Flexible IUD Arms with Copper-Silicone Composite Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IUDs with copper sleeves on the arms provide an optimal exchange surface for copper ions but are difficult to insert and remove due to increased rigidity, leading to potential pain during installation and withdrawal.
Innovation Solution
An IUD with a T-shaped body featuring flexible arms coated with a material containing 20-60% silicone and pure copper powder, ensuring effective contraception by releasing copper ions close to the uterus and fallopian tubes while maintaining flexibility for easy insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If copper sleeves are added to the arms of the IUD, then the exchange surface for copper ion diffusion is improved, but the rigidity of the arms increases making insertion and removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining copper powder with a flexible polymer matrix to create a coating that provides both copper ion diffusion capability and flexibility. The copper powder particles are dispersed within the polymer material, creating a composite structure that maintains the flexibility needed for easy insertion and removal while providing sufficient copper exchange surface area for effective contraception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of copper from solid sleeves to powder form, and controls the particle size parameter (less than or equal to 10 μm) to optimize both the surface area for ion diffusion and the flexibility of the coating. This parameter optimization allows the coating to remain thin and flexible while still providing adequate copper exchange surface.
2Ease of operation
If copper powder is used instead of copper sleeves, then the flexibility of the arms is maintained, but the exchange surface area may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the porous nature of the polymer matrix to accommodate copper powder particles, creating a high-surface-area structure. The porous polymer material allows for extensive copper powder dispersion, dramatically increasing the exchange surface area compared to solid copper sleeves, while maintaining flexibility through the porous polymer network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs fine copper powder particles (≤10 μm) that provide high surface area to volume ratio, maximizing the exchange surface within a thin coating layer. This approach uses small quantities of copper in highly dispersed form rather than large solid structures, achieving high exchange surface area with minimal material while preserving flexibility.
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 IUD achieves optimal copper ion diffusion with a surface area greater than 380 mm², facilitating a controlled release of cupric ions and maintaining flexibility, making it easier to insert and remove while ensuring effective contraception.
Implementation Method 1
effective contraception is ensured, by release of copper ions as close as possible to the wall of the uterus and the fallopian tubes
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an intrauterine device (1) including a body (2) generally having a T shape and including two flexible arms (4, 5) extending from one end (30) of a rod (3), wherein at least one outer layer of a portion of the arms (4, 5) are provided with a material (M) that contains at least silicone (S) and a copper powder (P). The material includes between 30 and 60 wt % of silicone and pure copper powder.