Actuated Dilatation Devices With Balloon Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dilatation devices for therapeutic and recreational purposes lack automation and adaptability, requiring multiple devices for progressive dilation and often causing discomfort due to poor retention and lack of biofeedback mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an actuator for reciprocating linear motion and a rear rigid arcuate member with an expanding balloon to enhance retention, along with optional features like vibration and heating, to automate and improve user comfort and sexual stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional dilatation devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device lacks automation and requires multiple devices for progressive dilation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple dilatation devices into a single integrated system with a modular structure. The system includes a base unit with control mechanisms and multiple interchangeable dilator elements that can be sequentially attached and activated, allowing progressive dilation to be achieved with one device rather than multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates actuators and control mechanisms that enable dynamic adjustment of dilator size, position, and inflation/deflation states. The system can automatically progress through different dilation stages by controlling the extension or inflation of individual dilator elements, providing automated adaptive dilation therapy.
2Reliability
If conventional dilatation devices are used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the device lacks retention mechanisms and causes discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the dilator element is contained within a retention mechanism. The dilator can be inserted into a housing or cage structure that provides retention through friction, mechanical interlocking, or inflatable anchoring elements. This nested design allows the dilator to be securely held in place while maintaining ease of insertion and removal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dilatation devices are used, then the device has basic functionality, but the device lacks biofeedback mechanisms and adaptive therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect physiological parameters such as muscle tension, pressure, or position, and feed this information back to a control system. The control system processes this feedback and automatically adjusts the dilation parameters, such as the size, shape, or pressure of the dilator elements, to provide adaptive therapy that responds to the user's real-time physiological state.
4Productivity
If conventional dilatation devices are used, then the device is simple to operate, but the device requires progressive manual insertion of multiple dilators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-programmed dilation sequences and protocols that automatically guide the progression through different dilation stages. The control system is pre-configured with treatment protocols that determine the timing, duration, and progression of dilation, eliminating the need for manual decision-making about when to progress to the next size or stage.
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
Enhances therapeutic efficacy by improving dilation comfort and sexual pleasure through automated dilation and enhanced retention, reducing the need for multiple devices and providing customizable stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
the sheath having a first outer surface and a first inflation lumen, the first inflation lumen being transitionable between inflated and deflated configurations, wherein transitioning of the first inflation lumen to its inflated configuration is operative to cause a first inflation portion of the first outer surface to expand away from the exterior of the shaft region
Implementation Method 2
the expansion region having a second outer surface and a second inflation lumen, the second inflation lumen being transitionable between inflated and deflated configurations, wherein transitioning of the second inflation lumen to its inflated configuration is operative to cause a second inflation portion of the second outer surface to expand away from the exterior of the expansion region
Implementation Method 3
an actuator operative to linearly extend and retract at least the insertion end of the forward rigid elongate member along the longitudinal axis independent of the remainder of the enhanced dilatation device
Implementation Method 4
at least one pump associated with the first and second inflation fluid pathways, each pump being operative to regulate the flow of inflation fluid between at least one of the at least one reservoir and at least one of the first and second inflation lumens
Data Source
AI summary
Enhanced dilatation devices are contemplated which incorporation of a number of new features, principally among them an actuator for producing reciprocating linear motion in at least the insertion end of the dilatation device to aid in, automate, and enhance the dilatation and/or sexual stimulatory function of the dilatation device, and a rear rigid arcuate member configured for placement over an anatomical surface such as the mons pubis or the perineum, and an expansion region incorporating an expanding balloon on its inner arcuate face configured to expand against and frictionally engage with the anatomical surface to assist with retaining the dilatation device in place during use. Such enhanced dilatation devices may be embodied by a new dilatation device, or may be implemented in the form of an optional attachment which may be used to upgrade an existing dilatation device.