Single-Polymer Tampon Applicator Grip Without Elastomer Overmolding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tampon applicators require an elastomeric overmold for improved grip, which increases cost and is not biodegradable or recyclable, making them unsuitable for sustainable disposal.

Innovation Solution

A tampon applicator designed with a single-piece construction using a single polymer material, featuring a tapered grip region and internal ribs for easy handling, and made from biodegradable and recyclable materials like paperboard or bio-based polymers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an elastomeric material is overmolded on the barrel to improve grip properties, then the handling and manipulation of the applicator is improved, but the cost increases significantly and the material is not biodegradable or recyclable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrip propertiesVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The grip region is designed with specific geometric features (tapered configuration, grip ring, internal ribs) that provide enhanced grip properties locally at the handling area, eliminating the need for elastomeric overmolding across the entire barrel. This localized geometric optimization improves grip while maintaining cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the grip region (taper angle, grip ring diameter, rib configuration) to optimize grip properties. By adjusting these dimensional parameters within the single-piece construction, the applicator achieves improved handling without requiring additional elastomeric materials, thus reducing cost and improving biodegradability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If an elastomeric material is overmolded on the barrel to improve grip properties, then the handling and manipulation of the applicator is improved, but the applicator is not biodegradable or capable of entering the recycling stream

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrip propertiesVSAvoidbiodegradability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator is constructed from a single homogeneous material (paperboard or biodegradable polymer) without elastomeric overmolding. This material homogeneity ensures the entire applicator can be biodegraded or recycled together, improving environmental reliability while maintaining grip properties through geometric design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

3Ease of operation

If a two-piece construction with elastomeric overmold is used, then grip properties are improved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrip propertiesVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the grip region and barrel into a single integrated piece constructed from one material. The grip region's geometric features (tapered configuration, grip ring, internal ribs) are formed directly during the single-shot molding process, eliminating the need for separate elastomeric overmolding steps and reducing construction complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The grip region features are pre-formed during the initial single-shot molding process rather than being added subsequently. The tapered configuration, grip ring, and internal ribs are created in the primary molding step, eliminating later assembly operations and simplifying the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If a single-piece construction from single material is used, then biodegradability and recyclability are improved, but the grip properties may be compromised without additional materials

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiodegradabilityVSAvoidgrip properties

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The grip region incorporates curved surfaces and rounded geometries that enhance finger contact and grip. The tapered configuration with specific angles and the grip ring geometry are designed to conform to finger contours, providing secure handling through pure geometric design without requiring elastomeric materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS20250221865A1Tampon Applicator Made With A Single Piece Barrel and Tampon Product Therefrom

Publication Date: 2025.07.10 KIMBERLY CLARK WORLDWIDE INC

AI summary

A tampon product is disclosed including a tampon applicator designed to expel in a controlled manner a tampon. The tampon applicator is designed in a two-piece construction including a barrel and a plunger. Both the barrel and the plunger can be formed from a single layer of a single polymer material. The tampon applicator, for instance, can include a grip region that not only facilitates injection molding but also has characteristics that have been found well suited for being held and manipulated by a user.