Pressure-Activated Menstrual Collection Cup for Hands-Free Emptying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional menstrual cups require manual removal and cleaning, which can be inconvenient, messy, and lead to spillage, especially in environments lacking private facilities, and are difficult to use for individuals with anatomical variations or heavy menstrual flow.
Innovation Solution
A menstrual collector cup with pressure-activated valves that allow for hands-free emptying using voluntary muscular contractions, featuring a flexible design with integrated valves that open and close in response to user-induced pressure, enabling in situ fluid expulsion without manual manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If manual removal and emptying of menstrual cups is required, then fluid collection capacity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenience and messiness
Solution Approach 1:
The menstrual cup system performs emptying automatically through the valve mechanism that opens in response to user-induced pressure, eliminating the need for manual removal and external emptying actions. The system serves itself by using the user's natural physiological actions to trigger the emptying process.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical action of removing and squeezing the cup externally is replaced by an integrated valve mechanism that responds to internal pressure changes, substituting a complex manual emptying process with an automated pressure-responsive system.
2Quantity of substance
If manual removal and cleaning is required, then fluid collection capacity is improved, but loss of time increases due to frequent trips to restroom
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically handles the emptying function through the pressure-activated valve, eliminating the time-consuming manual process of removal, emptying, and reinsertion. Users can empty the cup quickly by simply applying pressure without leaving their current location.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism is pre-configured to respond automatically to pressure changes, so the emptying action is already prepared and requires only a simple trigger from the user, significantly reducing the time needed compared to full manual removal and emptying procedures.
3Quantity of substance
If manual removal is required for emptying, then fluid collection capacity is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to spillage and mess
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful spillage problem is solved by extracting the emptying function from the main cup body into a separate valve mechanism. This allows controlled discharge of fluid through a dedicated outlet, preventing the uncontrolled spillage that occurs during manual removal and external emptying.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve acts as an intermediary between the fluid collection cavity and the external environment, providing a controlled interface for fluid discharge. This intermediary mechanism ensures orderly fluid flow and prevents messy spillage associated with direct manual emptying.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional menstrual cup design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates for users with anatomical variations
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism provides multiple functions including controlled emptying, leak prevention, and potential adaptability to different user needs. This single addition makes the system universally applicable to various anatomical variations while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.
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
Facilitates convenient, hygienic, and discreet menstrual fluid management by allowing hands-free emptying, reducing mess and spillage, and expanding usability for a broader range of users and environments.
Implementation Method 1
The valve responds to voluntary pressure induced by the contraction of the human user's diaphragm muscle, opening to facilitate effortless emptying of accumulated menses volume
Implementation Method 2
the valve affords a vacuum relief function that equalizes air pressure inside and outside the cup for easier removal
Data Source
AI summary
A menstrual cup is disclosed, comprising a flexible, biocompatible collector configured for insertion into the vaginal canal and enabling hands-free emptying of menstrual fluid without removal. The collector body defines a fluid-retention chamber and includes one or more pressure-responsive valves and an outlet. The valves open in response to compression from voluntary abdominal or pelvic floor muscle contractions, allowing fluid evacuation while the device remains in situ. Upon release of pressure, the valves close to maintain a leak-proof seal. The valves also provide suction relief to equalize internal and external pressure during insertion or removal. Transverse reinforcement bands integrated into the collector body enhance pressure transfer and promote valve actuation. Unlike traditional menstrual cups that require removal for emptying, the present invention allows extended wear and periodic, hands-free drainage. The device may optionally incorporate biosensors and an applicator system for accurate placement of the cup into the vaginal canal.