Menstrual Applicator Plunger and Projections for Device Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing menstrual collection devices are uncomfortable and challenging to insert manually into the vaginal canal, limiting their adoption and leading to environmental waste from disposable tampons and pads.
Innovation Solution
A menstrual collection device and applicator system where the device has a housing with ribs and panels that allow it to be folded and inserted easily, and the applicator has a plunger and projections that help deploy the device fully open within the vaginal canal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a menstrual collection device is made reusable and funnel-shaped to collect period fluid, then environmental impact is reduced and cost is saved, but manual insertion becomes uncomfortable and challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an applicator as an intermediary tool between the user and the menstrual collection device. The applicator includes a holder that receives the folded collection device and a plunger that pushes the device through the vaginal canal, eliminating the need for manual insertion while maintaining the reusable, environmentally friendly design of the collection device
2Ease of operation
If a clothespin-style tool is used to condense the menstrual collection device for insertion, then the device can be inserted, but the tool is difficult to use and may require medical professional involvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the condensation and insertion functions from the complex clothespin-style tool and integrates them into a simpler applicator system. The applicator's holder naturally accommodates the folded device, and the plunger provides a simple pushing motion, eliminating the need for complex pinching and condensing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The menstrual collection device is pre-folded into a condensed profile before insertion, and the applicator is pre-assembled with the device in its holder. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time manipulation during insertion, simplifying the overall process and reducing the need for medical professional involvement
3Reliability
If the menstrual collection device is manually inserted, then the user has control over placement, but proper positioning and full expansion are not guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is designed to automatically perform the insertion and expansion functions. As the plunger pushes the folded device through the vaginal canal, the device self-positions and self-expands into its functional shape, eliminating the need for manual manipulation while ensuring reliable placement and full expansion without compromising user comfort
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator comprising a plunger and applicator housing, capable of inserting a menstrual collection device within a vaginal canal. The applicator tip is flexible such that it allows for menstrual collection device to pass therethrough while still applying a force, using the plunger (“pusher”), to aid in the opening of the collection device to a fully open state. The interior, exterior, or entire applicator housing can be coated in a lubricious coating, such as during manufacturing. The interior, exterior, or entire plunger can be coated in a lubricious coating, such as during manufacturing. At least a portion of the applicator housing is overmolded.