Non-invasive Probe for Bulbocavernosus Reflex Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the bulbocavernosus reflex are invasive, uncomfortable for patients, and difficult to use, making them less than satisfactory for diagnosing neurological and pelvic floor disorders.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive system using a mechanical probe with electrodes to stimulate the bulbospongiosus muscle, allowing for the detection and analysis of electrical responses to measure reflex characteristics, such as latency, which can indicate neurological dysfunctions like spinal cord abnormalities and sexual organ dysfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive measurement methods are used to obtain accurate bulbocavernosus reflex data, then measurement precision is improved, but patient comfort and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical probe with a plunger that acts as an intermediary device to deliver controlled tactile stimulation to the bulbospongiosus muscle. This mediator enables non-invasive measurement by translating electrical actuation into mechanical pressure applied at the perineum, thereby maintaining measurement precision while eliminating the need for invasive procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical stimulation methods with an electromechanical system. The probe uses an actuator (electrical component) to drive the plunger mechanically, substituting the traditional manual finger pressure method with a controlled electromechanical actuation system that provides consistent, repeatable stimulation while being non-invasive
2Device complexity
If manual stimulation methods are used for BCR measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates a pressure sensor that automatically detects when the plunger contacts the patient's perineum and triggers the measurement sequence. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for operator judgment or manual timing, with the system autonomously initiating data acquisition when stimulation is applied, thereby improving precision without adding significant complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the pressure sensor monitors plunger position and provides real-time information to the control system. This feedback enables the system to detect contact moment, adjust stimulation timing, and ensure proper measurement conditions are met, improving reliability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
3Ease of operation
If non-invasive probe methods are used to improve patient comfort, then ease of operation is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated probe device: the mechanical plunger for stimulation, the pressure sensor for detection, and the electrode array for electrical signal recording. This merging of stimulation and detection components into one device simplifies operation while improving signal detection through coordinated measurement of mechanical and electrical parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform both mechanical stimulation and electrical signal recording simultaneously. The single device serves multiple purposes: delivering tactile stimulus, detecting contact timing, and recording electromyographic signals, thereby improving ease of use without compromising measurement capability
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 system provides accurate, less painful measurements of muscle reflexes, enabling effective diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor disorders by identifying abnormalities in bulbocavernosus reflex responses, including prolonged latency or absence, indicative of neurological diseases.
Implementation Method 1
a stimulus plunger with a piezoelectric element for detecting a moment the stimulus plunger contacts the patient
Implementation Method 2
electrodes for measuring the bulbocavernosus reflex
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system to obtain and process data indicative of muscle reflexes for screening and/or diagnosing a patient with a brain injury or spinal cord injury, and especially for obtaining and processing data indicative of reflexes from the bulbospongiosus muscle. Certain embodiments employ a novel electromechanical probe for stimulating the bulbospongiosus muscle to identify a time of the stimulation so that electrical responses from electrodes on the patient's skin can be identified for analysis.