Perforated Wall Filter for Semen Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semen collection devices are not effective in filtering out undesirable substances like 'tapioca' from pig semen, leading to reduced semen flow and quality issues during collection.
Innovation Solution
A semen collection device featuring a perforated wall with a tubular portion and a bottom portion, where the orifices are arranged in specific patterns to optimize filtration, allowing the liquid semen to flow while retaining 'tapioca', with a higher density of orifices on the bottom to initially filter out the substance and side wall orifices to maintain flow as 'tapioca' accumulates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-woven fabric filtration pouch is used to filter semen, then tapioca is removed from the semen, but the filtration time increases and liquid semen flow is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a perforated wall filter with specifically designed holes instead of traditional non-woven fabric. The perforated structure provides controlled porosity that allows rapid passage of liquid semen while effectively retaining tapioca particles, thereby reducing filtration time without compromising filtration efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the filtration mechanism by transitioning from fabric-based filtration to perforated wall filtration with controlled hole distribution. The density and size of holes are optimized parameters that enable faster flow rates while maintaining effective tapioca removal, thus resolving the time-efficiency contradiction.
2Ease of manufacture
If a uniform density of orifices is distributed over the entire filter surface, then manufacturing is simplified, but filtration performance is suboptimal as tapioca accumulates at the bottom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies non-uniform hole distribution with higher density at the bottom portion of the filter and lower density at the upper portion. This local variation in quality matches the accumulation pattern of tapioca (which settles at the bottom), ensuring optimal filtration performance throughout the collection process while remaining manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter design anticipates the accumulation of tapioca at the bottom during semen collection. By pre-configuring higher hole density at the bottom, the system prepares in advance for the varying filtration needs during the collection process, maintaining optimal flow rates even as tapioca accumulates.
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 achieves high semen filtration efficiency, reducing filtration time and retaining less liquid fraction, while maintaining sperm quality and motility, outperforming non-woven fabric filtration pouches in tests.
Implementation Method 1
the filter is formed by a perforated wall having a tubular portion extending axially between a first end turned towards said proximal end zone of said bag and a second end turned towards said closed distal end zone of said bag and a bottom portion extending transversally to said tubular portion and closing the latter at its second end; said perforated wall is perforated by a plurality of orifices distributed over said perforated wall
Data Source
AI summary
The device (1) comprises an inlet element (28) comprising an interface (40) for connecting to an artificial vagina and delimiting an inlet opening (14), a filter delimiting with the inlet element (28) an inlet chamber (41) on the side of the filter turned towards the opening (14) and a collection bag (4) extending between a closed end (8) and an open end (7) in which said inlet element is engaged; said bag and said filter delimiting a collection chamber (42) on the side of the filter turned towards the end (8); by means of which the semen entering through the opening (14) passes through the filter and comes to the collection chamber (42); the filter being a perforated wall (30) having a tubular portion (22) and a bottom portion (15) closing said tubular portion, and having a surface density of orifices (24) that is greater on said bottom portion than on said tubular portion.