Flushable Tampon Applicator Using Water-Soluble Thermoplastic
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current plastic tampon applicators are not biodegradable, making disposal challenging and potentially hazardous, and attempts to use water-dispersible materials have been unsuccessful due to costly and energy-intensive solution processing.
Innovation Solution
A thermoplastic composition comprising a cellulose derivative, synthetic water-soluble polymer, and plasticizer, which can be injection molded into a flushable tampon applicator that disintegrates in water, addressing the need for a biodegradable and comfortable applicator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If water-dispersible materials such as cellulose derivatives or polyvinyl alcohol are used in tampon applicators, then the applicator becomes flushable and biodegradable, but the materials must be solution processed which is a slow, costly, and energy-intensive process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing parameters from solution processing to injection molding by modifying the physical state and processing temperature of the cellulose derivative composition, enabling rapid production while maintaining biodegradability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex solution processing mechanism with a simpler injection molding process, substituting a time-consuming chemical processing method with a efficient mechanical forming method
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cellulose derivative is used to create a flushable applicator, then the applicator can be disposed of in water, but the material must be solution processed which increases energy requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing approach from solution-based to injection molding-based, fundamentally altering the energy consumption profile by eliminating the need for high-energy solution processing while maintaining water dispersibility
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cardboard applicators are used, then the applicator is biodegradable, but the cardboard must be coated to decrease the coefficient of friction which adds cost and environmental harm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a biodegradable cellulose derivative material that can be directly injection molded without requiring protective coatings, eliminating the coating step and its associated environmental harm while maintaining the biodegradable characteristic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system where the cellulose derivative is combined with processing aids and plasticizers that enable direct injection molding without coatings, achieving both biodegradability and low friction properties in a single material system
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 composition allows for the creation of a flushable tampon applicator that disintegrates in tap water within 18 hours, providing a biodegradable and environmentally friendly solution for disposal while maintaining comfort and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the thermoplastic composition comprises a cellulose derivative; a synthetic water-soluble polymer; and a plasticizer
Implementation Method 2
A thermoplastic composition comprising a cellulose derivative, synthetic water-soluble polymer, and plasticizer, which can be injection molded into a flushable tampon applicator
Data Source
AI summary
A tampon applicator that is water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water is provided. The tampon applicator can be discreetly disposed of in a toilet without the risk of clogging sewer pipes. The tampon applicator includes a molded thermoplastic composition containing a cellulose derivative, a synthetic water-soluble polymer, and a plasticizer. The desired water-sensitive characteristics of the tampon applicator may be achieved in the present invention by selectively controlling a variety of aspects of the thermoplastic composition from which the applicator is formed, such as the nature of the components employed, the relative amount of each component, the manner in which the composition is formed, and so forth.