Self-lubricating tampon applicator with piercing reservoir
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tampon applicators do not effectively optimize ease of use and lubrication for inserting a tampon into a body cavity, particularly during menstruation when vaginal tissues may lack moisture, especially for inexperienced users or during the subsiding menstrual cycle.
Innovation Solution
A self-lubricating tampon applicator design featuring a barrel with a lubricant reservoir and piercing member that dispenses lubricant onto the exterior surface as the tampon is pushed out, utilizing a plunger to pierce the reservoir and direct lubricant through strategically positioned apertures, accompanied by a finger guide and audible 'clicking' mechanism for user feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lubricant is applied to the applicator barrel, then ease of insertion is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional reservoir and piercing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant reservoir is integrated within the barrel structure, and the piercing member is incorporated into the plunger assembly. This merging of functions (lubrication storage and delivery) into existing structural elements minimizes additional complexity while achieving the lubrication benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator is designed to automatically dispense lubricant through the piercing mechanism without requiring separate user action. When the plunger is pressed, it automatically pierces the reservoir and releases lubricant, making the system self-serving and reducing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If lubricant is dispensed incrementally during tampon deployment, then lubrication effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant is pre-loaded into the reservoir at the factory in a controlled environment, ensuring precise positioning and adequate quantity without requiring complex precision mechanisms during actual use. The reservoir is pre-positioned within the barrel during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressure as a control parameter - when the plunger is pressed, it creates pressure that automatically controls the flow of lubricant from the reservoir through the aperture. This pressure-driven flow provides incremental dispensing without requiring complex precision mechanisms.
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
Enhances the ease of tampon insertion by providing incremental and strategic lubrication on the applicator barrel, improving user experience and comfort during the process.
Implementation Method 1
Pressure applied to the plunger (40) pushes the tampon (50) and the reservoir (60) downstream within the interior area of the barrel (20) and the reservoir (60) is pierced by the piercing member (70), whereby the lubricant from the reservoir (60) is dispensed through the aperture (34)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A self-lubricating tampon applicator (10) includes a barrel (20) having opposed insertion and proximal end portions and having a continuous side wall (26) that defines an interior area and a plurality of spaced apart apertures (34) and proximate the insertion end portion. (22) A tampon (50) is positioned in the interior area of the barrel. (20) A piercing member (70) is positioned between the tampon and the plurality of apertures. (34) A lubricant reservoir (60) is positioned between the tampon (50) and the plurality of piercing members. (70) A plunger (40) situated in the barrel (20) engages a proximal end of the tampon (50) and is slidable from a starter configuration extending from the proximal end portion of the barrel (20) to a deployed configuration positioned inside the barrel. (20) Pressure applied to the plunger pushes the tampon (50) and the reservoir (60) downstream and the reservoir is pierced by the piercing member, (70) dispensing lubricant through the plurality of apertures (34) onto an outer surface of the barrel (20).