Flexible Cervix Measuring Device with Semicircular Positioning Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring the cervix during pregnancy, such as digital examination and device-based methods, are either subjective or require expensive and time-consuming equipment, and often necessitate the use of a speculum, which can lead to improper device placement and injury.

Innovation Solution

A cervix measuring device with a flexible elongated shaft and a semicircular positioning member that allows partial encirclement of the ectocervix, eliminating the need for a speculum by guiding proper placement through feel and frictional engagement, and optionally including a stiffening cover for use with a speculum.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a rigid elongated device is inserted into the vagina to measure the cervix, then the measurement can be obtained, but the device requires use of a speculum which increases procedural time and expense

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecervix measurement accuracyVSAvoidprocedural time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs a flexible shaft that can dynamically adapt its shape during insertion and positioning, transitioning from a compact storage state to an extended measurement state, eliminating the need for rigid speculum-based insertion procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft material properties are changed to provide flexibility and conformability, allowing the device to be inserted without a speculum while maintaining measurement precision through tactile feedback and positional control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If a rigid elongated device is inserted to measure the cervix, then measurement is achieved, but improper positioning may cause inadvertent insertion into the external os resulting in injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecervix measurement accuracyVSAvoidrisk of injury

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible shaft allows controlled deformation and adaptation to anatomical structures, enabling safe navigation through the vagina and precise positioning adjacent to the cervix without rigid contact that could cause injury

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes tactile feedback from the operator's hand to self-position correctly, with the flexible shaft naturally conforming to the vaginal anatomy and allowing the operator to feel when proper positioning is achieved, preventing inadvertent insertion into the external os

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If transabdominal or transperineal ultrasound is used to evaluate the cervix, then accurate measurements are obtained, but the equipment is expensive and the procedure is time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecervix measurement accuracyVSAvoidequipment sophistication

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses a simple, inexpensive flexible shaft that can be disposed of or sterilized, replacing expensive ultrasound equipment while maintaining measurement accuracy through direct tactile and visual assessment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the essential measurement function from complex ultrasound equipment, creating a standalone mechanical device that performs cervix measurement without requiring sophisticated imaging technology

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If digital examination is used to evaluate the cervix, then comprehensive assessment is achieved, but the examination is subjective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive evaluation capabilityVSAvoidobjectivity of measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges the tactile assessment capability of digital examination with a standardized measurement tool, allowing the operator to feel cervical characteristics while obtaining an objective length measurement through the flexible shaft positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables accurate and cost-effective measurement of the cervix length without the need for a speculum, reducing procedural time and risk of injury by ensuring precise device positioning through tactile guidance and flexible shaft design.

Implementation Method 1

The elongated shaft is formed of a flexible material being sufficiently flexible to deform and conform to the shape of an inserting hand and to the shape of a vagina in which it is inserted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

guiding proper placement through feel and frictional engagement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11154236B2Cervix measuring device and method

Publication Date: 2021.10.26 BAXTER JONES ROSALYN

AI summary

A cervix measuring device is provided including an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a positioning member slidably carried by the elongated shaft, the positioning member having a semicircular shape to allow partially encirclement of a base of a ectocervix, and a stop member stopping the positioning member from sliding past the distal end of the elongated shaft.