Flexible Intrauterine System with Closed Polygonal Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional intrauterine systems often cause discomfort, pain, and complications such as expulsion, perforation, and abnormal bleeding due to their rigid design and size mismatch with the uterine cavity, leading to suboptimal placement and reduced contraceptive efficacy.

Innovation Solution

A flexible intrauterine system with a closed, continuous polygonal frame and a connected reservoir, made from biocompatible polymers, designed to fit the endometrial cavity, minimizing irritation and providing controlled release of therapeutically active substances, while featuring a smooth shape and blunt surfaces to reduce uterine injury and improve user comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional rigid intrauterine systems are used, then structural stability is maintained, but user comfort deteriorates and complications increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontraceptive efficacyVSAvoiddiscomfort and complications

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible frame structure that can bend and adapt to the uterine cavity shape, replacing rigid conventional designs. The frame is constructed to be flexible yet maintain structural integrity, allowing it to conform to individual uterine geometries and reduce mechanical irritation, thereby decreasing discomfort and complications while maintaining contraceptive efficacy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies key geometric parameters of the intrauterine system, including frame shape, size, and configuration, to optimize fit within the uterine cavity. By adjusting these parameters based on individual uterine measurements and characteristics, the device achieves better adaptation without compromising structural stability or contraceptive performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If rigid intrauterine systems are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but device adaptability to uterine cavity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidfit to endometrial cavity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible frame design allows the device to adapt to varying uterine cavity shapes and sizes while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process. The flexibility is achieved through material selection and structural design that can be produced using conventional manufacturing techniques, balancing ease of manufacture with improved adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Strength

If conventional intrauterine systems are used, then structural strength is maintained, but insertion difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidinsertion ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the frame structure, allowing it to flex and deform during insertion to pass through the cervix, then return to its stable configuration once positioned in the uterine cavity. This dynamic behavior facilitates easier insertion while maintaining structural strength for long-term use and simple removal via attached threads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If conventional intrauterine systems are used, then device stability is maintained, but tissue irritation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoiduterine wall irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible frame design allows the device to conform smoothly to the uterine cavity walls without sharp edges or rigid protrusions that could cause irritation. The flexibility enables continuous adaptation to uterine contractions and movements, maintaining stable contact without tissue damage, while the device remains stable in position for long-term use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The system allows for easy insertion and removal, reduces the risk of expulsion and perforation, and minimizes side effects like bleeding, enhancing user compliance and maintaining contraceptive efficacy by adapting to the uterine cavity's cyclic changes.

Implementation Method 1

a polymer matrix, said polymer matrix comprising a polymer composition and having a shape and size adapted for placing in the endometrial cavity, said polymer matrix comprising means for the controlled release of at least one therapeutically active substance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP2271293B1An intrauterine system

Publication Date: 2020.10.28 BAYER OY

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AI summary

The present invention relates to novel intrauterine systems and to methods for manufacturing these systems. An intrauterine system according to the invention comprises a reservoir and a continuous, closed and flexible frame.