Tapered Applicator with Multiple Dispensing Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vaginal care applicators often require separate dispensers, can be messy, and may not effectively treat both vaginal introitus and external tissues, with issues such as leakage, need for precise orientation, and hygiene concerns, leading to an unpleasant user experience and reduced adoption.
Innovation Solution
A tapered applicator with multiple dispensing openings and a reservoir storing 10g to 200g of vaginal care composition, allowing for easy application to both vaginal introitus and external tissues without the need for a separate dispenser, and featuring a design that prevents leakage and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate dispenser is used with the applicator, then the composition can be delivered, but the device complexity increases and usage becomes messier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dispenser and applicator into a single integrated unit. The applicator shaft serves as both the delivery vehicle and the dispensing mechanism, with openings in its distal end allowing composition to be dispensed directly during insertion. This eliminates the need for separate dispensers and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining ease of application.
2Reliability
If plunger type applicators are used to deliver composition deep into the vaginal canal, then the composition can be delivered effectively, but leakage occurs and hygiene is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is designed with multiple discrete openings distributed along its distal end rather than a single centralized delivery point. This segmentation allows the composition to be dispensed in a controlled manner along the vaginal wall, preventing leakage while maintaining effective delivery. The tapered configuration further segments the delivery path to match the anatomical curvature.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator is designed as a single-use disposable device. This eliminates the need for cleaning and reduces hygiene concerns associated with reusable applicators. The disposable nature ensures that each use is clean and free from contamination, while the low cost encourages consistent use.
3Reliability
If over-the-counter plunger type applicators are used, then composition can be delivered, but precise orientation is required which makes usage difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator features an asymmetric tapered configuration that is wider at the proximal end and narrower at the distal end. This asymmetric design provides natural guidance during insertion, allowing the user to insert the applicator at various angles without requiring precise orientation. The tapering shape ensures proper alignment as it is inserted, eliminating the need for careful positioning while maintaining delivery accuracy.
4Reliability
If applicators applying composition only to the vaginal canal are used, then the vaginal canal can be treated, but external vaginal tissues are not treated
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator design extends treatment from the internal vaginal canal dimension to the external vaginal tissue dimension. The distal openings are positioned to allow composition to be dispensed both inside the vaginal canal and on the external vaginal tissues during insertion. This multi-dimensional approach ensures comprehensive treatment of both internal and external areas affected by vaginal conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to an applicator for administering a composition for treating one or more of vaginal dryness, vaginal irritation, vaginal itch, vaginal infection, vaginal odor, vaginal chafing, dyspareunia, and/or vaginal atrophy, and more specifically, to an applicator comprising a reservoir and a vaginal care composition stored within the reservoir, as well as methods of using such an applicator.