Conforming Overwrap for Pessary Device Comfort

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current pessary devices for urinary incontinence can be uncomfortable during insertion and removal due to their surface properties, and there is a need for an overwrap that conforms to the device for improved comfort and minimized size.

Innovation Solution

A method of conforming an overwrap to a pessary device by manipulating it to cover at least 30% to 99% of the device's outer surface, using cords or attachment points to secure it, creating a hollow structure, and ensuring the overwrap is non-expandable to maintain the same size during use and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the overwrap is made expandable to accommodate body movements, then comfort during use improves, but the device size increases during removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomfort during useVSAvoiddevice size during removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The overwrap employs dynamic dimensional changes: it expands during insertion to accommodate the pessary device and body movements, then contracts to a minimized size during removal. This dynamic behavior allows the overwrap to provide comfort during use while reducing resistance during removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the overwrap covers more surface area of the pessary device, then comfort during insertion and use improves, but the device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomfort during insertionVSAvoidwrapped device volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The overwrap is constructed as a thin, flexible film that conforms tightly to the pessary device surface. This thin-film design provides comprehensive surface coverage for comfort during insertion and use while minimizing the additional volume added to the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP2866730B1Method of conforming an overwrap to a pessary device
Publication Date: 2018.03.07 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • EP2866730B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2866730B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2866730B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

This application relates to a method of covering a pessary device for relief of female incontinence with an overwrap. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods of conforming the overwrap to the pessary device.