Air Speculum Closed-Loop Pressure Control for Cervix Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vaginal speculums, particularly inflatable ones, face challenges in maintaining a stable and comfortable environment for vaginal and cervical examinations due to inadequate sealing and pressure control, which can lead to discomfort and inefficiency in procedures like visual inspections and ultrasonic imaging.
Innovation Solution
An air speculum with a high-resolution wide-angle lens camera, ultrasonic transducer, and pressurized air system that includes a pump and controller unit for maintaining optimal pressure, allowing for clear imaging and reduced examination time, while minimizing discomfort and improving accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pressurized air is introduced into the vagina to maintain a passageway, then accessibility to the cervix is improved, but patient discomfort increases due to inadequate pressure control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pressure sensor that continuously monitors the pressure of air introduced into the vagina and provides real-time feedback to a controller. The controller adjusts the pump operation to maintain pressure within a predetermined safe range, preventing both insufficient expansion and excessive pressure that would cause patient discomfort. This closed-loop feedback system resolves the contradiction by enabling effective cervix accessibility while protecting against harmful over-pressurization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the pressure parameter of the introduced air based on real-time measurements and patient response. By changing the pressure parameter within optimal bounds rather than maintaining a fixed high pressure, the system achieves adequate vaginal expansion for cervix access while minimizing patient discomfort and potential harm.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a seal is placed at the distal end to prevent fluid flow, then pressure maintenance is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to sealing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies sealing only at specific localized areas where necessary for pressure maintenance, rather than requiring complete sealing of the entire vaginal canal. The speculum design incorporates seals at the distal end and along the walls only where needed to contain pressure, leaving other areas open and comfortable for the patient. This localized sealing approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining adequate pressure without the discomfort of extensive sealing.
3Measurement precision
If high-resolution imaging equipment is added to the speculum, then diagnostic capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single unified speculum device, including high-resolution camera imaging, ultrasonic transducer capabilities, illumination, pressure sensing, and air pumping. This multi-functional design achieves superior diagnostic capability through various imaging modes while managing overall device complexity by consolidating functions into one platform rather than requiring separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the camera, ultrasonic transducer, and other imaging components are integrated within the speculum structure itself. The high-resolution imaging equipment is housed within the speculum shaft, with lenses and sensors positioned to capture images through the speculum opening. This nesting approach enables advanced diagnostic capabilities while minimizing the external footprint and overall complexity of the device.
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 air speculum significantly reduces examination time, enhances patient comfort, and improves visualization of vaginal anatomy, enabling thorough inspections and procedures with precise pressure control and minimal discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
a first lumen which is in fluid communication with a pump and controller unit for introducing pressurized air into a vagina
Implementation Method 2
a second lumen in fluid communication with the pump and controller unit for measuring air pressure in the vagina
Implementation Method 3
The speculum of the invention employs an extremely high-resolution wide-angle lens camera
Implementation Method 4
a compact ultrasonic transducer in a hand-held device, enabling the doctor to get a full and clear image of the entire vaginal canal, cervix and surrounding tissues, plus the ability to obtain ultrasonic images
Data Source
AI summary
A speculum includes a speculum sheath formed with one or more fluid flow lumens in fluid communication with a pump and controller unit for introducing pressurized fluid into a vagina, a pressure sensor lumen in fluid communication with the pump and controller unit for measuring fluid pressure in the vagina, and a third lumen in which is disposed a viewing device, and a vaginal interface element that comprises flexible folds and is configured for pressing and sealing against a vagina.