Capacitive Perineometer for Accurate Sphincter Muscle Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sphincter exercisers lack high accuracy in detecting sphincter muscle contractions, leading to inaccurate readings and ineffective training for strengthening pelvic floor muscles.
Innovation Solution
A perineometer device with a cap coupled to a tubular member, featuring force sensing mechanisms such as parallel beam plates or force sensing resistors, which measure capacitance or resistance to provide accurate biofeedback signals, and a processor to analyze the data, allowing for customizable exercise routines and real-time feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pressure sensors are used to detect sphincter muscle contraction, then the device can provide basic feedback, but the measurement accuracy and sensitivity are insufficient leading to inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical pressure sensors with a capacitive sensing system consisting of at least one capacitive sensor and at least one beam plate. The beam plate acts as one electrode of the capacitor, while the capacitive sensor acts as the other electrode. When the tubular member is compressed by sphincter muscle contraction, the beam plate deflects, changing the capacitance value. This electrical field-based measurement system provides higher accuracy and sensitivity compared to traditional mechanical pressure sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct pressure detection to capacitance detection. By measuring the change in capacitance value caused by beam plate deflection, the system achieves more precise measurement of muscle contraction force. The capacitance change is directly proportional to the deflection distance, providing a sensitive and accurate measurement mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the tubular member is compressed to activate the exercise device, then sphincter muscle exercise is achieved, but without accurate force sensing the effectiveness cannot be monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the capacitive sensor detects the force applied during sphincter muscle exercise through capacitance changes. The processor analyzes these capacitance values to determine the degree of muscle contraction and provides real-time feedback to the user. This feedback loop allows users to monitor their exercise effectiveness and adjust their efforts accordingly, ensuring proper technique and optimal training results.
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 device offers high accuracy and sensitivity in detecting sphincter muscle contractions, enabling users and medical professionals to monitor muscle condition, identify weaknesses, and track progress, thereby improving the effectiveness of pelvic floor exercises.
Implementation Method 1
at least one capacitive sensor disposed within the tubular member, the at least one beam plate and the at least one capacitive sensor forming a capacitor when no force is applied to the tubular member, the at least one capacitive sensor measuring capacitance of the capacitor
Implementation Method 2
or the at least one force sensing resistor receiving force applied to the at least one finger
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to perineometer device for providing accurate biofeedback. In an embodiment, the device comprises a cap, at least one first finger and at least one plate, at least one battery for applying an electrical potential difference to the at least one first finger and the at least one plate, a capacitive measuring microchip for measuring capacitance between the at least one finger and the at least one plate and a processor for recording capacitance measured by the capacitive measuring microchip and transmitting capacitance value or force data to a user interface device via radio frequency.