Hydrogel Copolymer Condom Material for Lubricity and Breakage Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing condom materials fail to balance lubricity and mechanical strength, often feeling unpleasant and uncomfortable due to tackiness, friction, and lack of stretchability, while also posing risks of breakage during sexual activity.
Innovation Solution
A condom made from a copolymer comprising monomers A, B, C, and D, where monomer A forms a reversible crosslinker via hydrogen bonding, using monomers with specific alkyl and amine groups, diisocyanate, telechelic hydroxy terminated polyalkylene glycol, and diol, to create a hydrogel with optimal crosslinking for enhanced lubrication and strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional condom materials (NRL, PI, PU) are used, then barrier function is achieved, but lubricity and comfort are poor due to tackiness and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite hydrogel material formed by copolymerization of multiple monomers (including acrylic acid, acrylamide, and crosslinking agents) to create a network structure that combines lubricity with mechanical strength. This composite approach allows the material to exhibit both low friction and high barrier properties simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition and crosslinking density parameters of the polymer network to optimize the balance between lubricity and strength. By adjusting monomer ratios and crosslinking agents, the material achieves optimal water content and mesh size for reduced friction while maintaining barrier integrity.
2Ease of operation
If condom material is made softer and more stretchable, then comfort and natural feel are improved, but mechanical strength and breakage resistance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel composite incorporates multiple polymer components with different mechanical properties. The crosslinked network structure provides strength while the hydrophilic polymer chains provide softness and elasticity, achieving both comfort and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates regions of varying crosslinking density within the condom material. Areas with higher crosslinking provide strength and tear resistance, while regions with lower crosslinking provide softness and stretchability, allowing the material to exhibit both properties in different locations.
3Ease of operation
If condom thickness is reduced for better sensation, then comfort and natural feel are improved, but mechanical strength and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel composite material provides high strength-to-thickness ratio through its crosslinked network structure. This allows the condom to be made thinner for better sensation while the engineered polymer network maintains adequate mechanical strength and reliability.
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 copolymer-based condom offers a soft, natural feel with high lubricity and strength, reducing breakage risk and providing a more comfortable sexual experience.
Implementation Method 1
monomer A forms a reversible crosslinker via hydrogen bonding
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a condom comprising a copolymer X obtainable by polymerisation of monomers A, B, C, and D;wherein monomer A is one or more compound of the formula:in which R1 and R2 are independently selected from H and C1-C20 alkyl optionally substituted by a hydroxyl, primary amine or secondary amine group, provided that one of R1 and R2 bears a hydroxyl, primary amine or secondary amine group;monomer B is one or more diisocyanate compound of the formula OCN—R3—NCO, in which R3=C4-C20 alkylene, which may optionally be cyclic or branched;monomer C is one or more telechelic hydroxy terminated polyalkylene glycol compound having a number average molecular weight of 1000 to 10,000 and is preferably linear;monomer D is one or more diol of the formula HO—R4—OH, in which R4 is C2-C20 alkylene which may be interrupted by 1-5 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, N and S, preferably 1 O atom and/or preferably wherein R4 is linear;wherein, the molar ratio of monomers D to C is in the range 0.1:1 to 10:1.