Flo

What it does

Current humanitarian efforts provide menstrual materials but fall short in meeting women's needs in unsafe, unhygienic spaces. Flo is a portable, hand-powered washer for reusable pads, enabling safe period management in crises without needing power.

Your inspiration

This problem stems from the stark vulnerability of women during crises, where natural disasters disproportionately impact their health and safety. Poorly designed disaster facilities amplify these issues, leaving women feeling unsafe and hesitant to address their sanitary needs. In relief efforts, menstrual products can be overlooked, compelling women to resort to unhygienic alternatives like dirty or damp cloths. Our solution aims to discreetly provide a healthier option and empower women to maintain proper sanitary practices in post-disaster environments.

How it works

The Flo device is a compact, handheld washer designed for the removal of blood and menstrual fluids from fabric pads in a discreet manner, using low water in post-disaster environments. It can clean one reusable sanitary pad per cycle, using less than 1 litre of water for two cycles: wash and rinse. It operates manually, without batteries or electricity. To use, users fill the container with water and detergent, place the sanitary pad inside, and pull a starter handle to wind up the coil, similar to recoil starters in manual food choppers or lawnmowers. This action generates mechanical power through spinning, activating an agitator inside that vigorously cleans the pad. The device features textured surfaces inside for improved friction. It is opaque, sealed to prevent odours and leaks, and includes a small spout for discreet disposal of wastewater.

Design process

The design for Flo began with a focus on addressing menstrual health and hygiene needs in crises, driven by our team's diverse perspectives on women's issues during our first year of engineering. We outlined requirements such as effectively cleaning one standard-sized pad, human-powered operation without electricity, and a discreet design. We explored various concepts (see photo 4) of human-powered washing devices using methods like rubbing, spinning, pumping, and rolling. Each design iteration incorporated feedback, focusing on durability, portability, and ease of use. We settled on a pulling mechanism inspired by recoil starters to power the device with minimal effort. Using principles from washing machine components, we developed a pull cord system that spins the agitator one way and the inner drum counterclockwise. The device's dimensions were tailored to fit standard pads while using minimal water. We created a working prototype using cardboard, a 3D-printed agitator, a door spring, string, rubber bands, and wood (see photo 3 top). Throughout development, we emphasised durability, sustainability (made from recycled aluminium), and affordability (costing under £25 per kit). The final design features a water-tight container with a spout for wastewater disposal.

How it is different

We advocate for practical inventions that are inspired by a deep empathy and understanding of the unique challenges women face in crisis situations.

Future plans

Our next steps involve presenting our project to a global audience and advocating for technology that helps people and advances equitable progress for women. The JDA platform will facilitate networking, collaboration, and securing funding essential for bringing our project to fruition. Engaging with a global audience allows us to gather valuable feedback, insights, and suggestions, refining our product's effectiveness. It also provides a market testing opportunity to reach diverse audiences and enhance our solution.

Awards

At this time, our invention has not won or been nominated for any awards. However, the most rewarding aspect has been raising awareness about menstrual hygiene challenges in disaster situations and promoting gender equality and women's health rights through Flo. :)