Tampon Physical Discontinuities for Leakage Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tampons face challenges in preventing menstrual leakage due to limited expansion capabilities, especially at low flow levels, and can cause discomfort or irritation in the vaginal cavity.
Innovation Solution
A tampon design featuring a compressed absorbent member with physical discontinuities that control expansion by partially isolating portions to concentrate absorption and increase expansion, preventing leakage and minimizing discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tampons are compressed into a rigid round cylindrical shape to achieve desired vaginally insertable size, then the tampon can be comfortably inserted into the vaginal cavity, but the tampon cannot effectively expand to contact and absorb menses flowing along the walls of the vaginal cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The tampon is divided into multiple segments or sections with different compression levels. The distal portion is less compressed than the proximal portion, creating zones of different expansion potential. This segmentation allows the tampon to maintain structural integrity for insertion while enabling differential expansion to contact vaginal walls effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the tampon are given different local properties through varying compression levels. The distal portion has lower compression and higher expansion capability to contact the vaginal walls, while the proximal portion has higher compression for structural support. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall insertability and local absorption effectiveness.
2Quantity of substance
If tampons rely on absorption of menses to generate expansion, then the tampon can absorb menses, but expansion is limited to the volume of menses absorbed and expansion potential is lost due to menses replacing air in the tampon
Solution Approach 1:
The tampon is pre-compressed to create void spaces and air pockets within its structure before insertion. These pre-created spaces provide expansion potential that is not dependent on menses volume. When menses is absorbed, the tampon expands into these pre-formed spaces, maximizing expansion volume regardless of low menses flow levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression density parameter is varied throughout the tampon structure. By creating regions of different density and porosity, the tampon achieves optimized expansion characteristics. The less compressed distal portion expands more readily to contact vaginal walls, while the more compressed proximal portion provides structural support, resolving the volume limitation.
3Reliability
If dry expanding tampons are used to expand within the vaginal cavity when there is little or no menses present, then the tampon can contact the vaginal walls, but the tampon can irritate the walls of the vaginal cavity by expanding and adhering to dry areas
Solution Approach 1:
The tampon applies local quality differentiation where only the distal portion is designed for expansion and wall contact, while the proximal portion remains more compressed and does not contact the vaginal walls. This localized expansion approach ensures contact is made only where necessary, minimizing irritation to dry vaginal wall areas while maintaining effective menses absorption contact.
4Shape
If adhesive or bonding agent is applied to restrict expansion of certain portions of the tampon, then control over expansion pattern is achieved, but the restriction in expansion reduces the amount of menses that the tampon may absorb
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using adhesives to restrict expansion, the tampon is segmented into different compression zones during manufacturing. The distal segment is less compressed to allow expansion for wall contact, while the proximal segment is more compressed for structural support. This segmentation achieves expansion control without adhesive restrictions, preserving full absorption capacity in both segments.
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
The tampon effectively prevents menstrual leakage at low flow levels without causing discomfort, enhancing absorption and expansion capabilities compared to traditional designs.
Implementation Method 1
Tampons which are compressed rely upon the absorption of menses to generate expansion of the tampon
Implementation Method 2
the tampon contacts and absorb the menses flowing along the walls of the vaginal cavity
Implementation Method 3
expansion of the tampon occurs in the direction opposite to which the tampon was compressed
Data Source
AI summary
A tampon having at least one physical discontinuity is provided. The physical discontinuity, or physical discontinuities, are located in the compressed absorbent member and may be made in the tampon pledget before the pledget is compressed into the absorbent member. The physical discontinuities partially isolate a portion, or portions, of the tampon from the rest of the tampon. The partial isolation of a portion of the tampon reduces the amount of menses absorbed by that portion, which could be transported to the rest of the tampon through wicking. The concentration of menses absorption in a portion allows that portion have a higher level of expansion than the rest of the tampon to prevent menses from leaking out of the vaginal opening.