Hands-Free Electrotherapy Capsule for Hemorrhoid Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hemorrhoid relief devices require manual holding and cannot be modulated in place, limiting user convenience and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a capsule inserted into the anus connected to a control unit via wire or wirelessly, allowing hands-free operation and adjustable electrotherapy intensity without removing the device from the inflammation site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device is held against the anus by the user, then the device can be positioned at the desired location, but the user's hands are not free and the user experiences fatigue from maintaining the device position
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be self-retaining through the anal canal using its capsule shape and predetermined depth insertion capability. The capsule structure allows the device to maintain its own position without requiring manual holding, thereby freeing the user's hands and eliminating fatigue while ensuring reliable positioning at the treatment site
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into two separate components: a disposable capsule that is inserted and positioned in the anus, and a separate control unit that is held externally. This segmentation allows the positioning function to be performed by the capsule itself while the control unit can be easily removed and adjusted, resolving the contradiction between stable positioning and user convenience
2Ease of operation
If the device is removed from the inflammation site to be modulated, then the intensity can be adjusted, but the treatment is interrupted and user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the modulation controls from the treatment capsule. The control unit with intensity adjustment buttons is held externally by the user, while the capsule remains in position within the anal canal. This allows continuous treatment without removal or repositioning, as the user can simply adjust the control unit while the capsule stays in place
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible connection (wire or wireless communication) acts as an intermediary between the control unit and the capsule. This intermediary allows the control signals to be transmitted to the capsule without requiring physical contact or removal of the capsule, enabling continuous treatment with easy intensity modulation
3Ease of operation
If a capsule is inserted into the anus for hands-free operation, then user convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a simple disposable capsule and a separate control unit. The capsule itself is structurally simple - essentially a sealed container with electrodes - while the complexity of control electronics is isolated in the external unit. This segmentation achieves hands-free operation without making the inserted portion complex
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is designed as a disposable, single-use component that is simple in construction. After use, the entire capsule is discarded rather than cleaned or maintained. This disposable nature allows for simpler design of the capsule portion while the reusable control unit bears the complexity of electronics and control mechanisms
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 effective, hands-free relief of hemorrhoid inflammation with adjustable electrotherapy intensity, improving user convenience and reducing fatigue while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
uses electrotherapy to relieve hemorrhoid inflammation
Data Source
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AI summary
A device to relieve hemorrhoid inflammation using electrotherapy including a capsule insertable into a user's anus a predetermined depth, a control unit having a power indicator and power button, the control unit including modulating means for a user to control the intensity and duration of the therapy session. The device also includes a wire that connects the control unit to the capsule. In an alternate embodiment, the device can implement Bluetooth technology to send instructions from the control unit to the capsule wirelessly to actuate it so that it can deliver electrotherapy to a user's anus. A mobile application on a mobile device can be used to control the electrotherapy being sent to a user through the capsule.