IUS Inserter Locking Mechanism for Less Painful Cervical Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inserters for intrauterine systems cause pain during insertion due to incompatibility in size with the cervix opening, leading to discomfort and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

An inserter design with a handle body, measurement tube, plunger, flange, finger holder, and means for locking the removal thread, allowing direct entry of the IUS into the cervical canal without inserting any part of the inserter, and featuring a small cross-sectional area to minimize pain and discomfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional insertion tube is used to introduce the IUS into the uterus, then the IUS can be positioned in the uterus, but the tube causes pain and discomfort due to incompatibility in size with the cervix opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort during insertionVSAvoidpain in cervix region

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the conventional insertion tube from the inserter design. Instead of passing a tube through the cervix, the IUS is introduced directly into the uterus through the cervical opening using a smaller profile delivery mechanism, eliminating the source of pain and discomfort associated with large-diameter tubes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the dimensional parameters of the delivery mechanism by using a smaller cross-sectional area at the insertion point. This allows the IUS to be introduced through the cervix opening without the size incompatibility that causes pain in conventional designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If a large diameter insertion tube is used, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the cross-sectional area is incompatible with the cervix opening causing pain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strength of inserterVSAvoidcross-sectional area at insertion point

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The inserter is divided into distinct functional segments: a strong handle body for operator control, a measurement tube for positioning, and a minimal-profile delivery mechanism for cervical passage. Each segment is optimized for its specific function, allowing strength where needed and minimal size at the insertion point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single large-diameter tube design to a multi-component design where the IUS is delivered through a smaller cross-sectional opening. The structural integrity is maintained in the handle and support structures while the delivery profile is minimized in the cervical passage region

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12521274B2Inserter for an intrauterine system with a locking part

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 BAYER OY

AI summary

Disclosed is an inserter for an intrauterine system, comprising including a handle body, a measurement tube, a plunger, a flange, a finger holder, and a mechanism for reversibly locking removal thread of the intrauterine system. A proximal end of the measurement tube is movably attached to a distal end of the handle body, and the measurement tube is arranged to remain outside a cervix channel during insertion. The plunger is movably arranged inside the handle body and the measurement tube. The present disclosure also provides a kit comprising the inserter and the intrauterine system.