Gold-Coated Copper IUD Ion Release Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) experience initial 'burst release' of copper ions, leading to bleeding, cramping, and corrosion, which reduces their effective contraceptive period and increases the risk of fragmentation and expulsion, necessitating a controlled release mechanism to minimize side effects and extend usability.
Innovation Solution
A copper core coated with a gold or gold alloy outer layer, which regulates the release rate of copper ions by controlling the surface area and thickness of the gold layer, reducing the initial burst release and maintaining structural integrity, thereby extending the contraceptive effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a thin copper coating is used on the wire to minimize fragmentation, then structural integrity is improved, but the effective contraceptive period is reduced due to rapid copper depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite wire structure consisting of a nickel-free alloy core (providing structural integrity) combined with a copper coating (providing contraceptive function). This composite structure allows the copper layer to be optimized for thickness and composition without compromising the overall structural strength of the wire, thereby extending the effective contraceptive period while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the copper coating and the core alloy to optimize copper release characteristics. By adjusting the copper content, alloying elements, and coating thickness, the patent achieves a balance between minimizing burst release and maintaining prolonged contraceptive effectiveness, thereby extending the useful life of the device.
2Quantity of substance
If copper alloy wire with metals increasing galvanic reaction is used to increase copper ion release, then contraceptive effectiveness is improved, but degradation and corrosion are accelerated reducing effective period of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully selects and adjusts the alloying elements and their concentrations in the copper coating and core to optimize copper ion release while minimizing galvanic corrosion. By controlling the electrochemical potential differences between alloy components, the patent achieves sustained copper release without accelerating degradation, thereby extending the effective period of use.
3Quantity of substance
If copper wire is used without coating to maximize copper ion release, then contraceptive effectiveness is improved, but fragmentation and corrosion occur reducing effective period of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite wire structure with a nickel-free alloy core providing structural integrity and a copper-containing coating providing contraceptive function. This separation of structural and functional roles allows the copper to be released effectively while the core prevents fragmentation, thereby maintaining reliability and extending the effective period of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the wire: the core is designed with high strength and corrosion resistance to prevent fragmentation, while the coating is designed with optimized copper content and composition to maximize ion release. This local differentiation of material quality allows simultaneous achievement of high copper release and low fragmentation risk.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If polymeric coating is used to minimize burst release, then initial side effects are reduced, but the coating degrades within first few months leaving copper wire subject to corrosion and fragmentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the polymeric coating approach with a metal-based composite structure consisting of a nickel-free alloy core and a copper-containing metallic coating. This metallic composite structure provides both the burst release mitigation function and long-term structural integrity, eliminating the degradation problem associated with polymeric coatings while maintaining reduced initial side effects and preventing corrosion and fragmentation.
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 gold-coated copper IUDs achieve a controlled release of copper ions, minimizing initial side effects and maintaining the device's structural integrity, thus enhancing the effective contraceptive period and reducing the risk of fragmentation and expulsion.
Implementation Method 1
The outer layer is configured to control a release rate of copper ions
Implementation Method 2
copper IUDs are associated with an increase in bleeding and cramping during the initial period of use. This initial release of copper ions is referred to as 'burst release'
Data Source
AI summary
A contraceptive intrauterine device having a support structure configured for transcervical implantation in a uterus, an active element coupled to the support structure, the active element having a core including copper that is at least partially coated with an outer layer including gold or gold alloy. A contraceptive intrauterine device having a support structure configured for transcervical implantation in a uterus, an active element coupled to the support structure, the active element including a copper core that is at least partially plated or coated with an outer layer including gold or gold alloy, wherein the copper core is configured to release copper ions after the device is implanted in a uterus, and wherein the gold or gold alloy outer layer is configured to control the release rate of copper ions release by the core. Methods for preventing conception by implanting said contraceptive intrauterine devices.