Intravaginal Device Using Semi-Permeable Elastomer for Lubricant Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for vaginal dryness, such as lubricating creams and hormone replacement therapy, are either messy, provide temporary relief, or carry risks like endometrial hyperplasia and increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and breast cancer.
Innovation Solution
Intravaginal devices with a hydrophilic, semi-permeable elastomer segment that slowly releases aqueous lubricants, including water, hypo-osmotic, iso-osmotic, and hyper-osmotic solutions, directly to the vaginal tissues, providing sustained moisture and pH maintenance without systemic absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If lubricating creams or jellies are used, then vaginal moisture is increased, but the treatment is messy and provides only short-lived temporary relief
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the lubricant delivery system into a reservoir compartment and a release mechanism, allowing controlled dispensing of lubricant only when needed, thereby extending duration of action while maintaining ease of operation through simple activation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary release mechanism (such as a rupture membrane or valve system) between the lubricant reservoir and the vaginal environment, enabling controlled delivery that extends duration of action while avoiding the messiness of direct application
2Duration of action of moving object
If topical estrogen creams are used, then vaginal moisture is increased, but systemic absorption may occur causing endometrial stimulation and potential carcinoma
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful estrogen component from the treatment while retaining the beneficial lubricating effect, using a purely mechanical or physical lubricant delivery system that provides moisture without systemic absorption risks
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a disposable intravaginal insert that delivers lubricant locally without systemic effects, eliminating the harmful long-term consequences of estrogen therapy while providing sufficient duration of action for its intended use period
3Reliability
If hormone replacement therapy is used, then vaginal dryness and atrophy are relieved, but risk of heart attacks, stroke, blood clots, and breast cancer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the therapeutic lubricating function from hormone-based treatments, providing a non-hormonal alternative that maintains reliability for relieving vaginal dryness while eliminating the harmful cardiovascular and oncological risks associated with HRT
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces a physical intermediary (the intravaginal device itself) that delivers lubricant locally without requiring systemic hormone circulation, thereby maintaining therapeutic effectiveness while avoiding the harmful systemic effects of hormone replacement therapy
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 devices offer non-irritating, hormone-free, long-lasting relief from vaginal dryness, irritation, and discomfort, promoting a normal vaginal environment with controlled release of lubricants for up to 30 days.
Implementation Method 1
The first segment is configured to deliver the contents of the lumen to the outer surface by diffusion
Implementation Method 2
The first segment includes a hydrophilic, semi-permeable elastomer
Data Source
Figure 1~2C
Figure 2D~2F
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The present technology provides intravaginal devices designed to deliver lubricants to the vagina for a sustained period of time. The intravaginal devices include a first segment comprising an outer surface and a lumen containing a lubricant, wherein the first segment is configured to deliver the contents of the lumen to the outer surface, and the first segment comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of a hydrophilic, semi-permeable elastomer and a hydrophobic elastomer. The lubricant may be an aqueous lubricant. The present technology further provides an intravaginal device including a solid first segment that includes a hydrophilic semi-permeable elastomer, an outer surface and an aqueous lubricant, wherein the first segment is configured to deliver the aqueous lubricant to the outer surface.