Tampon Insertion Device With Mediator Applicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tampon insertion mechanisms require independent finger strength and dexterity, making it difficult for women with limited finger strength or dexterity to insert tampons effectively.
Innovation Solution
A tampon insertion device with a handle connected to an actuator that facilitates the dispensing of a tampon from its applicator using arm motion, eliminating the need for finger strength or dexterity, by sliding linearly along a casing with a clamp to secure and expel the tampon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional tampon applicator is used, then the tampon can be inserted into the body, but the user requires independent finger strength and dexterity to operate the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second applicator as an intermediary device that assists in inserting the first applicator into the body. This mediator applicator provides additional leverage and support, allowing users with limited finger strength to successfully insert the tampon applicator without requiring strong pinching or gripping abilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where one applicator (the mediator applicator) is inserted inside another applicator (the first applicator). This nested configuration allows the mediator applicator to provide structural support and leverage while the first applicator contains the tampon, enabling users with limited dexterity to manipulate the outer applicator for insertion.
2Reliability
If the applicator is pinched between fingers for insertion, then the tampon can be controlled during insertion, but users with limited finger strength cannot maintain the required pinch force
Solution Approach 1:
The mediator applicator serves as an intermediary that transfers and amplifies the user's limited finger strength into sufficient insertion force. By gripping the outer mediator applicator rather than the inner applicator directly, users can leverage the longer handle and larger surface area to generate adequate insertion force without requiring strong pinching ability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point pinching action to a distributed gripping action along the length of the mediator applicator handle. This dimensional change allows users to apply force along the longitudinal axis of the handle rather than concentrating force at a single pinch point, reducing the required finger strength while maintaining control.
3Productivity
If the plunger is depressed while pinching the grip portion, then the tampon is extruded into the body, but the user must maintain continuous pinch force throughout the process
Solution Approach 1:
The mediator applicator acts as an intermediary lever that reduces the duration and intensity of force required from the user. By providing mechanical advantage through its longer handle and structural support, the mediator applicator allows the plunger to be depressed with less sustained finger effort, improving productivity while reducing the duration of force application.
4Ease of operation
If the applicator barrel is removed by pinching the grip portion, then the applicator can be extracted from the body, but users with limited dexterity cannot perform the dexterous pinch grip required
Solution Approach 1:
The mediator applicator serves as an intermediary tool that simplifies the removal process. After tampon insertion, the user grasps the mediator applicator handle for removal, which provides a larger, easier-to-grasp surface compared to the original applicator grip portion. This intermediary approach converts a dexterous pinch grip requirement into a simpler grasping action.
5Ease of operation
If the external string is grasped and tension is exerted to remove the tampon, then the tampon can be extracted from the body, but users with limited finger strength cannot grasp and tension the string effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The mediator applicator handle serves as an intermediary lever that amplifies the user's limited finger strength into sufficient tension force for tampon removal. By attaching the removal string to the mediator applicator handle rather than directly to the tampon, users can leverage the longer handle to generate adequate tension force with minimal finger effort.
Data Source
AI summary
A tampon insertion device for inserting a tampon from a tampon applicator into a vaginal canal. The devices includes a hollow casing having an open distal end, a proximal end, a top wall extending between the proximal and distal ends, an open bottom opposing the top wall, and a clamp portion located at the distal end of the casing. The device further includes a plunger actuator located in the interior of the casing for linear movement therein, and a handle slidably positioned external to the casing and connected to the actuator such that linear sliding movement of the handle with respect to the casing causes a corresponding linear movement of the actuator within the casing. A method of inserting a tampon is also provided.