Viscoelastic Foam Protuberance for Urge Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for female urinary incontinence, such as sanitary napkins and invasive devices, fail to provide long-term comfort and effective management, often leading to discomfort and potential 'adult diaper rash' due to continuous use.
Innovation Solution
A Female Incontinence Management Device (FIMD) utilizing the clitoral-urethral meatus space, with a viscoelastic foam protuberance attached to a base, is positioned between the labia to stimulate the clitoris, causing reflexive muscle contraction and temporary suppression of the urge to urinate, using mild friction and an adhesive-backed pad for stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrodes or intrusive devices are used to manage urinary incontinence, then effectiveness in managing incontinence is improved, but user comfort and safety deteriorate due to discomfort and potential skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical stimulation (electrodes) and intrusive mechanical devices with a mechanical friction-based stimulation system. A foam protuberance attached to adhesive footwear creates mild friction against the clitoris during walking, substituting complex electrical or surgical systems with a simple mechanical interaction that achieves the same physiological effect without harmful side effects
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the user's own walking motion to generate the necessary friction stimulation. The body's natural gait cycle automatically provides the reciprocating motion that presses the foam protuberance against the clitoris, eliminating the need for external power sources, control systems, or additional mechanical actuators
2Reliability
If adhesive pads are worn continuously for incontinence management, then leakage protection is improved, but skin health deteriorates due to potential adult diaper rash
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic friction stimulation during the walking cycle rather than continuous adhesive contact. The foam protuberance engages with the clitoris only during specific phases of gait when pressure is applied, allowing skin to breathe and remain healthy while still providing effective incontinence management through timed physiological intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential function of incontinence management from the adhesive pad itself and relocates it to a friction-based stimulation mechanism. The adhesive pad becomes secondary for securing the footwear rather than the primary management mechanism, separating the leakage protection function from the skin-contact interface
3Reliability
If a foam protuberance is used to stimulate the clitoris through friction, then the urge to urinate is suppressed effectively, but device complexity increases compared to simple adhesive pads
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the adhesive footwear sole simultaneously provides shoe attachment, structural support for the foam protuberance, and friction generation surface. This consolidation avoids the complexity of separate stimulation devices while achieving effective urge suppression through the combined mechanical system
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 manages urinary incontinence by minimizing leakage and providing comfort, allowing users to delay urination until convenient, without electrodes, pharmaceuticals, or surgical implants, and is reusable with simple maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
conscious clitoral stimulation can be achieved, blocking the urge to urinate. Discrete muscle movement, even crossing one's legs can induce the mild friction necessary between the protuberance and the user's clitoris
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a viscoelastic protuberance anchored through the back of a pad and projecting from the absorbing side of the top third of the pad. The shape and length of the protuberance is ideal for interlabial positioning with crucial clitoral contact. This contact is secured by a taut under garment. Lower pelvic or upper thigh movements of the user introduce a mild friction between the protuberance and the users clitoris which serves to trigger mild sexual arousal. A reflexive neurological pathway is then activated which diminishes the urge to urinate—a female physiological law.