Menstrual Cup Threadlike Extension for Safe Withdrawal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Menstrual cups pose difficulties for new users due to the small thickening at the base, which makes withdrawal challenging and raises concerns about the cup being lost within the body, leading to user hesitation and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A menstrual cup with a threadlike extension made from the same flexible material, allowing for easy external placement of the distal end and easy cutting to facilitate withdrawal, combined with protrusions for secure holding and holes to prevent leakage, ensuring the cup remains external and easy to remove.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a small thickening at the base is used as holding means, then the device structure remains simple, but the withdrawal becomes difficult and users fear the cup may be lost within the body
Solution Approach 1:
The holding means is segmented into multiple protrusions (at least two) distributed on the external lower part of the cup, rather than a single thickening. This segmentation provides multiple grip points for withdrawal while maintaining structural simplicity of the single-piece cup body.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding means transitions from a single-point thickening to multi-point protrusions distributed across the external lower surface. This dimensional distribution across the cup's outer surface provides better leverage and grip for withdrawal while keeping the overall structure simple.
2Ease of operation
If a threadlike element extension is added to facilitate withdrawal, then ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threadlike element is merged with the cup body as a single-piece structure made from the same flexible material. The element is integrally formed with the cup, eliminating the need for separate components or complex assembly, thus improving ease of withdrawal without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The threadlike element serves multiple functions: it acts as a pull string for withdrawal, provides tactile feedback for positioning, and can be trimmed to different lengths for user comfort. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural element by providing multiple benefits from a single component.
3Ease of operation
If the holding means is made more prominent for easier gripping, then ease of operation improves, but the comfort and hygiene may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are localized to the external lower part of the cup that contacts the vaginal wall, with specific dimensions (0.5-2mm height) optimized for gripping without causing discomfort. The local geometry provides grip points that are prominent enough for easy withdrawal but small enough to minimize irritation or hygiene concerns.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Hygienic device for the collection of menstrual flow that, comprising an impermeable and flexible body (2), for example of silicone, receptacle-shaped, cup type, in which lower external part, the opposite to the mouthpiece (21), it has fastening means (3) to proceed to its withdrawal after it is used, characterized in that the said fastening means (3) comprise a threadlike element (31), preferably a string or a long and thin extension of the material itself of which the body (2) of the receptacle is made, having a sufficient length in order that, once the device (1) is placed in the body of the user, its distal end remains externally located. Eventually, the threadlike element (31) has a structure easy to be cut by one, two or more points (32), so that the user can cut it at will until leaving it with a minimum length. Eventually, the threadlike element (31) possesses, in the proximal area, that joining it to the lower part of the body (2) of the receptacle, at least, one protrusion (33) and at the distal end of the threadlike element (31) it possesses a protrusion (33) to facilitate fastening it when it is complete. Eventually, at the upper part of the body (2) of the receptacle one or more holes (4) have been provided close to the edge of the mouthpiece (21).