Pull-Activated Tampon Applicator With Shielded Withdrawal String

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional tampon applicators cause discomfort and potential damage due to the withdrawal string's exposure to vaginal tissue and the force exerted on the pledget, leading to irritation and risk of string detachment during removal.

Innovation Solution

A pull-activated tampon applicator design where force is applied in one direction to deploy the pledget and withdrawal string in the opposite direction, with the string being shielded from the body and using a separate deployment element to minimize damage and control the pledget's placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a withdrawal string is used to expel the pledget from the barrel, then the pledget can be removed from the body cavity, but the withdrawal string contacts the vaginal tissue causing discomfort and irritation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepledget removalVSAvoidirritation to vaginal tissue

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful function of the withdrawal string from the system by replacing it with a deployment element that remains outside the body. The withdrawal string is shortened and does not extend beyond the barrel, eliminating contact with vaginal tissue while still serving its purpose of pledget removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a deployment element as an intermediary mechanism between the user's hand and the pledget. This deployment element transfers the pulling force from the user to the pledget without the withdrawal string needing to contact the vaginal tissue, thus mediating the interaction to eliminate irritation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If force is applied to the withdrawal string to expel the pledget, then the pledget can be deployed from the barrel, but the force may damage or deform the pledget and cause string detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepledget deploymentVSAvoidstring attachment integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the force application function from the withdrawal string by using a separate deployment element. The deployment element is specifically designed to withstand and transmit the deploying force, while the withdrawal string only needs to withstand the force required for removal, not deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the functions of force application and string attachment by using separate components: the deployment element for applying deploying force and the withdrawal string for removal. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the withdrawal string extends from the insertion end of the barrel, then the pledget can be pulled out, but the string must be positioned against the body during insertion and expulsion causing friction and discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepledget expulsionVSAvoidfriction against vaginal tissue

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the portion of the withdrawal string that would contact the vaginal tissue by shortening it so it does not extend beyond the barrel. The deployment element takes over the function of pulling the pledget out, allowing the withdrawal string to remain confined within the barrel and avoid contact with tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Productivity

If a traditional plunger is pushed into the barrel to expel the pledget, then the pledget can be delivered into the vaginal canal, but force is applied in the same direction as plunger movement causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepledget deliveryVSAvoiddiscomfort during insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional plunger mechanism by using a pull action instead of a push action. The deployment element is pulled in the opposite direction from the desired pledget movement, which then translates through the directional transition element to push the pledget forward. This inversion eliminates the need for forceful insertion and reduces discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS9132043B2Pull-activated tampon applicator

Publication Date: 2015.09.15 KIMBERLY CLARK WORLDWIDE INC

AI summary

A pull-activated applicator includes a barrel, a pledget, a finger grip, and a deployment element. The pledget includes a withdrawal string and is located within the barrel. The barrel, the pledget, and the deployment element are configured such that application of a force to the deployment element in a first direction deploys the pledget and withdrawal string from the barrel in a second direction generally opposite the first direction.