Tampon with Reversible Liquid-Impermeable Layer Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tampons are uncomfortable to insert and remove due to material and design issues, can cause infections like toxic shock syndrome due to oxygen presence, and have hygienic handling problems with exposed menstrual fluid.
Innovation Solution
A tampon design featuring a liquid-absorbing material with a reversible liquid-impermeable and liquid-permeable layer configuration that 'self-inserts' and moves between configurations to facilitate easier insertion and removal, reducing the risk of infection by minimizing oxygen presence and improving hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tampons are made from compressed absorbent fibres, then they can absorb and retain menstrual fluid, but they contain air which creates risk of infection from bacteria
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces air (oxygen-containing atmosphere) with a liquid-filled environment inside the tampon structure. The liquid-absorbing material is surrounded by liquid that displaces air, creating an oxygen-free environment that prevents aerobic bacterial growth and eliminates TSS risk while maintaining the compressed fibre structure for fluid absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flexible membrane or thin film structure that encloses the liquid-absorbing material. This flexible shell contains the liquid environment while allowing the tampon to maintain its compressible, absorbent properties, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and infection prevention.
2Ease of operation
If conventional tampons are inserted into the vagina, then they can absorb menstrual fluid, but lack of lubrication makes insertion uncomfortable and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces lubricating liquid as an intermediary substance between the tampon surface and the vaginal environment. This liquid layer reduces friction and discomfort during insertion while being compatible with the liquid-absorbing material, thereby improving ease of operation without compromising absorption function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the tampon surface by introducing liquid lubrication, transforming the dry, high-friction surface into a lubricated, low-friction interface. This parameter change (from dry to lubricated) directly improves insertion comfort while maintaining the core absorption functionality.
3Ease of operation
If conventional tampons are removed after use, then the absorbed menstrual fluid can be disposed of, but the fluid may be exposed on the outer surface during removal causing hygienic handling problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane or thin film barrier that encloses the liquid-absorbing material and prevents menstrual fluid from contacting the outer surface during removal. This flexible shell maintains containment while allowing the tampon to be removed and disposed of hygienically, eliminating fluid exposure issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts or removes the harmful element (menstrual fluid exposure) from the removal process by using an enclosed liquid-filled structure. The fluid remains contained within the tampon's internal environment, preventing contact with the user's hands or external surfaces during disposal.
4Reliability
If the liquid-absorbing material is surrounded by liquid, then oxygen is excluded preventing bacterial growth, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane or thin film to create the liquid-filled enclosure, which maintains structural integrity while being simple to manufacture and integrate. This flexible shell approach achieves oxygen exclusion and infection prevention without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the liquid-absorbing material with surrounding liquid and enclosing membrane into a composite structure. This composite approach integrates multiple functions (absorption, oxygen exclusion, containment) into a unified structure, managing complexity through material integration rather than separate components.
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 provides a more comfortable and hygienic insertion and removal process while reducing the risk of infections by ensuring the liquid-absorbing material is free from oxygen, enhancing user safety and experience.
Implementation Method 1
a body having a longitudinal axis, a front end, a rear end and an outer surface, said body comprising a liquid-absorbing material operable to absorb and/or retain bodily fluid
Implementation Method 2
a liquid-impermeable layer, said liquid-impermeable layer comprising a liquid-impermeable elastic material
Implementation Method 3
the liquid-impermeable layer and the liquid-permeable layers are operable to move between a first configuration and a second configuration
Implementation Method 4
the tampon may be caused to 'self-insert' when a compressive force is applied to the front end and/or the rear end of the body of the tampon
Data Source
AI summary
A tampon including a body having a longitudinal axis, a front end, a rear end and an outer surface. The body including a liquid-absorbing material operable to absorb and/or retain bodily fluid. A bore extending through the body along the longitudinal axis from the front end to the rear end, said bore defining an inner surface. The tampon also including a liquid-impermeable layer, which includes a liquid-impermeable elastic material and a liquid-permeable layer. The liquid-absorbing material is a fluid. One of the liquid-impermeable layer or the liquid-permeable layer is on at least a portion of the outer surface of the body of the tampon. The other of the liquid-impermeable layer or the liquid-permeable layer is on at least a portion of the inner surface of the body. In use, the liquid-impermeable layer and the liquid-permeable layers are operable to move between a first configuration and a second configuration.