Adjustable Anatomical Support Device with Variable Wall Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intra-vaginal devices lack customizability and adjustability, leading to improper fits and complications such as cervical rupture, miscarriage, or premature birth during treatment of gynecological issues like cervical incompetence.
Innovation Solution
Development of anatomical support devices with a support member that can releasably and adjustably expand to accommodate different anatomies, featuring varying wall thickness and passage cross-sectional areas to ensure a secure fit without causing tissue damage, and allowing for non-invasive insertion and adjustment during treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If intra-vaginal devices are made non-customizable and non-adjustable, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is easier, but fit precision deteriorates leading to complications
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates an expandable support member that can dynamically adjust its size and shape. The support member includes multiple portions with varying wall thicknesses and passage cross-sectional areas that can be selectively expanded to match different anatomical configurations, transforming a static device into a dynamic, adaptable system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the support member are designed with locally varied properties - specific wall thicknesses and passage dimensions at different locations. This allows each portion to be optimized for its specific anatomical function while maintaining overall device simplicity in manufacturing.
2Manufacturing precision
If the support member has uniform wall thickness and passage cross-sectional area, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different anatomies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support member incorporates multiple portions with deliberately varied wall thicknesses and passage cross-sectional areas at different locations. This non-uniform design allows the device to adapt to different anatomical shapes and sizes while maintaining manufacturability through modular construction techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is divided into multiple discrete portions that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. Each portion can have optimized local dimensions and wall thicknesses tailored to specific anatomical requirements, improving overall adaptability while keeping individual component manufacturing precise.
3Reliability
If the device is designed for secure fit, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates self-expanding characteristics where the support member can be expanded to its operational size through simple user action (such as inserting an expansion tool through the passage), without requiring complex external mechanisms. The device essentially adjusts itself to the required size, maintaining reliability while minimizing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a compact, easy-to-insert form to an expanded, reliable support configuration through a simple dynamic action. This dynamic capability allows the device to achieve secure fit without complex adjustment mechanisms, as the same structural elements that provide support also enable the expansion function.
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 customizable and adjustable nature of the devices provides a secure fit with minimal discomfort and reduces the risk of complications by accommodating anatomical changes, such as those during pregnancy, while preventing tissue damage and fluid accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
The internal passage may be configured to receive a fluid. The one or more expanded states may be based on the amount of fluid disposed within the internal passage.
Data Source
AI summary
The systems, devices and methods provide customizable and adjustable support to anatomical tissue or organs, such as pelvic, vaginal, uterine, cervical, bladder, rectal, among others, or any combination thereof. The anatomical support device may include a support member having a periphery that surrounds an opening. The support member may be configured to releasably and adjustably expand between one or more expanding states from a resting state and contract to the resting state. The support member may include a first portion and a second portion disposed along the periphery. Each portion may include a passage cross-sectional area and a wall thickness. The first wall thickness and/or the first passage cross-sectional area of the first portion may be different from the second wall thickness and/or the second passage cross-sectional area of the second portion.