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.

该 I-Corps 项目的更广泛影响是开发一种在月经期间使用的内部使用装置，通过月经杯和涂抹器收集经液。目前，月经者每个周期平均花费 20 美元购买女性卫生产品，但经常会遇到不必要的不​​适。此外，这些常用的产品使她们患子宫内膜异位症、中毒性休克综合症和多囊卵巢综合症的风险更高。由于该产品尺寸巨大且插入和取出困难，许多月经使用者不会放弃现有的解决方案。这项技术解决了这些问题，并可能弥补卫生棉条的便利性和月经杯的优点之间的差距。女性报告称，与卫生巾或卫生棉条相比，月经杯可以提供更高的舒适度，减少对活动的干扰，减少刺激，减少气味，并且能够更长时间地佩戴月经杯。该技术可以提供可持续且易于使用的技术。 -使用月经杯，为用户提供持久舒适和功能的安全解决方案。该 I-Corps 项目利用体验式学习以及对行业生态系统的第一手调查来评估该技术的转化潜力。先前开发的用于收集经液的阴道内月经杯和涂抹器该技术采用钟形杯和环片设计以及卫生棉条状涂抹器，该产品的钟形形状提供了最佳的收集能力。该装置采用常见的折叠技术，即 C 形折叠，符合人体工程学设计，可舒适地插入阴道内。为了方便取出，杯子底部的环提供了一个用于生物相容且可调节的绳索的连接点，这种设计可以实现无混乱且轻松的拔出，从而减少了需要。对于经常此外，该解决方案采用环保、可重复使用的设计，可显着减少环境废物。该奖项反映了 NSF 的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力价值和更广泛的影响审查进行评估，被认为值得支持。标准。