Pelvic Muscle Exerciser with Internal Pressure Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for training pelvic muscles to address incontinence issues are invasive, require external assistance, and are not discreet or convenient for daily use, failing to effectively simulate muscle contractions during activities like coughing or sneezing.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an internal cylindrical unit with pressure sensors and a transmitter, placed within the vaginal or rectal canal, communicating with a receiver device (typically a smartphone) to provide feedback on muscle contractions and pressure differences, allowing users to exercise pelvic muscles discreetly and conveniently throughout their daily activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional handheld spring devices or vaginal weight lifting are used, then pelvic muscles can be exercised, but the devices protrude from the body making them non-discreet and unsuitable for use throughout the day
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the functional components (weights, springs, handles) from the internal device and places them externally or eliminates them entirely. The internal device becomes a simple insertable element without protruding mechanical parts, while external components (if any) are separated from the body cavity, enabling discreet wear throughout daily activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal device is designed to be nested within the body cavity without protrusion, similar to how a doll is nested inside another. The exerciser device fits completely inside the vaginal canal or rectum, with no external protrusion, making it invisible and comfortable for continuous wear during daily activities.
2Measurement precision
If crude handheld devices are used, then pelvic muscles can be exercised, but the devices are not calibrated and lack monitoring capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical calibration systems with electronic sensors and digital processing. Instead of mechanical springs and weights that require physical calibration, the device uses electronic pressure sensors, load cells, or strain gauges that provide precise digital measurements of muscle contraction force, automatically calibrated through software.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates feedback mechanisms through electronic sensors that measure muscle contraction force and provide real-time feedback to the user via display or audio signals. This feedback loop allows users to see their progress and maintain proper exercise intensity without requiring manual calibration or external monitoring.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vaginal weight lifting with external weights is used, then muscle strength can be trained, but the device requires gravity and cannot be used by immobilized women
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces gravity-dependent mechanical weight systems with electronic force measurement and generation. Instead of using actual weights that require gravitational force, the device uses electronic sensors to measure muscle contraction and can provide resistance through motorized mechanisms or elastic elements that do not depend on gravity, enabling use by immobilized patients.
4Measurement precision
If hydraulic or pneumatic systems are used to apply dilation force, then resistance monitoring is enabled, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex hydraulic or pneumatic systems with direct electronic sensing elements. Instead of using fluid pressure systems with gauges and control mechanisms, the device incorporates electronic pressure sensors, load cells, or strain gauges that directly measure muscle contraction force and resistance, dramatically simplifying the device structure while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
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 users to effectively train and strengthen pelvic muscles without external assistance, providing real-time feedback on correct muscle engagement, thereby improving muscle tone and reducing incontinence issues, including during strenuous activities or unexpected events like coughing or sneezing.
Implementation Method 1
The internal unit comprises a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure applied to the internal unit
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a device which may be used to interactively exercise pelvic muscles. This is expected to prevent the need for more intrusive surgical procedures, to improve the life of women and men that suffer from incontinence, to help women strengthen their pelvic muscles after birth to enable subsequent vaginal births rather than caesarean sections. The invention relates to a pelvic muscle exercise monitor that is a suppository/tampon type internal unit that may be placed within either the rectum or the vaginal canal and which sends signals to a remote receiver, typically a smart phone, but possibly a dedicated device or a computer.