Tampon Disposal Pad with Drawstring and Absorbent Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods and devices for disposing of used feminine hygiene products are inadequate, as they fail to provide effective and discreet removal and disposal due to insubstantial materials and limited capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A circular tampon disposal pad with layers of a plastic outer cover, an absorbent middle layer, and a deodorizing inner containment layer, along with a drawstring component, allowing for secure and sanitary disposal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional disposal methods are used, then the disposal process is simple, but the effectiveness and discretion of removal is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisposal process simplicityVSAvoideffectiveness of removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The disposal device is segmented into multiple functional layers: an outer protective cover layer, a middle absorbent layer, and an inner containment layer. Each layer performs a specific function to collectively achieve effective removal and disposal while maintaining simplicity of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The disposal pad uses a nested structure where the containment layer is placed inside the absorbent layer, which is inside the protective cover layer. This nested arrangement allows multiple functions to be integrated within a compact form factor, enabling effective disposal without complicating the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Device complexity

If insubstantial materials are used in prior devices, then the device is simple and inexpensive, but the device capabilities are limited and vulnerable to mechanical and physical inabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structure simplicityVSAvoiddevice capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The disposal device combines multiple materials with different properties: a plastic protective cover layer for durability and protection, a cotton absorbent layer for moisture absorption, and a deodorizer containment layer for odor control. This composite material approach enhances device capability while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If a multi-layer structure is used, then the sanitation and containment effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitation and containment effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of layers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into three distinct layers, each with a specific function: protective cover, absorbent layer, and containment layer. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific purpose while working together to achieve high sanitation and containment effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each layer of the disposal pad is designed to perform multiple functions: the protective cover provides structural integrity and protection, the absorbent layer handles moisture absorption, and the containment layer provides odor control and secure containment. This multi-functionality justifies the multi-layer structure by maximizing utility across all layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If traditional disposal methods are used, then the disposal process is straightforward, but the discretion and cleanliness of disposal is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisposal process straightforwardnessVSAvoiddiscretion and cleanliness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device converts potentially harmful factors (odor, moisture, exposure to used product) into beneficial features: the deodorizer layer converts odor into a controlled feature, the absorbent layer converts moisture into a managed characteristic, and the protective cover converts exposure risk into a protected state. This allows straightforward disposal while maintaining discretion and cleanliness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Enables quick, easy, and discreet disposal of used tampons while maintaining high sanitation and cleanliness, overcoming the limitations of previous methods.

Implementation Method 1

The middle absorbent layer preferably consists of, but is not limited to, a thin cotton lining to absorb any excess moisture from the used tampon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The outer cover layer, which preferably is, but not limited to, consists of a plastic lining to protect the user from the used tampon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS20250090390A1Feminine Hygiene Product Removal Device

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 ATKINS TAMARA

AI summary

A used feminine hygiene product disposal pad includes an outer cover, a middle absorbent layer, an inner containment layer, and a drawstring component. The outer cover is held by the user when grasping the used feminine hygiene product, the middle absorbent layer absorbs moisture or fluid from the used feminine hygiene product, and the inner containment layer comes into direct contact with the used feminine hygiene product being grasped and wraps around the hygiene product. The drawstring component is used to securely tie the disposal pad around the used feminine hygiene product.