Intravaginal Sensor Segmentation for Pelvic Floor Movement Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for effective methods and devices for diagnosing, monitoring, and treating pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) in women, which are prevalent due to various factors such as pregnancy, childbirth, and aging.
Innovation Solution
A method and device involving an intravaginal device with sensors that detect pelvic floor movements by obtaining positional data, processing it to determine movement occurrences, and providing alerts with physiological data. The device can also be used to train pelvic floor muscles by establishing a baseline for movement identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an intravaginal device with sensors is used to detect pelvic floor movements, then measurement precision of pelvic floor movement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intravaginal device is divided into multiple segments along its length, with sensors distributed at different positions. This segmentation allows the device to detect pelvic floor movements at multiple locations simultaneously, improving measurement precision while keeping each individual sensor unit simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The intravaginal device serves multiple functions: it detects pelvic floor movements, provides biofeedback to users, and can be used for both training and diagnostic purposes. This multi-functionality justifies the device complexity by delivering value across multiple application areas.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to obtain positional data, then measurement precision of pelvic floor movement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into multiple discrete sensors positioned at different locations along the intravaginal device. Each sensor measures local positional data, and the combined information provides comprehensive pelvic floor movement detection with improved precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensors are nested within the intravaginal device structure, with multiple sensors positioned at different depths and locations. This nested arrangement allows compact integration of multiple sensing elements while maintaining a simple external profile and reducing overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If real-time processing of sensor data is implemented, then productivity of pelvic floor training is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing of sensor data in real-time to immediately identify pelvic floor movements and provide biofeedback to the user during training. This preliminary action enables instant reinforcement and correction, significantly improving training productivity and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensor data is processed in real-time, and the results are immediately communicated back to the user through the intravaginal device. This real-time feedback mechanism dramatically improves training productivity by enabling immediate learning and adjustment, while the feedback algorithm remains relatively simple and rule-based.
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 enables accurate detection and monitoring of pelvic floor movements, providing valuable physiological data and alerts, which can aid in diagnosing and treating PFDs. It also facilitates training of the pelvic floor muscles, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of PFD symptoms.
Implementation Method 1
The sensors may be MEMS accelerometers
Data Source
AI summary
Featured are intravaginal devices and methods of using the devices to observe the state of an individual's pelvic floor muscles in order to diagnose, treat, or prevent pelvic floor disorders (e.g., pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence) and their accompanying symptoms and methods of using the devices to treat or prevent vaginal disorders (e.g., skin laxity) in a subject using an energy transmitter (e.g., a radiofrequency transmitter). Also featured are algorithms to detect pelvic floor movements and physiological indicia from sensor data.