Animal Insemination Cannula With Flexible Cervical Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial insemination devices for sows cause hyperstimulation and discomfort, leading to cervical muscle contraction and preventing insemination in young and postpartum sows, especially in post-cervical insemination techniques.
Innovation Solution
An artificial insemination device with a cannula and a flexible frustoconical fixing element, comprising two portions with varying diameters, allowing secure fixation without disturbing the animal, facilitating both insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixing elements are placed on the catheter to increase coupling with the cervix wall, then fixation stability is improved, but animal discomfort and hyperstimulation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element is made of flexible material that can adapt to the cervical wall contours, providing stable fixation through conformability rather than rigid anchoring. This flexibility reduces mechanical irritation and hyperstimulation while maintaining adequate coupling with the cervix wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element features varying diameter sections (first and second frustoconical portions) that create different levels of engagement with the cervix. By changing the geometric parameters along the element's length, the device achieves stable fixation at certain zones while minimizing irritation in sensitive areas.
2Measurement precision
If a guide catheter is used for post-cervical insemination, then insemination accuracy is improved, but cervical muscle contraction and canal closure worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula is designed with high flexibility, allowing it to navigate the cervical canal and reach the uterine body without causing excessive mechanical stimulation. This flexibility reduces the hyperstimulation that triggers sustained cervical muscle contraction, enabling the cannula to remain in place for accurate semen deposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The device separates the fixation function (performed by the fixing element on the external cervix) from the insemination function (performed by the thin cannula in the uterine body). This segmentation allows the cannula to be thin and flexible for accuracy while the fixing element provides stable anchoring externally, reducing overall animal discomfort.
3Measurement precision
If the cannula is made thinner for post-cervical insemination, then semen deposition accuracy is improved, but device stability and fixation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two functional parts: a thin cannula for accurate semen deposition in the uterine body, and a separate fixing element with varying diameter portions for stable anchoring on the cervix. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element acts as an intermediary structure that provides stable external fixation while the thin cannula performs the precise insemination function internally. The intermediary fixing element compensates for the reduced stability inherent in using a thin cannula, maintaining overall device reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The artificial insemination device for animals comprises a cannula (1); an insertion tip (2) placed on one of the ends of the catheter (1), said insertion tip (2) having one or more holes (7); and a fixing element (3) placed on a cannula (1), wherein said fixing element (3) comprises a tubular portion (8), a first frustoconical portion (4) and a second frustoconical portion (5). The artificial insemination device for animals according to the present invention enables, by not disturbing or hyperstimulating the animal, the cannula to reach the uterus and be fixed in the correct position in order to suitably perform post-cervical insemination in young sows.