Storing Device With Removal Counting for Absorption Product Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorption products like tampons and surgical sponges pose health risks due to improper use, and existing tracking systems require special designs with detection means, leading to increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A storing device with a storage compartment, counting means, electronic module, and user interface, along with a verification device for tracking the number and time of use, and alerting users of potentially hazardous use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detection means are attached to every absorption product to track usage, then tracking capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the absorption product itself and relocates it to a separate storing device. The absorption products become simple passive items without embedded sensors, while the storing device contains the counting means that detects when products are removed from storage. This separation eliminates the need to attach detection means to each individual product.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions (storage, counting, timing, alerting) into a single integrated storing device. The storing device houses both the absorption products and the electronic module with counting means, merging the product storage function with the tracking function into one unified system, thereby simplifying the overall architecture.
2Reliability
If detection means are attached to every absorption product, then tracking capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the expensive electronic detection components from individual absorption products and consolidates them into a single storing device. This allows mass production of simple, low-cost absorption products while manufacturing one relatively expensive storing device that serves multiple products, significantly reducing per-unit costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The storing device serves multiple functions: it stores multiple absorption products, counts their usage, tracks time duration, and provides alerts. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for each individual product to have its own detection means, reducing manufacturing costs through economies of scale.
3Loss of information
If absorption products are tracked with detection means, then usage monitoring is improved, but user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all detection means from the absorption products that contact the user's body. The counting sensors are located exclusively in the storing device, far from the user's body. This extraction eliminates any potential discomfort, foreign body sensation, or health concerns associated with having sensors on or near the body while preserving full tracking capability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the storing device tracks number and time of use, then health safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines storage, counting, timing, and alerting functions into a single integrated storing device. The electronic module consolidates the microcontroller, memory, display, and communication functions, creating a unified system that manages multiple absorption products while providing comprehensive health safety monitoring through a single device interface.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is referring to a storing device and a system for tracking absorption products and their use, which comprises said storing device and a verification device for tracking the use of absorption products in terms of their number and time of use, and which alerts the user about the status of the storing device and of potentially hazardous use of the absorption products.