Downfolding IUD Loading Instrument with Graduated Tube

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intra-uterine devices (IUDs) require precise folding and loading before insertion, with up-folding IUDs being easier to load but difficult to place, and down-folding IUDs being more challenging to load but easier to place, necessitating a hygienic and economical instrument for consistent loading and minimal insertion trauma.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a downfolding mechanism with a graduated tube, push rod, and stopper, encased in a transparent pouch, facilitates the loading and insertion of downfolding IUDs by guiding the arms to fold towards the stem, ensuring secure capture and minimal force insertion, while maintaining sterility and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If downfolding IUD is used, then ease of placement in uterus is improved, but difficulty of loading increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of placementVSAvoiddifficulty of loading

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The IUD is pre-folded into the downfolded configuration before insertion, and the instrument includes a loading mechanism that maintains this folded state throughout the insertion process. The stem and arms are positioned in advance in the correct folded orientation, eliminating the need for manual folding during insertion and ensuring consistent, easy placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual loading is used, then flexibility is improved, but hygiene and consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidhygiene and consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument is designed to load the IUD autonomously through its mechanical structure. The loading mechanism automatically positions and secures the IUD in the correct downfolded configuration without requiring manual manipulation, ensuring consistent results and maintaining hygiene by minimizing contact between provider hands and the IUD.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If one-time use instrument is used, then hygiene is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovehygieneVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument is designed as a disposable, single-use device that is inexpensive to manufacture. The simple mechanical structure uses basic materials that can be produced at low cost, and the device is discarded after single use to maintain hygiene. This approach eliminates the need for expensive sterilization processes and reusable components while maintaining acceptable hygiene standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS11648147B2Instrument to prepare an intra-uterine device for insertion

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 PREGNA INT

AI summary

An instrument 10 to prepare an intra-uterine device 30 for insertion in uterus 50 of woman, comprising a downfolding device 20, a graduated tube 16, a push rod 17, a stopper 15, and an IUD 30; the downfolding device 20 having a concave depression 41 on either side, an open channel 29 of a circular orifice 46 having a sector of angle measure 46A at least 220° and having an exit opening 48 initially marginally less than an external diameter 22B of the graduated tube 16, a root thickness 37B of the base 37 in-between the open channel 29 such that the exit opening 48 increases by the base 37 flexing; the graduated tube 16 has an internal diameter 22D of a far-end opening 22a of the graduated tube 16 sufficient to capture the stem 33 and both arms 32 of the IUD 30 in a downward triangular formation 51.