Prophylactic Device with Mid-Span Opening and Check Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional prophylactic devices, such as condoms, fail to enhance user sensation while maintaining the same level of prevention for sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an internal check valve forming a reservoir and an opening mid-span along the length of the device, combined with superabsorbent fibers and a retention ring, allows for skin-on-skin contact while retaining bodily fluids and releasing spermicides, bactericides, or virucides to prevent transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an internal reservoir and check valve are added to retain bodily fluids, then protection against STIs and pregnancy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is integrated within the enclosed end of the condom structure, with the reservoir formed by the valve's internal configuration. This nesting approach allows the retention system to be incorporated without adding external components, thereby improving protection while minimizing increases in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into unified structures: the check valve serves both as a fluid retention mechanism and as part of the enclosed end structure. The reservoir is formed by the valve's internal geometry rather than as a separate component, merging the retention function with the existing device architecture.
2Ease of operation
If an opening is positioned mid-span to allow skin on skin contact, then user sensation is improved, but protection against STIs and pregnancy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is positioned at a specific location (mid-span) rather than covering the entire device, allowing skin-on-skin contact only in that localized region. This enables enhanced sensation while maintaining protection in other critical areas, particularly where the reservoir and check valve provide fluid containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The condom is divided into functional zones: the enclosed end with reservoir for fluid retention, the mid-span opening for sensation, and the open end for insertion. This segmentation allows each region to serve its specific function, balancing sensation and protection requirements.
3Reliability
If superabsorbent fibers are added to retain bodily fluids, then protection is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Superabsorbent fibers are incorporated into the condom structure to create a porous material that can absorb and retain bodily fluids. This material approach provides enhanced protection through fluid absorption while using a relatively simple manufacturing process of incorporating fibers during device formation.
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
This configuration enhances user sensation while maintaining effective prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies by retaining bodily fluids and releasing protective agents, thereby improving the overall experience and protection.
Implementation Method 1
The check valve passes the wearer's bodily fluids through an inlet into the internal reservoir and is further configured to prevent backflow out of the internal reservoir, thus retaining the bodily fluids therein.
Implementation Method 2
superabsorbent fibers line an internal surface of the hollow elastomeric main body between the check valve and the internal retention ring, the superabsorbent fibers/polymers configured to absorb residual bodily secretions not maintained within the internal reservoir while in use.
Data Source
AI summary
A condom and/or prophylactic device including an enclosed end configured to collect and securedly maintain bodily fluids and/or semen therein during intercourse; an open end that is spaced apart from the enclosed end that is further configured to receive a penis therethrough; and a main body positioned between and connected to the enclosed end and open end thereby forming a partial enclosure configured to receive and surround the penis therein and having an opening positioned mid-span along a length of the main body that is configured to allow skin on skin contact between the condom wearer and companion while in use.