Flexible Pessary with Reversible Sensor Mount for Ovulation Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining ovulation in women are unreliable due to external temperature influences and discomfort, and existing devices are not suitable for long-term use, often requiring complex and costly laboratory procedures or external wear.
Innovation Solution
A flexible pessary with a reversibly mountable measurement unit containing sensors for vaginal parameter measurement, allowing for easy insertion and removal, and enabling continuous or intermittent data collection over extended periods without external equipment, using a polymeric material for comfort and microbiological quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid intra-vaginal device is used for ovulation monitoring, then measurement stability is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates and long-term use becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible pessary made of elastomeric material instead of rigid structures. The flexible shell conforms to the vaginal canal anatomy, providing stable sensor contact and reliable measurements while maintaining patient comfort for long-term wear. The flexibility allows the device to adapt to natural body movements and physiological changes without causing discomfort or dislodgement.
2Ease of operation
If a flexible pessary is used for ovulation monitoring, then patient comfort is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flexible pessary structure with integrated temperature sensors directly embedded in the elastomeric material. This combination ensures that the sensors move with the pessary and maintain constant contact with the vaginal canal walls, eliminating measurement errors due to relative movement between sensor and tissue while preserving patient comfort.
3Measurement precision
If complex laboratory diagnostic methods are used for fertility assessment, then measurement precision is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the flexible pessary with integrated sensors continuously monitors temperature and other physiological parameters in the vaginal canal, automatically collecting and storing data without requiring laboratory visits or complex diagnostic procedures. The device processes measurements locally and provides fertility assessment information directly to the user, eliminating the need for expensive and complex laboratory diagnostics while maintaining measurement precision.
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
Provides reliable, comfortable, and cost-effective ovulation monitoring with precise temperature data collection over several menstrual cycles, reducing the need for external devices and minimizing manufacturing complexity, while allowing for reusable measurement units and exchangeable pessaries.
Implementation Method 1
The basal body temperature in the vaginal canal of a user is determined
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure suggests an apparatus for determining at least one parameter in the vaginal channel of a user. The apparatus comprises a flexible pessary and a measurement unit comprising at least one sensor for measuring the at least one vaginal parameter. The measurement unit is reversibly mountable to the flexible pessary.