Intravaginal Applicator With Inverting Membrane for Clean Dosing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intravaginal medication applicators are limited by their inability to accommodate various forms of medication, are difficult to clean, often require two hands for use, and can release medication in messy clumps, particularly with estrogen-based creams.
Innovation Solution
A modified intravaginal medication applicator featuring a tube with a flexible member that creates an air chamber for medication storage, allowing single-handed operation and preventing messy releases by inverting the flexible member to deploy medication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional syringe type applicators are used, then medication can be deployed intravaginally, but the applicators do not accommodate all different forms of medication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a universal applicator design that can accommodate multiple medication forms (creams, gels, suppositories, pills) within a single device type. The applicator includes a chamber that can receive different medication forms and a deployment mechanism that works with all forms, eliminating the need for multiple specialized applicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator is divided into distinct functional segments: a medication chamber for storing different forms of medication, a deployment mechanism for releasing the medication, and a applicator body for insertion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall versatility.
2Reliability
If conventional applicators are used, then medication can be applied, but the applicators can be difficult to clean after each use
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is designed with separable components including a removable chamber and deployment mechanism that can be easily detached from the main body. This segmentation allows users to disassemble the applicator for thorough cleaning of all components, including areas that would be difficult to reach in a single-piece design.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator incorporates flexible membranes and smooth, non-porous surfaces that are easy to clean and sanitize. The flexible members can be thoroughly rinsed and sterilized without damage, maintaining their functionality while being simple to maintain hygiene.
3Ease of operation
If conventional applicators are used, then medication can be deployed, but the applicators may not be used entirely with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator includes a self-actuating deployment mechanism that utilizes the user's natural insertion motion and body heat to automatically deploy the medication. Once inserted, the applicator positions itself and releases the medication without requiring complex manual manipulation or two-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator incorporates dynamic elements such as flexible membranes and movable deployment components that automatically adjust and activate based on the insertion motion and body temperature. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for complex manual controls and allows single-handed operation.
4Reliability
If conventional applicators with estrogen are used, then medication can be applied, but the applicator causes a ball, chunk, lump, or clump of cream that can sometimes release out of the vagina in one piece and is messy
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator chamber is designed with segmentation features that divide the medication into smaller, controlled portions. The chamber geometry and deployment mechanism work together to release medication in fine particles or small droplets rather than large clumps, preventing messy discharge while maintaining delivery consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator utilizes changes in temperature and pressure parameters to control medication release. Body heat and the deployment mechanism's mechanical action transform the medication from a cohesive cream state into a dispersed form, ensuring consistent, non-messy delivery without requiring manual manipulation.
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 applicator effectively accommodates different medication forms, facilitates easy cleaning, and ensures controlled deployment without messy clumps, enhancing user convenience and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
When the air pocket is pressed by a user and the second end of the flexible member is inverted into the second end of the tube, air inside the air chamber may displace the first end of the flexible member from the first position to the second position
Data Source
AI summary
Various applicators are disclosed. The applicators may be used to deposit medication inside a vagina. In one embodiment, the applicator includes a tube and a bulb. The tube has a stiff cylindrical body having one end connected to the bulb and a flexible membrane arranged at a another end of the tube. The applicator is generally airtight and the orientation of the flexible membrane is controlled by squeezing the bulb. When the bulb is squeezed the flexible membrane inverts to outside the body when the bulb is released the flexible membrane and returns to inside the body.