Reduced-Leakage Tampon With Spiral Flow Paths for Longer Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tampons often leak prematurely before reaching full saturation, necessitating frequent replacements and causing stress, especially in public or active settings.
Innovation Solution
Tampons with absorbent materials and flow paths designed to absorb less viscous menstrual material while redirecting more viscous material, featuring longitudinal ribs or spiral recesses that slow down fluid travel and enhance absorption, conforming to vaginal walls for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tampons with longitudinal grooving are used, then fluid flow direction is controlled, but leakage occurs before full saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spiral curvature to the flow path instead of straight longitudinal grooves. The spiral flow path winds around the tampon body, creating a curved trajectory that significantly lengthens the fluid travel distance. This curvature transformation converts a direct linear path into a multi-turn spiral path, giving the tampon more time to absorb fluid before it reaches the exit, thereby preventing leakage while maintaining flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a one-dimensional longitudinal flow path to a three-dimensional spiral path that wraps around the tampon body. By adding the circumferential dimension to the flow path, the fluid must travel through multiple turns around the tampon rather than moving directly from insertion end to removal end. This dimensional transformation effectively multiplies the absorption time without increasing the tampon length.
2Duration of action of moving object
If flow path is extended to increase absorption time, then leakage is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow path control function with the tampon body structure itself. The spiral flow path is integrated into the compressed absorbent fiber matrix, eliminating the need for separate channels or hollow structures. The flow path is formed by the arrangement and compression of the absorbent fibers themselves, combining the structural support and fluid guidance functions into a single integrated component, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the absorbent material through controlled compression. By varying the compression density and fiber arrangement during manufacturing, the spiral flow path is created as an inherent property of the compressed material structure. This parameter-based approach allows the complex spiral geometry to be achieved through manufacturing process control rather than complex tooling or assembly, simplifying the overall device structure.
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
Reduces the likelihood of leakage before saturation, allowing for less frequent replacements and increased comfort and focus during daily activities.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid and tissue is absorbed and held by the tampon
Data Source
AI summary
Tampons including an elongate body and a removal string extending from a removal end of the elongate body. The tampons may include a flow path that directs menses across the elongate body. The tampons may include a plurality of longitudinal ribs crossing the flow path. The plurality of longitudinal ribs facilitate expansion of the elongate body.