Tampon Applicator Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tampon applicators lack a locking mechanism to prevent the inner member from separating from the outer member during removal, leading to the inner member being left behind in the vaginal cavity.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an indentation region on the outer member and longitudinal protrusions on the inner member to create an interference fit, providing a secure hold and resistance to separation, ensuring the inner member remains attached to the outer member during use and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If no locking mechanism is provided between the outer member and inner member, then the applicator structure remains simple and easy to manufacture, but the inner member may inadvertently separate from the outer member during removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicator structure simplicityVSAvoidinner member retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inner member is nested within the outer member, with the inner member's protrusion fitting into the outer member's recess. This nested configuration provides a locking mechanism that prevents inadvertent separation during removal while maintaining a compact, simple overall structure that is easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator is segmented into distinct outer member and inner member components, each with specific geometric features (recess and protrusion respectively). This segmentation allows for independent manufacturing of simple components that assemble into a reliable locked structure, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and retention reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the inner member is pushed too far during insertion, then the tampon is expelled, but the inner member may be inserted into the body cavity and left behind during removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetampon expulsion functionVSAvoidinner member retention in body cavity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism with protrusion and recess is designed to prevent the harmful action of inadvertent separation before it can occur. By establishing this preliminary mechanical interlock, the design ensures that even if the inner member is pushed too far during insertion, it cannot separate from the outer member during removal, thus preventing retention in the body cavity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The geometric interlocking features are pre-configured on both the inner and outer members before use. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that the locking function is already in place before insertion, preventing any subsequent separation or retention issues during the removal phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8372028B2Tampon applicator

Publication Date: 2013.02.12 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A tampon applicator having an outer member adapted to house a tampon and receive an inner member. The inner member has a first end and a second end. The first end is spaced a first distance from a first longitudinal protrusion. The second end is spaced a second distance from a second longitudinal protrusion.