Tampon Applicator Color Coded Overlap Region
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inexperienced users often struggle to properly position a sanitary tampon absorber due to difficulty in understanding and connecting the tampon applicator's inner tubes, leading to improper placement inside the vagina.
Innovation Solution
A tampon applicator design featuring a telescopically connected first and second inner tube system with distinct color differences between the outer tube and overlap region, allowing users to easily identify and connect the tubes, ensuring accurate placement of the absorber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tampon applicator with multiple inner tubes is provided without clear visual differentiation, then the device structure remains simple, but inexperienced users cannot identify and connect the tubes properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color differentiation to the outer tube and overlap region to enable users to easily identify and connect the inner tubes. The color difference between the outer tube and overlap region, and between the overlap region and second inner tube, creates clear visual cues for proper assembly without adding mechanical complexity to the device structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If the first inner tube and second inner tube are made with similar colors, then manufacturing remains simple, but users cannot distinguish the tubes for proper connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color differentiation in the overlap region to provide identification information that guides users in connecting the tubes properly. This color coding system maintains manufacturing simplicity while preventing loss of identification information that would otherwise require complex labeling or structural features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies color differentiation specifically to the overlap region where connection occurs, rather than coloring the entire tubes differently. This localized application of color provides the necessary identification information while minimizing impact on overall manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If no visual cues are provided on the applicator, then the device design remains simple, but users cannot understand the correct usage sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a color-coded visual cue system in the overlap region that indicates the correct usage sequence for connecting the inner tubes. The color difference between components provides intuitive guidance for users without requiring complex instructions or additional mechanical features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the applicator into distinct color-coded segments (outer tube, overlap region, second inner tube) that guide users through the assembly sequence. This segmentation provides clear visual boundaries and connection points that simplify the usage process.
Data Source
AI summary
A tampon applicator includes an outer tube for containing at least a part of an absorber therein, a first inner tube and a second inner tube. The second inner tube is telescopically received within the first inner tube. The first inner tube and the second inner tube are connectable to each other during use to push out the absorber from the outer tube. At least a part of the first inner tube and at least a part of the second inner tube overlap with each other in an overlap region outside the outer tube. A color difference between the outer tube and the overlap region is higher than a color difference between the overlap region and the second inner tube.