Therapeutic Undergarments for IBS via Biofeedback Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are only marginally effective as they primarily address physiological symptoms while neglecting the psychological component, failing to provide patients with a sense of control over their symptoms, which is crucial for effective management.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that includes a wearable device with an elastic portion capable of applying compression to the abdomen, adjustable tension mechanisms, and biosensors to detect physiological data, providing real-time feedback and control over IBS symptoms, addressing dysmotility, visceral hypersensitivity, and bloating through targeted compression and biofeedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current treatments for IBS are used, then physiological symptoms are addressed, but patients do not gain a sense of control over their symptoms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a biofeedback mechanism where biosensors detect physiological data (such as muscle contractions, temperature, or electrical activity) and provide real-time feedback to the patient through the controller. This allows patients to learn how to voluntarily control their physiological responses, directly addressing the lack of perceived control while improving symptom management reliability through conditioned physiological changes
2Object-affected harmful factors
If compression is applied to the abdomen to treat IBS symptoms, then bloating and distention are reduced, but patient comfort may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an adjustable compression mechanism where the magnitude and distribution of compressive force can be dynamically modified based on real-time physiological feedback. The controller adjusts compression levels to maintain therapeutic effectiveness while preventing excessive discomfort, allowing the system to adapt to changing patient needs and symptom severity
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies compression parameters (force magnitude, duration, frequency, and distribution) based on detected physiological states. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between therapeutic benefit for bloating and patient comfort, avoiding fixed compression levels that may cause discomfort
3Measurement precision
If multiple biosensors are integrated to detect physiological data, then symptom detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional controller that processes multiple types of physiological data from various biosensors through a unified processing architecture. This universal controller integrates temperature, electrical, mechanical, and other sensor inputs using common signal processing and control algorithms, reducing overall system complexity despite the diversity of sensor types
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 solution effectively reduces IBS symptoms by normalizing colon contractions, blocking pain signals, preventing excessive colonic expansion, and providing patients with real and perceived control over their symptoms, thereby interrupting the self-perpetuating feedback loop of anxiety and symptom exacerbation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic portion capable of applying compression across the abdomen of a user
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method for detecting abdominal wall relaxation. The apparatus receives a first set of data from one or more biosensors configured to measure physiological data of a user. The apparatus detects an abdominal wall relaxation indicating bloating or distention based on second data from the one or more biosensors. The apparatus provides an alert to the user in response to the abdominal wall relaxation.