Insemination Sheath Sealing Plug for Sterile Semen Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current artificial insemination and in-vitro fertilization devices face challenges in maintaining sterility and maneuverability due to bulky protective sheaths and films, which can lead to contamination and reduced pregnancy rates in livestock.
Innovation Solution
A uniquely shaped opening at the tip of the insemination sheath covered by a movable or deformable plug or diaphragm, which seals the opening during insertion and opens under fluid pressure to allow semen or embryo delivery, maintaining sterility and tactile sensitivity for precise placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective sheath is used to maintain sterility during insertion, then contamination is prevented, but the sheath becomes bulky and reduces tactile sensitivity for precise placement
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sheath is divided into two functional segments: a collapsed sterile barrier portion that maintains sterility during insertion, and an expanded delivery portion that provides tactile feedback during semen deposition. This segmentation allows the sheath to perform both protective and tactile functions without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath transitions from a collapsed sterile state during insertion to an expanded delivery state during semen deposition. This dynamic transformation allows the sheath to maintain sterility when needed and provide tactile sensitivity when needed, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
2Reliability
If a rigid protective sheath is used to prevent contamination, then sterility is maintained, but maneuverability and navigation through the reproductive tract are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath dynamically changes from a flexible collapsed state that allows easy navigation through the reproductive tract to a more structured expanded state that maintains sterility during semen delivery. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maneuverability and sterility maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterile barrier is constructed as a flexible thin film that can collapse during insertion to follow the contours of the reproductive tract, then expand to maintain sterility during delivery. This flexible film structure provides both maneuverability and protective function.
3Productivity
If the sheath tip is open to allow semen delivery, then fertility treatment is enabled, but contamination can occur during the journey through the reproductive tract
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath tip dynamically transitions from a closed sterile state during insertion to an open delivery state during semen deposition. This dynamic opening mechanism allows the sheath to maintain sterility during the journey while enabling fertility treatment at the destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath is pre-configured with a sealed tip that maintains sterility during insertion, and the opening action is triggered only when the sheath reaches the appropriate delivery location. This preliminary sealing action prevents contamination while preserving delivery capability.
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
This design enhances pregnancy rates by preventing contamination and improving the breeder's ability to navigate the device accurately, reducing the risk of ovarian cysts and infections, while being cost-effective and easy to use.
Implementation Method 1
a movable or deformable plug or diaphragm that fits into and covers this opening, which seals the opening during insertion
Implementation Method 2
opens under fluid pressure to allow semen or embryo delivery
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides apparatus and methods for artificial insemination or in-vitro fertilization for use with livestock that maintains the sterility of the semen or embryo(s) until deposited at an optimum location in the reproductive tract of the animal without the maneuvering or tissue injury problems associated with existing devices. The invention includes a uniquely shaped opening that is provided at the tip of a sheath that is used with an artificial insemination gun. A plug or diaphragm having a rounded (convex) exterior surface completely covers the opening at the tip of the sheath, and seals it closed in a smooth, flush engagement to prevent contaminants from collecting upon the tip, or entering into the sheath during the trip through the reproductive tract of the animal. Once the sheath is properly placed in the reproductive tract, application of fluid pressure to the inside the sheath causes the plug to move or deform without becoming detached from the sheath, thereby allowing contents of the sheath to exit. The unique tip with its opening and corresponding plug may be provided in a separate cap that is installed at the end of an insemination sheath.