Intravaginal Device with Sensors for Pelvic Floor Training
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack effective solutions for treating pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and fecal incontinence, which are prevalent among women due to weakened or tense pelvic floor muscles, and existing treatments do not adequately address the need for comprehensive monitoring and therapy.
Innovation Solution
An intravaginal device with a ring-shaped form and sensors that detect pelvic floor muscle movements, coupled with a microcontroller and wireless communication capabilities, provides real-time monitoring and biofeedback, and can administer pharmaceutical agents to treat PFDs by delivering them directly to the affected area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pelvic floor treatment methods are used, then treatment simplicity is maintained, but treatment effectiveness and monitoring capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (sensing, monitoring, pharmaceutical delivery, and feedback) into a single intravaginal device. The device integrates sensors for detecting pelvic floor muscle movements, a microcontroller for data processing, a transmitter for wireless communication, and a pharmaceutical delivery system, thereby improving treatment effectiveness while consolidating complexity into one unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The intravaginal device serves multiple purposes: it monitors pelvic floor muscle activity through sensors, delivers pharmaceutical agents directly to the treatment site, provides real-time feedback to users and healthcare providers, and tracks treatment progress. This multi-functionality addresses the limitations of traditional single-purpose treatments.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive monitoring and therapy are implemented, then treatment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring systems with electronic sensors and wireless communication technology. The sensors detect pelvic floor muscle movements and transmit data electronically to a mobile device or healthcare provider system, eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement apparatus while achieving high precision monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically monitors pelvic floor muscle activity and provides real-time feedback without requiring manual intervention. The sensors continuously detect muscle movements, the microcontroller processes the data, and the system automatically communicates results, reducing the need for complex external monitoring equipment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If real-time monitoring and biofeedback are provided, then treatment personalization is enhanced, but data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where sensors detect pelvic floor muscle movements and immediately communicate results to the user through a mobile device or directly to the intravaginal device. This feedback loop enables personalized treatment adjustments based on actual muscle performance data, allowing both patients and healthcare providers to monitor progress and modify treatment protocols dynamically.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The present invention relates to intravaginal devices, systems including the devices, and methods of using the devices to train an individual in the performance of exercises (e.g., pelvic floor lifts (PFLs) and pelvic floor relaxations (PFRs)) that strengthen the individual's pelvic floor muscles in order to treat or prevent pelvic floor disorders (e.g., pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence) and their accompanying symptoms.