Expandable Embryo Transfer Frame for Stable Endometrium Contact

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing embryo transfer devices face challenges in improving implantation probability while minimizing force application to the uterus, reducing damage to the uterine cervix and cavity, and maintaining embryo contact with the endometrium during insertion and withdrawal.

Innovation Solution

An embryo transfer device with expandable frame parts made of elastic material, designed to expand within the uterine cavity, stabilizing the embryo accommodation portion and minimizing force application, while allowing for contact with the endometrium.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the device is inserted through the uterine cervix using a tube, then the device can be delivered to the uterine cavity, but damage to the uterine cervix and cavity may occur during insertion and withdrawal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice insertionVSAvoiddamage to uterine cervix and cavity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The expandable frame parts are nested within a delivery tube during insertion, allowing the device to pass through the narrow uterine cervix in a compressed state. Once positioned in the uterine cavity, the frame expands to its functional shape, providing stability without requiring forceful insertion or withdrawal of a large structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame transitions from a static compressed state during insertion to a dynamic expanded state in the uterine cavity. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt its size and shape, minimizing trauma during insertion while providing structural support for embryo contact in the final position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If force is applied to stabilize the device in the uterine cavity, then the device can maintain position for implantation, but the force may damage the uterus and reduce implantation probability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice positioningVSAvoidforce application to uterus

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into multiple expandable segments that can independently adapt to the uterine cavity shape. This segmentation distributes the contact pressure across multiple points rather than concentrating force, providing stable positioning while minimizing localized stress on the uterine wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame utilizes elastic material properties that change from a compressed low-volume state during insertion to an expanded higher-volume state in the uterine cavity. This parameter change allows the device to achieve stable positioning through gentle elastic expansion rather than forceful mechanical insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the embryo accommodation portion is kept closed during insertion, then the device can pass through the delivery tube, but the embryo may not maintain contact with the endometrium for implantation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice deliveryVSAvoidembryo contact with endometrium

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The embryo is loaded into the accommodation portion before device insertion, and the frame is configured to automatically open or position the accommodation portion in a predetermined manner once deployed in the uterine cavity. This preliminary positioning ensures the embryo is ready for contact with the endometrium as soon as the device is in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The accommodation portion transitions from a closed or constrained state during delivery to an open or exposed state in the uterine cavity. This dynamic transformation allows the embryo to maintain contact with the endometrium during the critical implantation period while still permitting safe device delivery through the narrow cervix.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances implantation probability by maintaining embryo contact with the endometrium and reducing damage to the uterine cavity, ensuring stable positioning and minimizing force application during device insertion and withdrawal.

Implementation Method 1

two or more expandable frame parts that connect the proximal end portion and the embryo accommodation portion with each other, wherein the two or more expandable frame parts are configured to become a state of being close to each other due to elastic deformation when disposed in the tube, and to expand in a direction along a Y axis due to a restoring force of the elastic deformation when released from the tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4681663A1Embryo transplantation device

Publication Date: 2026.01.21 INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE TOKYO

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

An embryo transfer device including a proximal end portion forming a side of a proximal end, an embryo accommodation portion, and two or more expandable frame parts, wherein the two or more expandable frame parts are configured to become a state of being close to each other due to elastic deformation when disposed in a tube, and to expand in a direction orthogonal to an X axis passing through the proximal end portion when released from the tube to be disposed in a uterine cavity.