Expandable Electrode Device for Pelvic Floor Muscle Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Urinary incontinence in females is often caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles, and existing exercise regimens for strengthening these muscles have poor patient compliance and variable success rates, with limited methods for internal muscle stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with an expandable portion and electrodes that inflate to contact vaginal walls, providing electrical stimulation to contract pelvic floor muscles, combined with a system for pleasurable sensation using vibrating elements to enhance user compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If exercise regimens are used to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, then muscle strength is improved, but patient compliance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical exercise regimens with electrical stimulation therapy. electrodes are inserted into the vaginal canal to directly stimulate pelvic floor muscles, causing contractions without requiring patient exercise compliance. This substitutes voluntary mechanical action with automated electrical stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-service by automatically stimulating muscles without requiring patient effort or compliance. The stimulator unit delivers pre-programmed electrical pulses that cause muscle contractions autonomously, eliminating the need for patient participation in exercise routines.
2Reliability
If electrodes are inserted to provide muscle stimulation, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate units: a disposable electrode unit with electrodes arranged in specific patterns, and a reusable stimulator unit that generates electrical pulses. This segmentation allows the complex stimulation control to be isolated in the stimulator while the electrode unit remains simple and disposable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses different electrode arrangements (patterns) with varying numbers and positions of electrodes to target different muscle groups. By changing electrode parameters (number, position, arrangement), the system can selectively stimulate different pelvic floor muscles without increasing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrodes are used for comprehensive muscle stimulation, then treatment coverage is improved, but manufacturing complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different electrode patterns are manufactured as separate disposable electrode units. Each pattern is optimized for specific treatment goals, but manufacturing is simplified by producing multiple identical units with different pre-configured electrode arrangements rather than creating a single complex adjustable device.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrode units with multiple electrodes in various patterns are made disposable and inexpensive. This allows comprehensive treatment coverage through multiple electrode patterns without increasing manufacturing complexity of the main device, as each pattern is a separate low-cost disposable component.
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 effectively strengthens pelvic floor muscles through repeated contractions, improving bladder control and potentially increasing orgasm intensity, while the pleasurable sensation feature enhances user adherence to treatment regimens.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode, and a second electrode, the first and second electrodes coupled to the outer surface of the expandable portion and configured to cause a contraction of a muscle in communication with the electrodes
Implementation Method 2
causing the expandable portion to inflate such that the first and second electrodes contact vaginal walls
Implementation Method 3
stimulation device and method for creating a pleasurable sensation in a user using electronic nerve and muscle stimulation and/or vibrational nerve and muscle stimulation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating urinary incontinence is provided. The method includes providing a device having an expandable portion having an outer surface, a first electrode, and a second electrode, the first and second electrodes coupled to the outer surface of the expandable portion and configured to cause a contraction of a muscle in communication with the electrodes. The method further includes causing the expandable portion to inflate such that the first and second electrodes contact vaginal walls and causing a contraction of a muscle in communication with the electrode.