One-Piece Clear Cylinder Speculum for Cervix Visualization

Solution Overview

Problem

Current two-bladed vaginal specula cause discomfort due to 'pinch points', obscure visualization of the cervix, require additional dexterity for operation, and are not universally comfortable for all anatomy types.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece clear cylinder-shaped disposable speculum with a perforated plastic film and a handle, designed to accommodate various anatomies, providing comfortable insertion and easy specimen collection without disturbing the cervix, and eliminating the need for complex dexterity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a two-bladed speculum is used, then the cervix can be visualized, but patient comfort deteriorates due to pinch points along the sides of the blades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecervix visualizationVSAvoidpatient comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The speculum is divided into multiple segments including a stationary blade with handle, a pivoting blade for linear movement, and a second pivoting blade for rotational movement. This segmentation allows the blades to move independently to accommodate different anatomical positions while reducing pinch points along the sides of the blades, thereby improving patient comfort while maintaining cervix visualization capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The speculum incorporates dynamic elements including a pivoting blade that moves linearly away from the stationary blade, and a second pivoting blade that rotates relative to the first pivoting blade. These dynamic movements allow the speculum to adapt to various vaginal angles and positions, eliminating fixed pinch points and enhancing patient comfort during examination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a two-bladed speculum is used, then the cervix can be accessed, but visualization of the cervix is obscured by collapse of the vaginal walls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecervix accessVSAvoidcervix visualization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The speculum is divided into multiple segments including a stationary blade with handle, a pivoting blade for linear movement, and a second pivoting blade for rotational movement. This segmentation allows the blades to move independently to accommodate different anatomical positions while reducing pinch points along the sides of the blades, thereby improving patient comfort while maintaining cervix visualization capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The speculum incorporates dynamic elements including a pivoting blade that moves linearly away from the stationary blade, and a second pivoting blade that rotates relative to the first pivoting blade. These dynamic movements allow the speculum to adapt to various vaginal angles and positions, eliminating fixed pinch points and enhancing patient comfort during examination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If a two-bladed speculum is used, then the cervix can be visualized, but additional dexterity is required for operation and maneuvering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecervix visualizationVSAvoidclinician dexterity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The speculum is divided into multiple segments including a stationary blade with handle, a pivoting blade for linear movement, and a second pivoting blade for rotational movement. This segmentation allows the blades to move independently to accommodate different anatomical positions while reducing pinch points along the sides of the blades, thereby improving patient comfort while maintaining cervix visualization capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The speculum incorporates dynamic elements including a pivoting blade that moves linearly away from the stationary blade, and a second pivoting blade that rotates relative to the first pivoting blade. These dynamic movements allow the speculum to adapt to various vaginal angles and positions, eliminating fixed pinch points and enhancing patient comfort during examination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10582845B1Vaginal speculum

Publication Date: 2020.03.10 WIDER ELIZABETH J DR

AI summary

The present disposable vaginal speculum invention, a clear cylinder shaped one-piece speculum, which improves the visualization of the vaginal walls, aids in the location of the cervix, and decreases the discomfort of the traditional two blade vaginal speculum. This disposable vaginal speculum design results in the enhancement of vaginal wall and cervical analysis.