Menstrual Collection Device with Ribbed Frame and Flexible Applicator Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing menstrual collection devices are uncomfortable and challenging to insert manually, and when aided by an applicator, they often fail to open fully, leading to incomplete fluid capture.
Innovation Solution
A menstrual collection device with a frame comprising ribs and membranes that maintain structural rigidity, combined with an applicator featuring elastomeric projections, ensures the device fully opens within the vaginal canal without manual adjustment, using a plunger to translate forces for deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the menstrual collection device uses thin-walled sections to be flexible and easy to insert, then ease of insertion is improved, but structural rigidity deteriorates causing the device to not maintain a fully open state
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device is divided into distinct structural segments: a frame providing rigid support and thin-walled sections providing flexibility. The frame includes multiple ribs (first rib, second rib, third rib, fourth rib) positioned at different locations to provide segmented structural support. This segmentation allows different parts of the device to have different mechanical properties - the frame maintains rigidity while the thin-walled sections maintain flexibility for insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the collection device have different wall thicknesses and structural characteristics. The frame and ribs are located at positions where structural support is needed to maintain the open state, while the thin-walled sections are positioned where flexibility is needed for insertion. The sidewalls have varying thicknesses - thicker portions provide structural support while thinner portions maintain flexibility. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.
2Strength
If the collection device is made fully rigid to maintain open state, then structural rigidity is improved, but ease of insertion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a rigid frame structure and flexible thin-walled sections. The frame with its multiple ribs provides the necessary rigidity to maintain the open state, while the thin-walled sections between the ribs provide the flexibility needed for easy insertion. This segmentation allows the device to exhibit both rigid and flexible characteristics in different locations simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection device uses a composite construction combining a frame structure (providing rigidity) with thin-walled sections (providing flexibility). The frame includes multiple ribs positioned at specific locations to provide structural support, while the thin-walled sections between the ribs maintain flexibility. This composite approach allows the device to have different mechanical properties in different locations, resolving the contradiction between overall rigidity and local flexibility for insertion.
3Ease of operation
If an applicator is used to aid insertion, then ease of insertion is improved, but the collection device fails to open fully leading to incomplete fluid capture
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator performs preliminary action by applying force to the base and sidewalls of the collection device during insertion, which translates to the rim to ensure the cup fully opens before being released. This preliminary opening action ensures that when the device is inserted into the vaginal canal, it is already in a fully open state ready to capture fluid, eliminating the problem of incomplete opening that occurs with manual insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator acts as an intermediary tool between the user and the collection device. It provides a controlled mechanism for inserting the device and applying the necessary force to ensure proper opening. The applicator includes a plunger that can be pushed to apply force to the base and sidewalls of the collection device, translating this force to the rim to ensure complete opening. This intermediary mechanism ensures reliable full opening while maintaining ease of insertion.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the collection device has a complex structure with multiple ribs to maintain shape, then structural rigidity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device uses a segmented frame structure with multiple ribs (first rib, second rib, third rib, fourth rib) positioned at different locations around the device. Each rib provides localized structural support to maintain the open shape, rather than requiring a completely complex structure. The ribs are strategically positioned to provide maximum shape maintenance with minimal additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame and ribs are positioned at specific locations where structural support is most needed to maintain the open state, while other areas use thinner-walled sections to minimize complexity. The first and second ribs are spaced apart to provide structural support at key positions, while the third and fourth ribs extend from the first and second ribs to provide additional support at other locations. This localized approach to structural reinforcement maintains shape without unnecessary complexity throughout the entire device.
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 solution allows for easy insertion and complete opening of the collection device, ensuring effective fluid capture and reducing user discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
The tip can include a plurality of projections or flaps that extend in a curved manner from the sidewall toward an apex of the tip... the second material having a modulus of elasticity that is greater than that of the first material
Data Source
AI summary
A menstrual collection device, an applicator and a method of inserting a menstrual collection device within a vaginal canal. The menstrual collection device includes ribs and thin-walled panels or membranes that are recessed from, extend between and are formed integral to the ribs. The ribs and thin-walled panels or membrane allow for the menstrual collection device to hold its shape and collect fluid while still being able to be folded to reduce the surface area of the collection device and fit within the applicator. The applicator tip is flexible such that it allows for menstrual collection device to pass therethrough while still applying a force by to the menstrual collection device to aid in the opening of the collection device to a fully open state.