Expandable Vaginal Absorptive Unit for Semen Odor Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional feminine hygiene products are inadequate for absorbing seminal fluid, leading to vaginal odor and increased risk of infections due to semen persistence in the vaginal cavity, particularly in remote regions like the vaginal apex and fornices.
Innovation Solution
A device with a plunger and absorptive unit, including expandable absorptive elements and a frame structure, designed to deploy and conform to the vaginal cavity for enhanced semen absorption, featuring materials like thermoplastic elastomers and polyurethane sponges, which can absorb semen at higher rates and reduce odor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional feminine hygiene products (tampons, pads, cups) are used, then menstrual fluid absorption is achieved, but seminal fluid absorption is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the absorptive element by using superabsorbent polymer particles with specific properties (90-99.9% absorption capacity of their own weight in semen) and configuring them in a matrix structure with controlled porosity and surface area, enabling effective semen absorption rather than just menstrual fluid absorption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite absorptive structure combining superabsorbent polymer particles embedded in a matrix material, forming a new composite that specifically targets semen absorption through the synergistic properties of the polymer particles and matrix structure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional hygiene products are used, then basic hygiene is maintained, but vaginal odor develops due to semen persistence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous matrix structure with controlled porosity (40-90% void volume) that enables deep penetration and absorption of semen throughout the vaginal cavity, including remote regions, thereby preventing semen persistence and associated odor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the surface area to volume ratio of the absorptive element (10-1000 cm²/g) to maximize absorption rate and capacity, enabling rapid semen uptake that prevents odor development
3Area of stationary object
If self-evacuation or manual removal methods are used, then some semen is removed from proximal regions, but remote regions (vaginal apex and fornices) are not adequately addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from surface-level or proximal absorption to three-dimensional deep cavity penetration by configuring the absorptive element to expand and distribute throughout the vaginal cavity volume, reaching remote regions like the vaginal apex and fornices that manual methods cannot access
4Quantity of substance
If absorbent materials are placed in remote vaginal regions, then semen absorption improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the absorptive element into multiple segments or zones with different configurations of superabsorbent polymer particles and matrix structures, allowing targeted placement in specific vaginal regions while maintaining overall device simplicity through modular design
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 device effectively absorbs semen from a larger portion of the vaginal cavity, reducing odor and discomfort by conforming to anatomical features, thereby minimizing the risk of infections.
Implementation Method 1
The absorptive element can include a polyurethane sponge
Implementation Method 2
absorb seminal fluid and reduce its concentration within the vaginal cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a shell including a proximal end and a distal end of the shell. The device also includes a plunger within the shell. The plunger can include a flexible stop at a proximal end of the plunger and a distal end. The device can further include an absorptive unit configured to absorb fluid within a vaginal cavity. The absorptive unit can be affixed to the distal end of the plunger. The absorptive unit can include an absorptive element affixed to a frame structure configurable to reversibly transition between a compressed and uncompressed configuration. The absorptive unit can also include a tether coupled to the absorptive unit via the frame structure. The tether can extend through the proximal end of the plunger. Related methods of use are also described.