Intrauterine Device Tissue Contact Force Contraception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intrauterine devices (IUDs) face issues with side effects such as abnormal bleeding and pain, hormone-related effects, and complications like expulsion and infection, while fallopian tube blocking implants are permanent and difficult to remove.
Innovation Solution
An intrauterine device that applies force against the uterine wall using tissue contact members to promote contraception without blocking fallopian tubes, utilizing a Nitinol elongate member with a spring portion to expand and maintain contact, preventing migration and tissue growth, and optionally delivering substances like hormones or spermicides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If copper or progestin-releasing IUDs are used for contraception, then contraceptive effectiveness is achieved, but side effects such as abnormal bleeding, pain, and hormone-related effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes copper and progestin from the IUD design, extracting the harmful chemical substances while retaining the mechanical contraceptive function through tissue contact and force application against the uterine wall
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces chemical contraceptive mechanisms (copper toxicity, progestin hormone action) with a mechanical system that applies physical force through resilient tissue contact members to create a hostile environment for sperm without chemical substances
2Reliability
If fallopian tube blocking implants are used for permanent contraception, then contraceptive reliability is improved, but device removal becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses resilient tissue contact members that can dynamically expand to contact the uterine wall for contraception and can be compressed back into a delivery device for removal, enabling reversible contraception without permanent tissue attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The expanded IUD with tissue contact members can be nested back into a compact delivery device for removal and extraction through the cervix, facilitating easy device retrieval without surgery
3Stability of the object's composition
If tissue contact members apply force against the uterine wall to prevent migration, then device stability is improved, but risk of uterine wall perforation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention carefully controls the force parameters applied by tissue contact members, using resilient materials that generate sufficient force for stability while remaining below the threshold for tissue perforation, and positions contacts away from vulnerable areas near fallopian tube openings
4Duration of action of stationary object
If IUDs are designed to remain in the uterus for long-term use, then contraceptive duration is improved, but device migration or expulsion may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by having tissue contact members expand and contact the uterine wall immediately upon delivery, establishing stable positioning and preventing migration before the device can move or be expelled from the uterus
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 device provides effective contraception with minimal side effects, easy delivery and removal, and prevents uterine wall perforation and tissue in-growth, maintaining a 'hostile environment' for sperm without the need for copper or hormones.
Implementation Method 1
an intrauterine device may include a resilient, elongate member and two tissue contact members disposed at opposite ends of the elongate member. The elongate member may include a spring portion... The elongate member may be compressed into a collapsed configuration... When released from compression within the uterus, the intrauterine device springs back into its default expanded configuration
Implementation Method 2
The elongate member may be made of Nitinol
Data Source
AI summary
An intrauterine device for applying force to a wall of a uterus to promote contraception without blocking the fallopian tubes may include an elongate member formed of a resilient material and having a default expanded configuration and a spring portion disposed approximately at a midpoint between two ends of the elongate member. The IUD may also include two tissue contact members, one tissue contact member disposed at one of the two ends of the elongate member and the other tissue contact member disposed at the other end. The tissue contact members may generate a laterally directed force against the wall of the uterus when the intrauterine device assumes its default expanded configuration.