Semen Collection Sheet With Reservoir for Precise Sample Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semen collection methods in assisted reproductive technology face challenges in accurately containing ejaculated semen within a container, leading to potential contamination risks due to movement during ejaculation.
Innovation Solution
A semen collection sheet with a liquid-repellent front surface and a fixing mechanism, allowing semen to accumulate in a reservoir portion upon ejaculation, eliminating the need for manual container handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a small container is used for semen collection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the collection precision deteriorates due to difficulty in accurately providing ejaculated semen into the container
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from three-dimensional container collection to two-dimensional sheet collection. The sheet can be unfolded to a large area (e.g., A4 size or larger), providing an extensive collection surface that accommodates ejaculated semen even when the patient moves. This dimensional change allows the collection device to be both simple (thin sheet) and precise (large collection area).
Solution Approach 2:
The collection sheet is divided into functional zones: a collection area for receiving semen, a reservoir portion for accumulation, and a fixing part for attachment. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall simplicity of the device.
2Device complexity
If manual container holding is required during stimulation, then the collection device is simple, but the collection precision deteriorates due to patient movement during ejaculation
Solution Approach 1:
The collection sheet acts as an intermediary between the patient and the final semen storage container. The sheet is attached to a stable surface (bed, table, etc.), providing a stationary collection platform that remains in place during patient movement and ejaculation, thereby ensuring accurate collection without requiring the patient to manually hold a container.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection sheet is designed to be self-positioning and self-stabilizing through its fixing part that attaches to external surfaces. Once attached, the sheet automatically maintains its position and orientation, eliminating the need for continuous manual adjustment or holding by the patient during the collection process.
3Ease of operation
If semen is collected outside the container, then the ease of operation is improved, but the purity deteriorates due to bacterial and other contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The collection sheet is designed as a disposable single-use device. After collection, the entire sheet with the semen sample is discarded, eliminating the risk of cross-contamination between uses. This disposable nature ensures that each collection occurs on a clean, uncontaminated surface, maintaining semen purity while allowing ease of operation.
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
Improves semen collection efficiency and reduces contamination risks by ensuring semen collects in a designated area, maintaining a relaxed posture during ejaculation.
Implementation Method 1
a front surface to which semen attaches
Data Source
AI summary
A semen collection sheet has a front surface to which semen attaches and a back surface having a fixing portion, and when the sheet is unfolded, a reservoir portion is formed to accumulate semen that attaches to the front surface. In a clinic, at home, or other appropriate environment, a user unfolds the semen collection sheet and fixes the sheet to a mounting surface such that the reservoir portion is positioned vertically downward. A user ejaculates aiming at a target portion. Ejaculate semen attaches to the front surface and runs down along the front surface under gravity, and accumulates in the reservoir portion.