Protective Shield for Labia Minora During Hair Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hair removal procedures in the female genital area often expose sensitive regions to risk of damage and pain, as existing methods require full exposure of the vulva for complete hair removal.

Innovation Solution

A protective shield designed to cover the labia minora and vulva, featuring a main body with a cap and lateral sides that fit between the labia minora and majora, held in place by natural contours, and optionally an outer cover for protection and ornamentation, made from materials that prevent light energy penetration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If full exposure of the vulva is performed to ensure complete hair removal, then hair removal completeness is improved, but the risk of damage and pain to sensitive regions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehair removal completenessVSAvoidrisk of damage and pain

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a protective shield as an intermediary device positioned between the laser/hair removal tool and the sensitive vulvar tissue. This shield allows the hair removal procedure to be performed while blocking direct exposure of the vulva to potential damage, thus resolving the contradiction between complete hair removal and protecting sensitive regions from harm

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective shield divides the hair removal process into segmented zones: areas covered by the shield (protected vulvar regions) and areas exposed for hair removal (labial regions). This segmentation allows selective hair removal while protecting specific sensitive areas, enabling complete hair removal without compromising the vulva's safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a protective shield is introduced to cover the vulva and labia minora, then protection of sensitive areas is improved, but the complexity of the hair removal procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of sensitive areasVSAvoidprocedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective shield is designed to be self-positioning and self-retaining through its anatomical design. The shield fits over the vulva and labia minora using the natural contours of the labia majora for retention, eliminating the need for additional fastening mechanisms or complex installation procedures, thus minimizing added complexity while providing effective protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The shield is constructed as a flexible, conforming barrier that adapts to the anatomical shape of the vulva and labia. This flexible design allows the shield to be easily positioned and removed without requiring complex mechanical structures, reducing procedure complexity while maintaining effective protection of sensitive areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS7784466B2Protective shields and covers and methods for installing the same

Publication Date: 2010.08.31 CLODIUS TALMADGE JULIE

AI summary

Protective shields with and without retaining wings and shield cover for protecting the vulva and labia minora of a female. The protective shield is shaped to conform to the outer shape of the labia minora and may include retaining wings which hold the shield in place. An outer cover may be installed on the shield for protective and ornamental purposes.