Intra Uterine Ball Device Shape Memory Alloy Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intrauterine devices (IUDs) face issues such as uterine perforation, expulsion, and mal-positioning, leading to increased risk of undesirable pregnancies and discomfort, particularly in women with uterine fibroids or anatomical abnormalities, and metal sensitivities to copper or nickel, resulting in adverse reactions.
Innovation Solution
The development of an Intra Uterine Ball (IUB) device featuring a hollow sleeve and an elongate conformable member made of shape memory alloy that transforms into a three-dimensional ball-like configuration within the uterine cavity, preventing expulsion, mal-positioning, and uterine perforation, and optionally coated with copper or a hormone-releasing layer for enhanced contraceptive and therapeutic effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional T-shaped copper IUDs are used to improve contraceptive effectiveness, then contraceptive effectiveness is improved, but uterine perforation, expulsion, and mal-positioning occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by transforming the traditional T-shaped IUD into a spherical configuration. The elongate conformable member is configured to assume a spherical shape within the uterine cavity, which eliminates sharp corners and edges that cause perforation and mal-positioning. The spherical geometry provides uniform distribution of mechanical stress and better adaptation to the uterine cavity shape, thereby preventing expulsion and mal-positioning while maintaining contraceptive effectiveness through copper release.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing shape memory alloy material that can change its physical state between a compressed linear form for insertion and an expanded spherical form for operation. This phase transition allows the device to be inserted through the cervical canal in a compact state and then transform into a stable spherical configuration within the uterine cavity, eliminating the harmful effects associated with traditional rigid T-shaped structures.
2Volume of moving object
If copper-containing IUDs are used to reduce device size, then device size is reduced, but metal sensitivity adverse reactions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively coating only specific portions of the spherical device with copper rather than making the entire device structure copper-based. The elongate conformable member can be made from biocompatible materials with copper applied as a surface coating or layer, which maintains the spermicidal effect while reducing the total copper content and minimizing adverse reactions for women with metal sensitivities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite materials by combining shape memory alloy (for structural integrity and shape transformation) with copper coating or copper-releasing layers. This composite structure allows the device to maintain its functional contraceptive properties through copper release while the base material provides mechanical support and biocompatibility, reducing overall copper exposure for sensitive individuals.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid IUD structures are used to maintain position, then positional stability is improved, but discomfort and side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a shape memory alloy member that can dynamically change its configuration. The device transitions from a linear compressed state during insertion to a spherical expanded state within the uterine cavity. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt to the uterine cavity's natural movements and contractions, providing positional stability without the rigidity that causes discomfort and side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible shells by using an elongate conformable member made of shape memory alloy that can flex and conform to the uterine cavity shape. The spherical configuration is formed by the flexible material adapting to the cavity contours, providing stable positioning while accommodating uterine movements, thereby eliminating discomfort associated with rigid structures.
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 IUB device reduces the risk of uterine perforation, expulsion, and mal-positioning, providing a more stable and comfortable contraceptive solution with reduced side effects, including heavier menstrual bleeding, and allows for uniform drug release to alleviate endometrial bleeding and other gynecological issues.
Implementation Method 1
an elongate conformable member made of shape memory alloy that transforms into a three-dimensional ball-like configuration within the uterine cavity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an Intra Uterine Ball (IUB) device useful for a gynecological procedure or treatment. The aforesaid device comprises a hollow sleeve for at least partial insertion into the uterine cavity; and, an elongate conformable member with at least a portion comprised of shape memory alloy. The elongate member is adapted to be pushed out from said sleeve within said uterine cavity. It is the core of the invention that the elongate member is adapted to conform into a predetermined three dimensional ball-like configuration within said uterine cavity following its emergence from said sleeve, such that expulsion from said uterine cavity, malposition in said uterine cavity, and perforation of the uterine walls is prevented.