External Voiding Sensor System for Incontinence Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients with urinary incontinence face challenges in accurately tracking and documenting voiding events, leading to potential inaccuracies and embarrassment, which can hinder effective diagnosis and therapy.
Innovation Solution
An external sensor system integrated into an undergarment that automatically detects and logs voiding information, allowing for objective data collection and potential adjustments to electrical stimulation therapy, reducing the need for manual patient diaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a patient manually maintains a voiding diary, then the patient can track voiding events, but the accuracy and objectivity of the data are compromised due to subjective entries and potential embarrassment
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system automatically detects and logs voiding events without requiring patient action, making the system self-serve in data collection. The sensor worn by the patient autonomously monitors and records events, eliminating the need for manual diary keeping while maintaining high accuracy through objective detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of writing in a diary with an electronic sensor-based detection system. The sensor uses electrical or electronic means to detect voiding events objectively, substituting the subjective human action of recording with an automated electronic measurement system that provides accurate, unbiased data.
2Measurement precision
If an external sensor system is used to automatically detect voiding events, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from complex implantable devices and places it in a simple external sensor worn by the patient. This separation allows the external sensor to be a relatively simple device that can be easily worn and removed, while the data processing and therapy control remain external, avoiding the need for complex implantable electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The external sensor system is designed to be multi-functional, serving both as a voiding event detector and as a data collector for therapy optimization. The same sensor that detects voiding events also provides information for adjusting electrical stimulation therapy, consolidating multiple functions into a single external device rather than requiring separate systems.
3Loss of information
If manual diary keeping is used, then device complexity is minimized, but loss of information occurs due to patient non-compliance and subjective bias
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system provides continuous feedback by automatically detecting and recording voiding events in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures that all events are captured objectively without relying on patient memory or willingness to record, eliminating information loss due to non-compliance while maintaining a simple wearable form factor.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure describes an external sensor attached to an undergarment worn by a patient that detects voiding information. The sensor stores the voiding information in a voiding log and transmits the voiding log to an external device. The external device includes a user interface that displays the voiding log to the patient for review. The patient may correct any incorrect voiding information that was logged in error or due to a non-voiding event. A user, such as a clinician or the patient, may use the voiding information to diagnose a condition of the patient. In addition, the voiding information of the voiding log may be used by the user to adjust a stimulation therapy or the external device to automatically adjust stimulation therapy. The undergarment may be disposable or washable after patient use.