Non-Coaxial Tampon Wicking Member for Bypass Leak Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tampon designs with wicking members are inefficient and less effective in capturing menstrual fluid, leading to bypass failure and leakage, particularly due to the withdrawal cord acting as an escape route for fluid and residual fluid left near the introitus.
Innovation Solution
The tampon design incorporates a wicking member attached to the withdrawal cord and pledget, with a non-coaxial configuration to extend further down the vaginal cavity, using hydrophobic materials and optimized capillarity to effectively wick fluid back to the pledget, and a secure attachment mechanism to prevent separation during withdrawal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wicking member is added to extend down the vaginal cavity to capture bypass fluid, then fluid capture effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wicking member is integrated with the withdrawal cord to form a single combined structure. The withdrawal cord serves dual functions: as a retrieval mechanism and as a wicking pathway for bypass fluid. This merging eliminates the need for a separate wicking component, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining improved fluid capture effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The withdrawal cord is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the traditional withdrawal mechanism for removing the tampon and simultaneously functions as a wicking member to capture and transport bypass fluid to the pledget. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the tampon structure.
2Productivity
If the wicking member is made from hydrophobic material with optimized capillarity to wick fluid effectively, then fluid wicking performance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies particular parameter ranges for the hydrophobic material properties, including capillarity values and fiber composition ratios. By defining these parameters within specific ranges rather than requiring exact values, the patent achieves effective fluid wicking performance while allowing for normal manufacturing tolerances and variations.
3Reliability
If the wicking member is secured to the pledget and withdrawal cord to prevent separation, then reliability during withdrawal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is designed to be self-effecting through the manufacturing process itself. The wicking member is secured to the withdrawal cord and pledget using methods that integrate the attachment function into the existing manufacturing steps, rather than requiring separate attachment mechanisms. This approach achieves reliable attachment without adding significant device complexity.
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 improved tampon design enhances fluid capture and absorption, reducing leakage by effectively wicking menstrual fluid from the introitus to the pledget, ensuring complete absorption and comfort during use.
Implementation Method 1
using hydrophobic materials and optimized capillarity to effectively wick fluid back to the pledget
Implementation Method 2
using hydrophobic materials and optimized capillarity to effectively wick fluid back to the pledget
Data Source
AI summary
A tampon including a pledget, a wicking member disposed in direct contact with the pledget, and a withdrawal cord is disclosed. The wicking member is non-coaxially arranged with respect to the withdrawal cord.