Pelvic Analyzer Fluid Valve for Self-Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing and treating pelvic floor dysfunction, such as anal incontinence, rely on expensive anorectal manometry devices and require professional monitoring, limiting patient self-treatment and exercise adherence due to improper technique and muscle weakness.
Innovation Solution
A therapeutic pelvic region analyzer with an expandable device, collapsible reservoir, and fluid-flow control valve system that measures muscle squeeze strength and endurance through a fluid flow rate, allowing for self-administered pelvic rehabilitation and diagnostic testing without the need for expensive equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive anorectal manometry devices are used for diagnosis, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device cost and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the expensive anorectal manometry device using a balloon, fluid connection, and flow rate measurement system. This copy replicates the essential diagnostic function of measuring pelvic floor muscle strength without requiring complex expensive equipment, thereby resolving the contradiction between diagnostic accuracy and device cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensing systems with a simple mechanical fluid flow measurement system. By using fluid flow rate through a controlled opening to represent muscle strength, the system achieves diagnostic capability without expensive electronics, resolving the cost-accuracy contradiction
2Measurement precision
If professional monitoring is required for therapy, then treatment accuracy is improved, but patient independence and adherence worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to self-administer therapy by providing them with the diagnostic and therapeutic device for home use. Patients can independently perform pelvic floor exercises and monitor their progress using the flow rate measurements, eliminating the need for constant professional monitoring while maintaining treatment accuracy through objective feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates real-time feedback through flow rate measurements that provide immediate information to patients about their muscle strength and exercise effectiveness. This feedback mechanism allows patients to self-correct their technique and maintain proper form without professional supervision, resolving the contradiction between treatment accuracy and patient independence
3Productivity
If simple exercise equipment is provided, then patient adherence is improved, but measurement capability and therapeutic value worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional device that combines both exercise equipment and diagnostic measurement capabilities in a single system. The balloon and fluid connection serve both as the exercise interface and as the measurement mechanism, allowing the simple device to provide both adherence motivation and accurate assessment without requiring separate complex equipment
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
Enables effective self-treatment and monitoring of pelvic muscle strength and endurance, improving patient adherence and reducing costs by providing a portable, affordable solution for pelvic floor rehabilitation and diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid-flow control valve disposed between the expandable device and the collapsible reservoir and operable to provide a selectively variable level of resistance as the amount of fluid passes from the expandable device to the collapsible reservoir
Implementation Method 2
a fluid flow rate reading device coupled to the fluid-flow control valve and which is operable to measure a fluid flow rate between the collapsible reservoir and the expandable device as a result of force exerted by a user against a selected level of resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A therapeutic pelvic region analyzer and method of use thereof that includes an expandable device sized and shaped for insertion into an opening in a pelvic region of a user and a collapsible reservoir fluidly coupled to the expandable device. The collapsible reservoir is configured to temporarily retain and expel an amount of fluid. A tube defining a fluid-flow path for the amount of fluid is between the expandable device and the collapsible reservoir. The therapeutic pelvic region analyzer also includes fluid-flow control valve disposed between the expandable device and the collapsible reservoir. The fluid-flow control valve is operable to provide a selectively variable level of resistance as the amount fluid passes from the expandable device to the collapsible reservoir.