Multi-chamber Muscle Contraction Sensor with Flexible Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring contractions of internal muscles, particularly those in the perineum, are not sensitive enough and often unreliable due to movement issues and complexity, limiting their ability to detect contractions across the entire body cavity effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a hollow body with biocompatible material, consisting of two half-shells connected by non-compressible or deformable means to pressure sensors, allowing for sensitive detection of contractions and relaxation across the body cavity, with wireless communication for real-time data monitoring and user feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional cylindrical probes with concentric chambers are used, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement sensitivity is poor and detection area is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The probe body is divided into multiple independent pressure-sensitive chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) arranged in different orientations. Each chamber contains pressure-sensitive elements that can independently detect contractions from different directions, thereby increasing overall measurement sensitivity without requiring a single complex sensor system
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-axis detection approach to multi-axis detection by arranging chambers in different spatial orientations (longitudinal, radial, transverse directions). This dimensional expansion allows the device to detect contractions occurring in any direction within the body cavity, significantly improving detection coverage and sensitivity
2Reliability
If internal damping means and rotation dampers are added to improve measurement stability, then measurement reliability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses the body's own anatomical structures (vaginal walls, pelvic floor muscles) as natural counterforces to stabilize the probe. The probe is designed to be held in position by the natural geometry and muscular tone of the body cavity, eliminating the need for additional active stabilization mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The probe utilizes the body's natural physiological structures and forces to maintain its own positioning and stability. The elastic deformation of surrounding tissues and muscular tone provide passive stabilization, allowing the device to self-stabilize without requiring external damping mechanisms or complex active control systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If the probe structure is made rigid to maintain positioning, then positioning stability improves, but the probe cannot adapt to different body cavities and measurement areas
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates flexible connecting structures between chambers that allow dynamic adjustment of chamber positions and orientations. These flexible connections enable the rigid chambers to maintain their structural integrity while adapting their relative positions to fit different body cavity geometries and measurement requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses flexible membranes and thin-walled structures to connect the rigid chambers, allowing the overall probe structure to deform and adapt to different body cavity shapes while the individual chambers maintain their rigid pressure-sensitive structures for accurate measurement
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 provides improved sensitivity and reliability in measuring muscle contractions and relaxation, adaptable to various body cavities, and simplifies manufacturing while offering real-time monitoring and exercise guidance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure sensor, or part of the pressure sensor, arranged in the body of the device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for measuring contractions and/or relaxation of one or more muscles of a body cavity, said device (1) comprising a hollow body (2) which is for positioning in said body cavity and which is covered by a coating (3) made of or comprising a biocompatible material, said body (2) being formed of two half-shells (7 and 8) which are each physically connected, permanently and continuously during the use of said device (1), with the aid of non-compressible or deformable connecting means (14), to at least one pressure sensor (11), or part of said pressure sensor (11), arranged in said body. The invention also relates to a method for measuring the contraction and/or relaxation of the muscles of a body cavity, a method for monitoring the contractions and/or relaxation of the muscles, and a method for exercising these muscles.