Disposable Vaginal Shield for UV Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective devices for the female groin region are not designed for easy, strapless use by sunbathers or those using indoor tanning beds, and they are not made from inexpensive, disposable materials that provide adequate protection against ultraviolet exposure.
Innovation Solution
A disposable, anatomically designed and shaped shield made from flexible, hypo-allergenic materials, such as recyclable plastics with UV shielding properties, featuring a canoe-like shape with a handle for easy installation and use, providing protection for the vaginal area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If prior art protective devices are designed for medical or performance use, then they provide adequate protection, but they are not easily placed or adaptable for sunbathing use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable shields made from inexpensive materials that can be easily discarded after use. This resolves the contradiction by providing simple, single-use protective devices that are optimized for casual sunbathing applications rather than reusable medical or performance equipment, making them easier to place and more adaptable for recreational use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters from rigid medical-grade materials to flexible, disposable materials that can be easily molded into anatomically correct shapes. This allows the shields to conform comfortably to the body for easy placement while being specifically designed for the anatomical contours needed for sunbathing protection.
2Ease of manufacture
If prior art protective devices are made from durable materials, then they provide lasting protection, but they are not inexpensive or easily replaceable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies disposable shields made from inexpensive materials such as thin plastic or foil that can be easily manufactured and discarded. This resolves the contradiction by making protection affordable and accessible for casual sunbathing, where the low cost enables easy replacement rather than requiring durable, expensive reusable equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures that combine UV-blocking properties with flexible, inexpensive base materials. This allows the shields to provide adequate UV protection while remaining cheap to manufacture, resolving the contradiction between cost and protection effectiveness for disposable applications.
3Duration of action of moving object
If prior art protective devices are designed for reusable use, then they can be used multiple times, but they are not suitable for disposable configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately designs shields for single-use disposal rather than reuse. This resolves the contradiction by making the shields so inexpensive and simple that disposal is more convenient than cleaning, storing, and maintaining reusable equipment, perfectly suited for casual sunbathing where maximum ease of operation is prioritized over duration of use.
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 shield effectively protects sensitive areas from sunburn and UV exposure, being easy to use, disposable, and suitable for various activities including sunbathing, tanning, and hair removal procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The disposable shields may be provided with a UV shielding material as part of the material of construction
Data Source
AI summary
A protective shield. The protective shield is provided in a generally cupped structure sized to accommodate and shaped with sufficient volume to receive therein adult human female genitalia. The protective vaginal shield includes a soft, flexible outer lip that is generally configured in the shape of an arcuate section made through an ovoid shape substantially along the longitudinal axis thereof. Extending inwardly and downwardly from the outer lip are outer sloping sidewalls. A longitudinally extending nose portion is provided. Inner sloping sidewalls extend from the outer sloping sidewalls to the longitudinally running nose portion. In one embodiment, the inner sloping sidewalls comprise a pair of opposing concave shaped structures, to provide a secure handle grip. In an embodiment, the protective shield may be provided in a disposable material.