Multi-Layer Absorbent Tampon Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catamenial tampons often fail to prevent premature leakage of body fluids due to improper fit, incorrect shape, and inadequate contact with vaginal folds, leading to inefficient use of absorbent material.
Innovation Solution
A tampon design featuring an absorbent composite with multiple layers of different physical properties, such as density and hydrophilicity, compressed into a cylindrical shape to enhance leakage protection and fluid absorption, with a cover material to prevent fiber residue and a withdrawal string for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-layer absorbent tampon is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the tampon cannot effectively prevent premature leakage due to uniform properties not adapting to different vaginal regions
Solution Approach 1:
The tampon is divided into multiple functional layers with different absorbent materials, each layer serving specific purposes: a first layer for rapid absorption, a second layer for fluid distribution, and a third layer for retention. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall leakage prevention while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different layers of the tampon are assigned different physical properties and absorbent characteristics tailored to specific functional requirements. The first layer has high capillary action for rapid uptake, the second layer distributes fluid evenly, and the third layer retains fluid securely. This local differentiation of properties enables the tampon to address multiple leakage mechanisms simultaneously.
2Reliability
If the tampon is compressed into a dense cylindrical shape, then the absorbent material is compact and easy to insert, but the folds and convolutions of the vagina cannot all contact the tampon, allowing fluid to bypass
Solution Approach 1:
The tampon is designed with a compressed cylindrical shape for insertion that dynamically transforms upon contact with vaginal fluids. The absorbent layers expand and conform to the vaginal cavity shape, allowing the tampon to adapt from a rigid insertable form to a flexible conforming structure that contacts all vaginal folds and convolutions, maximizing fluid interception.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer absorbent structure is nested within a compressed cylindrical configuration that fits within the vaginal canal. Upon activation by fluid contact, the nested layers expand sequentially, with each layer contributing to the overall conformal shape that encompasses the vaginal anatomy, ensuring comprehensive contact with folds and convolutions.
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 tampon effectively intercepts fluid flow and prevents leakage by utilizing the differential properties of its layers to rapidly absorb and hold fluids, while the cover ensures cleanliness and the string facilitates easy removal.
Implementation Method 1
The first layer is prepared from a first absorbent material having a first physical property and the second layer is prepared from a second absorbent material having a second physical property
Implementation Method 2
a mass of an absorbent composite compressed into a generally cylindrical shape
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an absorbent tampon having a mass of an absorbent composite compressed into a generally cylindrical shape. The absorbent composite used in the tampon of the present invention has at least a first layer and a second layer wherein the second layer is adjacent the first layer. The first layer is prepared from a first absorbent material having a first physical property and the second layer is prepared from a second absorbent material having a second physical property, wherein the first physical property is the same physical property as the second physical property, but the value of the second physical property is different from the first physical property. By providing layers in the absorbent composite different physical properties, the tampons of the present invention can have different properties at various locations of the tampon to provide a tampon having desirable features, such as improve leakage protection.