IUS Inserter Slider Locking for Accurate String-Guided Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inserters for intrauterine devices (IUDs) and intrauterine systems (IUSs) face challenges in correctly positioning the devices due to the need for manual handling of removal strings, which can lead to misalignment, damage, and jamming, especially for IUSs with larger diameters.

Innovation Solution

An inserter with a slider mechanism and locking means that automatically locks and releases the removal strings, ensuring the IUS remains immobile during insertion, eliminating the need for manual handling and reducing the risk of misalignment or damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual handling of removal strings is used during insertion, then the device can be positioned in the uterus, but misalignment, damage, and jamming occur due to improper string manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of device insertionVSAvoidreliability of device positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inserter automatically captures and manages the removal strings through its structure (channels, grooves, or compartments) without requiring manual handling by the operator. The device inserts itself by utilizing the string tension to pull the IUS through the cervical canal into the uterus, eliminating the need for hand manipulation of strings during the insertion process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The inserter acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the IUS device. Instead of directly handling the removal strings, the operator manipulates the inserter, which in turn controls the strings and device positioning through its designed string management features, reducing direct manual intervention and associated errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the insertion tube diameter is increased to accommodate IUSs, then larger devices can be inserted, but correct positioning of the device within the tube becomes extremely difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to insert larger IUS devicesVSAvoidprecision of device positioning in tube

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The inserter is divided into functional segments: the insertion tube for device containment, channels or grooves for string management, and positioning features such as flanges or stops. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the tube accommodates the larger IUS while the segmented string management features ensure precise positioning without requiring the entire tube to be narrowly constrained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insertion tube has different local qualities along its length - narrower sections with string management features (channels, grooves, or compartments) for precise positioning and control, and wider sections to accommodate the larger IUS diameter. This local variation in tube geometry allows both large device accommodation and precise positioning control in different locations of the same tube.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If the removal string is used to pull the IUS into the insertion tube, then the device can be loaded, but the string may slip, causing the IUS to be pulled too deep or become misaligned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of device loadingVSAvoidprecision of IUS positioning relative to tube edge

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The inserter structure (channels, grooves, or compartments) serves as an intermediary between the removal string and the IUS device. The string runs through or is captured by these structural features, which mediate the force transmission and prevent direct slippage between the string and device, ensuring controlled and precise positioning during loading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The inserter is pre-configured with string management features (channels, grooves, or compartments) that automatically capture and secure the removal string before the IUS insertion begins. This preliminary structural preparation ensures the string is properly positioned and tensioned, preventing slippage and misalignment during the subsequent pulling action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260000535A1inserter

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 BAYER OY

AI summary

The invention relates to an inserter for an intrauterine system, comprising a handle (3) having a longitudinal opening (8) at its first end, said opening (8) having a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inserter, a first end (8a) and a second end (8b), a moveable slider (5) arranged in said longitudinal opening (8) and having a first end (5a) and a second end (5b), a plunger (2) attached to the handle (3), an insertion tube (6) arranged around the plunder (2) having a first end and a second end, with its second end attached to the slider (5), wherein the inserter further comprises locking means for reversibly locking the intrauterine system in relation to the plunder (2) via a removal string of the intrauterine system, said locking means being controllable by the slider (5) and/or the insertion tube (6).