Segmented Menstrual Cup Rim for Adaptive Sealing and Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional menstrual cups face challenges with discomfort during insertion and removal, difficulty in adapting to varying vaginal sizes and shapes, and the need for multiple sizes to ensure effective sealing, leading to potential leaks and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A menstrual cup with a main body comprising segments connected by fold lines, allowing it to move between expanded and collapsed states, featuring a rim that undulates and adapts to vaginal shape for a dynamic seal, and a resilient design for easy insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional menstrual cups use a rigid or smooth structure, then manufacturing is simple, but insertion and removal cause discomfort and difficulty in adapting to varying vaginal sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The cup structure is divided into multiple segments (first, second, third, and fourth segments) that can independently fold and deform. Each segment contains fold lines that allow the cup to collapse into a compact form for insertion and then expand to form a seal against the vaginal wall. This segmentation enables the cup to adapt to different vaginal shapes and sizes while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup is designed with dynamic characteristics through its foldable segments and undulated rim. The rim features an undulated outer edge that can dynamically adjust its shape to conform to the vaginal opening. The fold lines allow the cup to transition between expanded and collapsed states, providing adaptability during insertion, use, and removal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If menstrual cups are made in multiple sizes, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and user confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cup design incorporates universal adaptability features that allow a single cup size to effectively seal for various vaginal shapes and sizes. The undulated rim with its elliptical profile and the foldable segments enable the cup to conform to different anatomical variations, reducing the need for multiple specialized sizes while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cup rim is smooth and circular, then manufacturing is easy, but adaptation to varying vaginal shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rim is designed with an undulated outer edge that has an elliptical profile rather than a perfect circle. This asymmetric, non-uniform geometry allows the rim to better conform to the natural elliptical shape of the vaginal opening and surrounding anatomy. The undulations provide varying contact points that adapt to different vaginal shapes while remaining manufacturable through standard molding processes.
4Ease of operation
If the cup is designed to be compact for insertion, then ease of insertion is improved, but the cup may not expand sufficiently to seal effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented structure with defined fold lines allows the cup to collapse into a very compact form for easy insertion, then systematically expand as each segment unfolds. The fold lines act as hinges that guide the expansion process, ensuring the cup reaches its full expanded diameter to form an effective seal while starting from a compact insertion state.
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 cup provides a comfortable, ergonomic insertion and removal process, adapts to varying vaginal sizes and shapes for effective sealing, and reduces the need for multiple cup sizes, minimizing leaks and discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
the cup is resiliently biased to the expanded state
Data Source
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AI summary
A menstrual cup is described having a main body to hold menstrual fluid. The main body comprises a plurality of segments that are connected along fold lines. The main body is moveable between an expanded state and a collapsed state. The main body folds along the fold lines when moving between the expanded and collapsed states, and the segments project outwardly beyond the fold lines when the cup is in the expanded state. Also described is a menstrual cup having a main body to hold menstrual fluid, and a rim to engage a vaginal wall when the cup is inserted into a vagina. The rim is provided at an open end of the main body and is undulated.