Applicator Device for Menstrual Cup Axial Sliding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current menstrual cup placement methods are not hygienic and can be complicated, often requiring manual insertion, which leads to errors and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A novel applicator device with an external hollow part and internal piston mechanism that secures and deploys the menstrual cup, allowing for axial sliding movement to facilitate quick and hygienic placement without finger insertion, accommodating thread-like extraction elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual insertion of menstrual cup is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the hygiene and placement accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator device serves as an intermediary tool between the user and the menstrual cup. The external part with gripper arms holds the cup, while the internal pusher delivers it, eliminating direct finger insertion and maintaining hygiene without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator is divided into two functional segments: an external part for holding the cup and an internal part for pushing it. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall device manageable in complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If manual insertion of menstrual cup is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the placement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator device acts as a precision instrument that mediates the transfer of the menstrual cup to its correct position. The coordinated movement of the external gripper and internal pusher ensures accurate placement without requiring manual dexterity
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator utilizes dynamic relative movement between the external and internal parts. The internal pusher slides axially within the external part, enabling controlled delivery and precise positioning of the menstrual cup during insertion
3Ease of operation
If manual insertion of menstrual cup is used, then the operation time is reduced, but the hygiene deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The menstrual cup is pre-loaded into the external part of the applicator before insertion. This preliminary action allows the cup to be delivered in one continuous motion, maintaining hygiene by avoiding finger insertion while minimizing the overall operation time
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator enables continuous action from loading to insertion. The internal pusher delivers the cup in a single sliding motion without interruption, maintaining the hygienic seal and completing the task efficiently in one continuous operation
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention comprises two cylindrical parts (2, 3) which are able to be coupled to each other with an axial sliding movement, of which, a first outer part (2) comprises securing means (21) for the menstrual cup (4) to be placed, for the folded insertion thereof inside the body of the woman, and a second inner part (3), which comprises pushing means (31) which deploy the menstrual cup (4) from the securing means (21) once placed inside the body of the user. The outer part (2) has an inner through hollow (22) suitable for receiving the inner part (3) in a fitted manner enabling the axial sliding movement between both. The securing means (21) are made up of corresponding elastic arms which emerge parallel from the distal end (2a) of said part (2) and create a central housing for the insertion of the cup (4). The proximal end (2b) of the external part (2) has a smooth section (23). The appendages (31) of the inner part (3) have a perimeter edge and a length such that they are provided with elasticity. The inner part (3) has an inner perforation (34) for inserting a thread-like element of the menstrual cup (4) as extraction means (4a).