Hinged Condom Applicator Retention and Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing condom applicators fail to effectively retain and smoothly guide condoms of varying sizes during application, leading to premature release and potential damage to the condom material.

Innovation Solution

A condom applicator with hingedly connected halves, featuring arcuate guiding members and radially extending receiving loops that allow for secure retention and easy gripping, enabling the applicator to accommodate different condom diameters and reduce friction during use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a filamentary loop or annular frame is used as the applicator structure, then the applicator can be simple in structure, but it fails to effectively retain and guide condoms of varying sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different condom diametersVSAvoidretention of condom during application

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is divided into two hingedly connected halves, each comprising a retention means and gripping member. This segmentation allows the applicator to adapt to different condom sizes while maintaining secure retention through the paired structure that can be compressed together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinged connection between the two halves allows dynamic adjustment of the applicator's internal diameter to match different condom sizes. The halves can be moved apart for insertion and closed together for retention, providing both adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the applicator structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but the applicator cannot provide secure retention and smooth guidance for condoms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicator fabricationVSAvoidsmooth application and retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retention means and gripping member are merged into integrated components on each applicator half. The retention means comprises arcuate guiding members with receiving loops that both retain the condom and guide its movement, eliminating the need for separate retention and guidance mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator halves are made from flexible material that can deform during insertion and application. This flexibility allows the simple structure to adapt to the condom and provide secure retention while maintaining ease of manufacture through injection molding or similar processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Stability of the object's composition

If the applicator halves are rigidly connected, then the structure is stable, but the applicator cannot be easily manipulated and applied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidhandling and application

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinged connection provides dynamic stability - the applicator halves can move relative to each other during handling and application, but maintain a stable closed position during use. The hinge axis parallel to the condom axis allows natural alignment while enabling manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge acts as an intermediary mechanism between the two halves, allowing controlled movement while maintaining structural connection. This intermediary joint enables easy manipulation for insertion while providing stability once the condom is properly positioned.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If the receiving loops are positioned close together, then retention is secure, but the applicator cannot accommodate larger condom diameters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecondom retention securityVSAvoidrange of condom sizes accommodated

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The distance between receiving loops on opposite halves is dynamically adjustable through the hinged connection. When halves are closed together, loops are close for secure retention; when halves are spread apart, the applicator accommodates larger condom diameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Dividing the applicator into two halves allows the receiving loops to be positioned on separate segments that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation enables the loops to maintain secure spacing when closed while allowing the overall structure to expand for different sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2394615B1Condom applicator

Publication Date: 2015.10.14 WINGMAN CONDOMS

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6B

AI summary

A condom applicator (10,50,60) comprises two hingedly connected halves (61a,61b,70a,70b). Each halve comprises a receiving means (1a,1b,64) for the rolled up part (2) of the condom. Furthermore each halve comprises a gripping member (4,63) for gripping each of the halves for moving them apart.