Flexible Retention Web for Small Discharge Volumes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tampons are inappropriate for users with small menstrual flows, causing discomfort and irritation due to excessive material and potential damage during insertion and removal, and they do not align with environmental waste reduction goals.
Innovation Solution
A retention web designed for small volumes of bodily discharges, made from nonwoven textile or biodegradable materials, with a tubular applicator and radial elasticity, that can deliver therapeutic agents and adapt to the vaginal cavity's relief, minimizing friction and irritation, and featuring a string attachment that reduces removal trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a traditional tampon with substantial absorbent material is used, then it can retain moderate to substantial menstrual flows, but it causes pain, local irritation, and trauma to users with small discharge volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by offering multiple tampon variants with different absorbent core volumes (small, medium, large) to match different discharge volumes. The small tampon specifically reduces the quantity of absorbent material and overall device size to eliminate excessive contact with the vaginal wall, thereby resolving the irritation and trauma caused by oversized tampons in users with small discharge volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tampon market into distinct size categories (small, medium, large) based on discharge volume requirements. This segmentation allows users to select the appropriate tampon size, preventing the use of excessive absorbent material for small discharge volumes and thereby eliminating the harmful irritation and trauma effects.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large amount of absorbent material is used to ensure adequate absorption capacity, then the tampon can handle various flow volumes, but it creates unnecessary waste and environmental impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the parameter of absorbent material quantity across different product variants. Instead of producing one universal large tampon, the manufacturer produces small, medium, and large variants, each optimized for specific discharge volumes. This ensures adequate absorption capacity for each user's needs while minimizing waste material for those with smaller flows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing tampons with absorbent material quantities precisely matched to required absorption levels. Users with small discharge volumes receive small tampons with minimal necessary material, avoiding the excessive action of using large tampons that would create unnecessary waste.
3Reliability
If the string is securely attached to the center of the disc tampon, then it forms a reliable removal means, but it creates a hard spot that may damage the vaginal wall during use or removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by covering the string attachment area with a flexible layer of material that conforms to the vaginal wall. This flexible covering eliminates the hard spot effect of the string attachment while maintaining secure attachment strength, thereby preventing damage to the vaginal wall during insertion and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary material layer between the string attachment point and the vaginal wall. This intermediary layer acts as a buffer that maintains the reliability of string attachment while preventing the hard spot from directly contacting and damaging the vaginal wall.
4Quantity of substance
If a disc-shaped compressed absorbent material is used, then it can absorb standard or copious volumes of discharge, but it requires folding around the finger for insertion which may cause discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the tampon body flexible and capable of changing shape. The tampon can be compressed into a compact form for finger-based insertion and then expands to its functional shape inside the vaginal cavity. This dynamic transformation maintains adequate absorbent capacity while significantly improving insertion comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible material construction that allows the tampon to be folded and compressed around the finger for insertion while maintaining its absorbent capacity. The flexible structure enables easy manipulation and insertion without discomfort, then maintains adequate volume for absorption once deployed.
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 web provides enhanced comfort and reduces irritation by adapting to the vaginal cavity's shape, effectively managing small discharge volumes and allowing for the delivery of therapeutic agents while minimizing waste and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
with a tubular applicator and radial elasticity
Data Source
Figure 1~8
Figure 9~11
Figure 12~16
AI summary
A device and a method for manufacturing said device, the device comprising an applicator member and a flexible retention web (1 ) intended to be introduced into a vaginal cavity (17), said web being equipped with a means (7) for removal and being made from an a traumatic material whereof the dimensions are adapted so as to be able to retain and/or slow down bodily discharges of small quantity, characterized in that: - the applicator member comprises a body (8) that is at least partially hollow defining an internal storage volume (9), said body having a proximal end (10) on the one hand, and on the other hand, a distal end (1 1 ) intended to be inserted into the vaginal cavity of a user, said distal end having an open section emerging in the internal volume, - the web comprises a central zone (13) housed in the internal volume, and at least one peripheral zone (14) protruding from the body so as to cover at least the distal end of the body.