Expandable IUD Holding Structure for Low-Pain Uterine Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Insertion of intrauterine devices (IUDs) through the cervical canal causes significant pain due to deformation of the cervix, as they are typically T- or horseshoe-shaped and require forceps to stabilize and straighten the uterus.
Innovation Solution
An elastically deformable IUD with a carrier body and holding means that can be moved from an insertion position, where it is narrower and causes minimal cervix deformation, to a fixation position where it rests against the uterine wall, using a restoring force and an actuating mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the IUD is designed in a T- or horseshoe-shape to ensure stable positioning in the uterus, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the insertion complexity and pain increase due to cervix deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The holding means is designed to be elastically deformable, allowing it to dynamically change shape between a compressed insertion configuration (passing through cervix) and an expanded fixation configuration (resting against uterine wall). This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by enabling the device to adapt its shape to different operational stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding means is arranged within the carrier body in the insertion position, with at least partially the holding means contained inside the carrier body. This nesting allows the IUD to pass through the narrow cervical canal in a compact form while maintaining the capability to expand to the T- or horseshoe-shape for stable fixation in the uterus.
2Ease of operation
If the IUD is designed with a narrow profile for easy insertion through the cervical canal, then the insertion ease is improved, but the fixation reliability deteriorates due to insufficient contact with the uterine wall
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic deformability of the holding means enables it to transition from a narrow compressed state during insertion to an expanded state during fixation, ensuring adequate contact with the uterine wall while maintaining ease of insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding means is pre-loaded with elastic energy in the compressed insertion position, which is then released upon deployment to automatically expand and secure the IUD against the uterine wall, ensuring reliable fixation without requiring additional expansion mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If forceps are used to stabilize and straighten the uterus during IUD insertion, then the insertion precision is improved, but the harmful effects increase due to cervix deformation and patient pain
Solution Approach 1:
The holding means is nested within the carrier body during insertion, allowing the IUD to pass through the cervical canal in a compact form without requiring cervical manipulation or stabilization with forceps, thereby eliminating cervix deformation while maintaining insertion precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The IUD design changes the dimensional parameters of the device during insertion, transitioning from a compressed narrow profile to an expanded configuration, which eliminates the need for cervical manipulation and reduces harmful effects on the cervix.
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
Minimizes pain during insertion by reducing cervix deformation, ensuring secure positioning within the uterus without causing injury.
Implementation Method 1
the holding means is elastically deformed against a restoring force in the insertion position, the holding means can be brought to the fixing position by the restoring force
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~4
Figure 2(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The invention relates to an intrauterine device, which comprises an elastically deformable element (2) for holding the intrauterine device (1) in the uterus. According to the invention, the holding element (2) can be arranged at least partially within an at least partially hollow carrier body (3) in an insertion position for inserting the intrauterine device (1) into the uterus and can be brought into a fastening position, in which the holding element protrudes from the carrier body (3) and can hold the intrauterine device (1) in the uterus while contacting the uterine wall. Advantageously, the holding element (2) is elastically deformed against a restoring force in the insertion position and can be brought toward, preferably into, the fastening position by the restoring force. In one embodiment of the invention, the carrier body (3) substantially has the shape of a cylinder and the holding element (2) protrudes from the lateral surface (4) of the cylinder, preferably in the radial direction, wherein preferably at least one opening (5, 6) is formed in the lateral surface (4), which opening leads to a cavity (7) of the carrier body (3) and through which opening the holding element (2) can be moved. The holding element (2) is preferably formed by a flexible ring. The invention further relates to a method for inserting the intrauterine device (1) into the uterus.