Radially Expandable Urethral Support Arms for Female Incontinence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing incontinence devices for females often completely block the urethra, requiring removal for urination, are uncomfortable, large, and difficult to insert or remove, leading to irritation and increased risk of infections or bleeding due to prolonged use.
Innovation Solution
Development of incontinence devices with radially expandable support arms and inserts that provide urethral support without completely blocking the urethra, featuring elastic components, bi-stable configurations, and elastomeric rings for radial expansion and contraction, allowing for easier insertion, use, and removal while minimizing discomfort and infection risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If incontinence devices completely block the urethra to prevent urine leakage, then incontinence control is improved, but urination requires device removal causing inconvenience and increased infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple support arms (typically 3-6 arms) that can be independently adjusted. Each arm can be positioned to provide customized urethral support while leaving sufficient space for urine flow, eliminating the need for complete blockage and device removal for urination.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms are designed to be adjustable and reconfigurable, allowing the device to transition between different support levels. The arms can be dynamically repositioned to balance incontinence control with urination accessibility, reducing infection risk while maintaining effectiveness.
2Reliability
If incontinence devices are made large to provide adequate support, then support effectiveness is improved, but insertion and removal become difficult causing discomfort and irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms are designed to nest together during insertion, allowing the device to be introduced in a compact configuration. Once inside the vagina, the arms can be deployed to their full supportive configuration, providing effective support without insertion difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a compact insertion state to an expanded support state. The support arms can be collapsed for easy removal and reinsertion, reducing discomfort and irritation while maintaining support effectiveness during use.
3Ease of operation
If incontinence devices are left in place for prolonged periods to avoid frequent insertion and removal, then convenience is improved, but risk of infections and bleeding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable support arms allow the device to be easily removed and reinserted without causing trauma. This enables short-term removal for urination and hygiene purposes, reducing infection and bleeding risks while maintaining overall usage convenience through quick reinsertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides localized support only where needed (at the urethra) rather than requiring complete vaginal occlusion. This minimizes contact area with vaginal tissues, reducing the risk of infections and bleeding while maintaining incontinence control effectiveness.
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 devices offer effective urethral support, reduce discomfort, and simplify the insertion and removal process, minimizing the risk of infections and bleeding by providing adjustable radial expansion and contraction, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic component, bi-stable configurations, and elastomeric rings for radial expansion and contraction
Implementation Method 2
elastomeric rings for radial expansion and contraction
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for treating urinary incontinence, comprising: a support section adapted for providing urethral support; an anchoring section for resisting movement of the apparatus; an insert, a portion of which is adapted to be positioned where the support section attaches to the node; and, wherein the insert urges the support section radially outwards from a central axis of the apparatus.