Tampon Funnel Depression Directs Fluid to Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tampons experience premature saturation of the outer layers, leading to leakage of body fluids before the absorbent core is fully utilized, due to poor absorption properties and design limitations.
Innovation Solution
A tampon design featuring a funnel-shaped depression at the tip with a diameter of 20 to 40% of the absorbent body's diameter and a volume of 4% or less, which directs body fluids directly into the absorbent core, preventing premature saturation and optimizing absorption without impairing insertion properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the outer layers of the tampon are designed to absorb body fluid rapidly, then absorption speed is improved, but the outer layers become saturated before the inner core is utilized, causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The tampon is segmented into distinct functional zones: an outer layer with grooves for rapid initial absorption and an inner core for bulk absorption. The grooves divide the outer layer into multiple absorption channels, allowing fluid to be distributed across the tampon structure rather than concentrating in one area, preventing premature saturation of any single region.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the tampon are given different absorption properties. The outer layer has enhanced absorption capability through grooves to capture incoming fluid quickly, while the inner core provides sustained absorption capacity. This local differentiation ensures that each zone performs its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.
2Productivity
If grooves are added to the outer boundary surface to improve absorption, then absorption properties are enhanced, but liquid leakage still occurs before the core is fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structure is nested within the outer layer, creating a multi-level absorption system. The grooves form channels that guide fluid into the outer layer's porous structure, which in turn feeds into the inner core. This nested arrangement ensures progressive fluid distribution from the periphery toward the center, maximizing utilization of the core absorption capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves add a dimensional feature to the otherwise flat outer surface, creating three-dimensional absorption pathways. This dimensional enhancement increases the effective surface area for fluid contact and creates controlled flow paths that direct fluid inward, preventing surface runoff and leakage.
3Area of stationary object
If a funnel-shaped depression is provided in the tip to improve absorption, then surface area is increased, but insertion properties may be impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel-shaped depression is designed with controlled dimensions - the diameter at the edge facing the apex area is 20 to 40% of the absorbent body diameter, and the volume is 4% or less of the total volume. This partial modification increases surface area for absorption while maintaining the overall cylindrical shape and smooth exterior necessary for easy insertion.
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 design enhances absorption capacity while maintaining stability and ease of insertion, ensuring the absorbent core is fully utilized without leakage issues.
Implementation Method 1
The menstrual fluid hits the tampon from the outside and penetrates the absorbent body from the outside in. Accordingly, the liquid passes through the outer tampon layers into the usually compacted tampon core
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 2d~2e
AI summary
The sanitary tampon has a cylindrical suction body (10) which has a peak (12) tapered in the direction of an axial end. A recess (20) is formed in an apex area, which extends starting from an edge (22) surrounding a cylindrical axis in the direction to the end of the suction body. The end of the suction body is turned away from the peak. The suction body is accommodated in a foil formed of polypropylene or cellophane. An independent claim is also included for a device with a forming tool for manufacturing sanitary tampon.