Cervical Reflux Prevention Device With Fluid-Conforming Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cervical plugs are mass-produced with standard configurations, failing to achieve a proper seal due to individual patient anatomy variations, leading to semen reflux during artificial insemination procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a shield covering the external os and an arm penetrating the endocervical canal, featuring a sleeve that conforms to the canal's contours using a fluid to create a fluid-tight seal, optionally with embedded tubes or circumferential protrusions for enhanced adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mass-produced standard configuration cervical plugs are used, then manufacturing cost and ease of manufacture are improved, but sealing effectiveness and adaptability to individual patient anatomy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cervical plug incorporates a compliant material that can change its physical parameters (shape, volume) in response to temperature changes or chemical reactions after insertion, allowing it to adapt to the unique contours of each patient's cervical canal and achieve effective sealing without requiring custom manufacturing for each patient
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is made from a compliant material that can flex and conform to the irregular surfaces of the cervical canal, enabling a single standardized plug design to achieve reliable sealing across diverse patient anatomies through material flexibility rather than custom shaping
2Device complexity
If standard configuration cervical plugs are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to conform to individual patient anatomy and prevent reflux deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cervical plug automatically adapts to the patient's unique cervical canal anatomy after insertion through self-actuating mechanisms such as temperature-responsive shape memory or chemical expansion, eliminating the need for complex pre-customization or manual adjustment while achieving personalized fit
Solution Approach 2:
The plug utilizes materials that undergo parameter changes (shape, volume, rigidity) in response to physiological conditions or environmental triggers, allowing a simple standardized device to automatically adapt to individual patient anatomy without increasing device complexity
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 device effectively prevents semen reflux by forming a strong, individualized seal, minimizing leakage and ensuring the semen remains in the cervical canal, thereby enhancing the efficacy of the insemination procedure.
Implementation Method 1
the arm includes a sleeve containing a fluid that is operable to conform to the contours of the inner lining of the endocervical canal, thus creating a strong, more efficient fluid-tight seal between the device and the surrounding tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device operable to prevent reflux in the cervix is disclosed. The device includes a shield operable to cover the external os and an arm operable to penetrate the endocervical canal with a bore extending therethrough, wherein the arm includes a sleeve containing a fluid that is operable to conform to the contours of the inner lining of the endocervical canal, thus creating a strong, more efficient fluid-tight seal between the device and the surrounding tissue.