Reusable Vaginal Device with Removable Fluid Bag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sanitary devices for menstruation, such as tampons and sanitary pads, generate significant waste and can be costly, messy, and may lead to infections due to their disposable nature, while existing reusable options like menstrual cups are difficult to insert and maintain hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a cervical ring, positioning portion, and elastically resilient connecting portion that securely fits within the vagina, with an optional inflatable portion and washing tube to maintain hygiene and a removable bag for collecting menstrual fluid, providing a reusable and hygienic solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable sanitary products (tampons, sanitary towels) are used, then hygiene and convenience are improved, but environmental waste and cost accumulate significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the disposable concept by creating a reusable device with a removable disposable bag. The main device structure (cervical ring, positioning portion, connecting portion) is durable and reusable, while only the bag containing menstrual fluid is disposable. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating waste from the structural components while maintaining hygiene through regular replacement of the bag.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables recovery and reuse of the main structural components after the bag is discarded. The cervical ring, positioning portion, and connecting portion can be cleaned and reused multiple times, discarding only the contaminated bag. This significantly reduces waste compared to completely disposable products while maintaining hygiene standards.
2Loss of substance
If reusable menstrual cups are used, then waste is reduced and cost decreases, but insertion difficulty and hygiene maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the menstrual cup into three functional parts: the cervical ring for positioning, the connecting portion for structural support, and the removable bag for fluid collection. This segmentation allows the bag to be easily removed and replaced without manipulating the entire device, significantly easing insertion and maintenance operations while maintaining reusability benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The bag is extracted as a separate removable component from the main device structure. This allows the bag to be independently removed, emptied, and replaced without removing or manipulating the cervical ring and connecting portion, making the device much easier to operate and maintain compared to traditional menstrual cups.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional menstrual cups are used, then reusability is achieved, but secure fitting and prevention of dislodgement are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies local quality by creating specific geometric features at critical locations: the cervical ring has a configuration that engages with the cervix, the positioning portion has features that engage with the vaginal wall, and the connecting portion provides structural support. These localized structural qualities ensure secure fitting and prevent dislodgement while maintaining reusability.
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 securely fits within the vagina, reduces waste and infection risk, maintains vaginal hygiene, and allows for easy insertion and removal, addressing the limitations of existing sanitary products.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically resilient connecting portion connecting the cervical ring and the positioning portion. The elastically resilient connecting portion is configured such that, when the device is positioned inside the vagina, the positioning portion is biased against the securing position.
Data Source
AI summary
There is herein provided a device (200) for insertion into a vagina. The device comprises a cervical ring (202) configured to surround the cervix, a positioning portion (204) configured to abut against a securing position along an interior wall of the vagina and an elastically resilient connecting portion (206). The elastically resilient connecting portion connects the cervical ring and the positioning portion and the elastically resilient connecting portion is configured such that, when the device is positioned inside the vagina, the positioning portion is biased against the securing position.