Modular Vaginal Drug Delivery Device with Segmented Dispensers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical treatments via the vaginal route face challenges such as drug leakage, limited residence time, poor adherence, and inability to target specific organs, with existing devices like rings being difficult to insert and remove manually and unable to deliver multiple drugs simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A configurable device with modular substance dispensers and a supporting structure that allows for various release patterns and anatomical targeting, enabling simultaneous delivery of multiple substances to specific areas within the vaginal lumen, adjustable to fit the vaginal dimensions, and allowing for coitus without obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vaginal rings are used for drug delivery, then controlled release is achieved, but manual insertion and removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a supporting structure and multiple detachable substance dispensers, allowing the dispensers to be inserted through the supporting structure which facilitates easier placement and removal while maintaining controlled release capabilities
2Duration of action of stationary object
If vaginal rings are used for drug delivery, then residence time is extended, but drug leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The drug delivery system is segmented into separate dispensers that can be independently secured to the supporting structure, allowing each dispenser to be optimally positioned and fixed to prevent leakage while maintaining extended residence time
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the supporting structure can be designed with different properties (e.g., adhesive regions, friction-fit regions) to optimize retention at specific locations, preventing drug leakage while maintaining residence time
3Reliability
If vaginal rings are used for drug delivery, then adherence is improved, but targeting of specific organs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detachable substance dispensers can be positioned at different locations on the supporting structure to target specific organs or regions independently, while the overall structure maintains adherence to the vaginal walls
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a two-dimensional ring structure to a three-dimensional configuration with dispensers extending at various angles and positions, enabling multi-directional targeting of different organs while maintaining adherence
4Device complexity
If vaginal rings are used for drug delivery, then single drug delivery is achieved, but simultaneous delivery of multiple drugs is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates multiple detachable substance dispensers that can be attached to the supporting structure, each capable of delivering different drugs simultaneously, while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting structure is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of substance dispensers, enabling simultaneous delivery of multiple drugs through a single integrated device
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 controlled and targeted delivery of medical substances, optimizing drug absorption and reducing the need for frequent administration, while allowing for simultaneous treatment of multiple organs and maintaining vaginal health.
Implementation Method 1
The vagina has unique features for drug absorption which can be exploited in order to achieve desirable therapeutic effects... drugs absorbed from the vaginal epithelium may escape first-pass hepatic metabolism
Data Source
AI summary
A device that delivers one or more substances into a vaginal lumen according to one of a plurality of release patterns. The device comprises a supporting structure, substance dispensers, and/or coupling elements which are configured to release one or more substances, for example, drugs, in manner designed to optimize treatment of one or more medical conditions.