Scoured Synthetic Tampon String to Reduce Fluid Wicking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feminine hygiene devices with withdrawal strings made of cellulosic fibers, such as cotton, often become soiled and wet due to adhesion and wicking of body fluids, leading to an unpleasant removal experience.
Innovation Solution
The use of scoured synthetic fibers, particularly polypropylene yarns, for the withdrawal strings, which reduces fluid wicking and adhesion by removing finishes such as anti-statics and lubricants applied during processing, resulting in a hydrophobic yarn.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cellulosic fibers (cotton, rayon) are used for the withdrawal string, then the string is soft and comfortable, but the string exhibits high fluid adhesion and wicking leading to soiling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by switching from cellulosic fibers to synthetic fibers (polyester, polypropylene, nylon) which fundamentally alter the surface energy and hydrophobicity parameters of the withdrawal string. This material substitution changes the physical-chemical parameters to reduce fluid adhesion while maintaining comfort through proper fiber selection and construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining synthetic fibers with specific constructions (twisted plies, knitted structures) and potentially coating treatments to create a withdrawal string that simultaneously achieves low fluid adhesion and high comfort. The composite approach allows optimization of both contradictory requirements through material science
2Object-affected harmful factors
If synthetic fibers are used for the withdrawal string, then fluid wicking is reduced, but the string may feel less comfortable or require special finishes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by carefully selecting synthetic fiber types and their physical parameters (fiber diameter, crimp, surface texture) to match the tactile properties of natural fibers. By controlling parameters like fiber fineness and structural configuration, the patent achieves both low fluid wicking and comfort without requiring additional finishes
3Ease of manufacture
If finishes (anti-statics, lubricants) are applied during fiber processing, then the fibers process more easily, but the finishes increase fluid adhesion and wicking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing or eliminating the problematic finishes (anti-statics, lubricants) that were previously applied during fiber processing. By taking out these harmful substances, the patent reduces fluid adhesion and wicking while maintaining manufacturability through alternative processing methods that do not rely on such finishes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by modifying the surface energy parameters of synthetic fibers through scouring or plasma treatment to reduce fluid adhesion. This allows the fibers to be processed effectively without relying on traditional finishes, thereby eliminating the source of fluid wicking problems
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 scoured synthetic fibers provide a cleaner and more comfortable removal experience by minimizing fluid absorption and adhesion, as demonstrated by higher user scores for comfort and cleanliness compared to cotton strings.
Implementation Method 1
the withdrawal string can demonstrate a decreased wicking of a fluid along the withdrawal string compared to a withdrawal string comprising cotton and/or rayon fibers
Data Source
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AI summary
Feminine hygiene devices having a withdrawal string comprising one or more scoured synthetic fibers are provided. The feminine hygiene device can include a body having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a longitudinal axis, and a withdrawal string extending from the withdrawal end. The withdrawal string can comprise one or more scoured synthetic fibers.