absorbs semen before harmful effects can develop, rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.
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 effectively absorbs semen from a larger portion of the vaginal cavity, reducing odor and minimizing infection risks by conforming to anatomical features and providing high absorption rates, even in varied vaginal anatomies.
Implementation Method 1
The absorptive element can include an expandable polyurethane sponge configured to absorb semen
Implementation Method 2
absorb seminal fluid through capillary action and adsorption
Implementation Method 3
The absorptive element can include an expandable polyurethane sponge configured to expand within the vaginal cavity and conform to anatomical features
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.