I-Corps: Translation potential of a tampon-like menstrual cup and applicator system

I-Corps：卫生棉条状月经杯和涂抹器系统的翻译潜力

• 批准号: 2413962
• 负责人: Lizabeth Thompson
• 金额: $ 5万
• 依托单位: California Polytechnic State University Foundation
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2024
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2024-02-15 至 2024-07-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2413962&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Corps; Translation; potential; tampon; like

The broader impact of this I-Corps project is the development of a device for internal use during menstruation to collect menstrual fluid using a menstrual cup and applicator. Currently, the average menstruator spends $20 on feminine hygiene products per cycle, but often experiences unnecessary discomfort or embarrassment when using pads and tampons. In addition, these commonly used products put them at a higher risk for developing endometriosis, toxic shock syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Although menstrual cups are available on the market, many menstruators won't convert from their current solutions due to the product's intimidating size and difficulty with insertion and removal. This technology addresses these concerns and may bridge the gap between the convenience of tampons and the benefits of menstrual cups. Women have reported that menstrual cups may provide increased comfort, less interference with activities, less irritation, decreased odor, and the ability to wear a cup for longer periods of time than a pad or tampon. The technology may offer a sustainable and easy-to-use menstrual cup that provides users a safe solution with long-lasting comfort and function.This I-Corps project utilizes experiential learning coupled with a first-hand investigation of the industry ecosystem to assess the translational potential of the technology. The technology is based on the prior development of an intravaginal menstrual cup and applicator to collect menstrual fluid. The technology uses a bell-shaped cup and loop tab design in combination with a tampon-like applicator. The product’s bell-shape provides optimal capacity for collecting menstrual fluid and is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably within the vaginal canal. For insertion, the device uses a common folding technique, known as the C-fold. The flexible silicone device is inserted into the polycarbonate plunger-applicator to be deployed into the vaginal canal. For removal, a loop at the base of the cup provides an attachment point for a biocompatible and adjustable cord. This design allows for mess-free and easy extraction. The cup has been shown to have a longer wear time, reducing the need for frequent changes. In addition, the solution has an eco-friendly, reusable design that may result in a significant reduction in environmental waste.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

这个I-Corps项目的更广泛的影响是开发一种设备，用于月经期间的内部用途，以使用月经杯和涂抹器收集月经流体。目前，平均每周循环为女性卫生产品花费20美元，但在使用垫子和tap子时通常会出现不必要的不​​适或尴尬。此外，这些常用产品使它们患有子宫内膜异位症，有毒休克综合征和多囊卵巢综合征的风险更高。尽管市场上有月经杯，但由于产品的尺寸和插入和去除的困难，许多月经不会从目前的解决方案中转换。这项技术解决了这些问题，可能会弥合the脚的便利性与月经杯的好处之间的差距。妇女报告说，月经杯可能会提供增加的舒适性，对活动的干扰减少，刺激性减少，气味减少以及比垫子或tap的能力更长的时间。该技术可能会提供可持续且易于使用的月经杯，为用户提供具有持久舒适性和功能的安全解决方案。该I-Corps项目利用专家学习以及对行业生态系统的第一手投资来评估该技术的转化潜力。该技术基于先前开发的阴道内月杯和涂抹器来收集月经流体。该技术使用钟形杯子和循环标签设计与类似tap的涂抹器结合使用。该产品的钟形为收集月经液提供了最佳的能力，并且具有符合人体工程学的设计，可舒适地安装在阴道内。为了插入，该设备使用一种常见的折叠技术，称为C折。将柔性硅胶设备插入到聚碳酸酯插头涂抹器中，以部署到阴道管中。为了拆卸，杯子底部的环为生物相容性且可调节的绳索提供了一个附着点。这种设计允许无混乱，轻松提取。杯子已显示出更长的磨损时间，减少了经常更改的需求。此外，该解决方案具有环保的可重复使用的设计，可能会导致环境废物的大幅减少。该奖项反映了NSF的法定任务，并且使用基金会的知识分子优点和更广泛的影响审查标准，被认为值得通过评估来获得支持。