Tampon Doming Tool Shaping Anatomical Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tampon manufacturing methods fail to produce tampons with complex longitudinal or radial shapes, which can provide a better fit to the wearer's anatomy and enhance comfort while maintaining fluid absorption properties.
Innovation Solution
A doming tool with multiple stations, including passive cavities and chuck style devices, shapes the tampon pledget tip using a hollow mandrel and a movable sliding insert, allowing for an elliptical cross-section and improved anatomical fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional cylindrical tampons are used, then manufacturing is simple, but anatomical fit and wearer comfort are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The tampon is divided into multiple zones along its longitudinal axis, each with different compression ratios and densities. The doming tool creates distinct segments including a domed insertion end, a transition zone, and a compressed body, allowing each segment to serve specific functional purposes for better anatomical adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the tampon are given different local properties through varied compression. The insertion end has a domed shape with specific density for ease of insertion, while the body has progressive compression zones with varying densities to match different anatomical regions, optimizing both comfort and absorption.
2Shape
If shaped tampons with complex longitudinal profiles are produced, then anatomical fit and comfort are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The doming tool incorporates a movable plunger that can be dynamically adjusted during the forming process. The plunger moves vertically to create the domed shape at the insertion end, and its position can be controlled to achieve different dome heights and profiles, providing manufacturing flexibility without requiring multiple specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The doming tool is designed as a multi-functional device that can create various tampon profiles by adjusting plunger position and applying different compression forces. The same tool can produce different dome shapes, compression zones, and overall tampon geometries, reducing the need for multiple specialized manufacturing devices.
3Ease of operation
If radial compression is applied to create rigidity for digital insertion, then insertion ease is improved, but consumer comfort may be reduced due to compression column
Solution Approach 1:
The compression ratio and density are varied continuously along the longitudinal axis of the tampon. The insertion end has a domed shape with optimized density for ease of insertion, while the body transitions through zones of varying compression. This gradual parameter change maintains the necessary rigidity for insertion while avoiding the discomfort associated with uniform high compression.
Solution Approach 2:
Radial compression is applied selectively to specific zones rather than uniformly throughout the entire tampon. The doming tool applies compression primarily to the body portion to create the necessary structural support, while the insertion end maintains a softer, domed structure that is more comfortable for the consumer.
Data Source
AI summary
A doming tool for manufacturing absorbent tampon includes a plurality of stations made of devices for shaping a tampon pledget tip, and a hollow mandrel engaging with the stations. The stations are supported by at least one mounting plate.