Implantable Vas Deferens Constriction and Stimulation Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current male contraception methods, such as vasectomy and silicone plugs, often result in permanent sterility and side effects like sperm antibody formation, lacking reversibility and safety.
Innovation Solution
A male contraception apparatus featuring an implantable restriction device that constricts and stimulates the vas deferens using a combination of constriction and stimulation devices, controlled by a controller to achieve time-limited sterility with minimal impact on bodily functions, employing constriction elements and stimulation electrodes to manage sperm flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vasectomy or silicone plugs are used for male contraception, then sterility is achieved, but permanent damage and side effects like sperm antibody formation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic constriction device that can adjust the degree of vas deferens constriction over time, transitioning from an initial stronger constriction to a gentler maintained constriction. This dynamic adjustment allows effective sperm transport blockage while minimizing tissue damage and preventing sperm antibody formation, resolving the contradiction between reliable contraception and harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a two-stage periodic action: an initial period of stronger constriction to ensure effective sperm blockage, followed by a maintenance period with gentler constriction to preserve tissue health. This periodic approach maintains contraceptive effectiveness while reducing harmful effects like sperm antibody formation.
2Reliability
If strong constriction is applied to block sperm flow, then sterility is achieved, but blood circulation is hampered and tissue damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The constriction device dynamically adjusts its force, applying stronger constriction initially to block sperm flow effectively, then transitioning to a gentler constriction level that maintains sperm blockage while preserving blood circulation. This dynamic force adjustment resolves the contradiction between reliable sperm restriction and blood flow preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a preliminary stronger constriction action to establish effective sperm blockage, then maintains this blockage with a gentler sustained force. This preliminary strong action followed by maintenance at lower intensity achieves reliable contraception without prolonged tissue damage or circulation impairment.
3Reliability
If surgical intervention like vasectomy is performed, then permanent sterility is achieved, but reversibility is lost and body functions are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a reversible dynamic constriction device that can be adjusted between different constriction states, including a fully released state that restores fertility. This dynamic reversibility allows the individual to transition between contraceptive and fertile states as needed, resolving the contradiction between reliable sterility and adaptability for fertility restoration.
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 apparatus provides a reversible and safer method for male contraception by effectively restricting sperm flow without harming blood circulation or causing long-term damage, allowing for controlled sterility and potential fertility restoration.
Implementation Method 1
the stimulation device is adapted to stimulate different areas of the wall portion as the constriction device constricts the wall portion
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1E
Figure 1F~1H
AI summary
An apparatus for obtaining controlled male contraception comprises an implantable constriction device for gently constricting (i.e. without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the tissue wall) at least one portion of vas deference to influence the flow in vas deference, and a stimulation device for stimulating the wall portion of the tissue wall. A control device controls the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion,and/or the constriction device to constrict the wall portion, to cause restriction of the wall portion to influence the flow in vas deference. The apparatus can be used for restricting or stopping the flow in vas deference or for actively assisting with transportation of sperms, with a low risk of injuring the vas deference.