Lubricating Capsule Applicator for Sustained Vaginal Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for augmenting vaginal lubrication, such as commercial lubricants applied externally, are ineffective as they are sheared off during intercourse, failing to replicate the body's natural lubrication process which secretes lubricant from deep within the vaginal lumen.
Innovation Solution
A soft, bio-absorbable capsule containing lubricant is pierced and inserted into the body cavity, where muscular contractions and contact with an object like a penis cause continuous lubricant release along the vaginal walls, mimicking the body's natural lubrication process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lubricant is applied externally at the vaginal opening, then lubrication is provided initially, but the lubricant is sheared off during penetration and intercourse, greatly diminishing its usefulness
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying lubricant externally at the vaginal opening as with traditional methods, the invention inverts the approach by placing the lubricant capsule internally within the vaginal lumen. This internal placement allows the lubricant to be released where it is most needed, preventing shearing off during penetration and maintaining effectiveness throughout intercourse.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a capsule as an intermediary carrier that holds the lubricant and delivers it to the vaginal walls. The capsule is inserted into the vaginal lumen and releases lubricant continuously through contact with vaginal walls and muscular contractions, serving as a mediator between the external application and internal lubrication needs.
2Ease of operation
If lubricant is applied externally, then application is simple, but it cannot reproduce the body's design to lubricate from well within the body lumen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the lubricant delivery function from external application and relocates it to internal placement within the vaginal lumen. The capsule is inserted deep into the vagina, mimicking the body's natural lubrication process where lubricant is secreted from within the vaginal walls rather than applied externally.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a pierced capsule is inserted into the body cavity, then sustained lubrication is achieved through continuous release, but the device complexity increases compared to external application
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the lubrication function into a separate capsule that can be inserted independently. The capsule is a discrete unit containing lubricant, which is pierced to create a controlled release mechanism. This segmentation allows the lubricant delivery system to be separate from the application mechanism, simplifying the overall device while achieving sustained release.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and release parameters of the lubricant by enclosing it in a piercable capsule. The capsule material and piercing mechanism are designed to transform from a sealed state to a controlled release state, allowing sustained lubrication through parameter changes in the capsule structure rather than requiring complex active delivery systems.
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
Provides sustained, continuous lubrication throughout intercourse, reducing discomfort and irritation, and is safely absorbed by the body when depleted, allowing for immediate and hygienic use without the need for external application.
Implementation Method 1
The capsule, which is filled with lubricant material, medicine, or some beneficial substance, or a combination thereof, is preferably made of a bio-absorbable material so that it can be absorbed safely into the body when depleted
Implementation Method 2
Sustained lubricant delivery in situ can occur as a result of muscular contractions around the capsule and/or contact with an object such as a penis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
An applicator for insertion and lubrication of a body lumen is disclosed having an elongate, hollow, cylindrical outer sheath including a receiving cup at a distal end for receiving a lubrication capsule; and a plunger slidingly received within the elongate, hollow cylindrical outer sheath, the plunger including a piercing element at a distal end adapted to extend into the receiving cup. A liquid-filled soft gel capsule is placed in the receiving cup, and the piercing element is used to puncture the capsule located in the receiving cup prior to insertion of the applicator into the body lumen, and wherein the plunger can be depressed once the applicator is inserted into the body lumen to eject the pierced capsule into the body lumen.