Semen-Capture Conception Platform Against Sperm Flowback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional infertility treatments are invasive, costly, and often limit the frequency of procedures, which can impact success rates and family planning, while also compromising intimacy due to their clinic-based nature.

Innovation Solution

A conception aid device with a platform configured for placement in the vaginal canal, featuring capturing elements such as ridges, channels, and filaments to collect and guide semen towards the cervix, potentially increasing the chances of conception by preventing sperm flowback and acting as a sperm reservoir.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional infertility treatments (IUI, IVF) are used, then conception assistance is provided, but the treatments are invasive, costly, and limit procedure frequency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconception assistance effectivenessVSAvoidtreatment invasiveness and complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of sperm delivery from complex clinical procedures (IUI, IVF) and implements it through a simple self-contained device placed in the vaginal canal. The device captures sperm naturally present in the vaginal environment and delivers them directly to the cervix, eliminating the need for external sperm collection, laboratory processing, and surgical insertion procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The device enables self-service by allowing women to independently place and remove the device without clinical intervention. The system uses the body's natural physiology (vaginal secretions, cervical mucus) to capture and transport sperm, eliminating dependence on expensive clinic-based procedures and fertility medications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If conventional infertility treatments are used, then conception assistance is provided, but costs become prohibitively expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconception assistance effectivenessVSAvoidtreatment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable, single-use device made from inexpensive materials (polymer or silicone platform with capturing elements) that can be manufactured at low cost. The device is discarded after one use, eliminating the need for sterilization and complex manufacturing processes, thereby dramatically reducing treatment costs compared to reusable clinical equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The device replicates the natural conception process that occurs in the body without requiring expensive medical technology. Instead of using sophisticated IVF laboratories and surgical tools, the invention copies and enhances the body's own sperm transport mechanisms through simple physical structures (ridges, channels, filaments) that guide sperm naturally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If conventional infertility treatments are used, then conception assistance is provided, but intimacy between partners is compromised due to clinic-based procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconception assistance effectivenessVSAvoidintimacy and convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is placed in the vaginal canal before intercourse occurs, allowing couples to engage in normal sexual activity without clinical monitoring or intervention. The device remains in place during intercourse to capture sperm, and is removed afterward, enabling conception assistance to occur in the privacy of the home rather than a clinical setting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device acts as an intermediary between the vaginal environment and the cervix, facilitating sperm transport without requiring direct medical intervention during intimate moments. It mediates the natural conception process by providing a physical pathway for sperm while allowing partners to maintain their intimacy and privacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If conventional infertility treatments are used, then conception assistance is provided, but procedures can only be performed a limited number of times per year

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconception assistance effectivenessVSAvoidprocedure frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables periodic use throughout the menstrual cycle without the recovery time required between IVF cycles. Couples can use the device during each ovulation window multiple times per month, maximizing the opportunity for conception during fertile periods without the six-month recovery period imposed by IVF protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The device maintains continuous sperm capture and delivery function during the period it is worn, allowing uninterrupted conception assistance during the fertile window. Unlike IVF which requires discontinuous monthly cycles with long preparation and recovery phases, the device provides continuous action whenever worn, enabling more frequent conception attempts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11357481B2Devices and methods for aiding conception
Publication Date: 2022.06.14 HANNAH LIFE TECH PTE LTD
  • US11357481B2 patent drawing
  • US11357481B2 patent drawing
  • US11357481B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A conception aid for assisting in natural conception may include a platform configured for placement in a vaginal canal, wherein the platform comprises one or more capturing elements configured to collect semen. A method of aiding conception may include providing a conception aid device including one or more capturing elements, collecting semen with the one or more capturing elements wherein the one or more capturing elements is configured to contain the collected semen on the device, and positioning the device in a vaginal canal.