Systems, apparatus and methods for pelvic floor muscle development

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Kegel exercise programs for pelvic floor muscle development are limited by lack of resistance, feedback, poor training, low patient confidence, and poor compliance, which restricts muscle tone improvement and strength progression.

Innovation Solution

A system with an internal anchor and external weight system, allowing for adjustable and dynamic resistance training by attaching modular weights to a flexible cord, enabling progressive muscle strengthening beyond the limitations of traditional intravaginal weight systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If conventional intravaginal weight systems are used, then muscle strengthening is achieved, but the resistance is limited and cannot be progressively increased beyond a certain point

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance forceVSAvoidprogressive weight adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The weight system is divided into multiple individual weights that can be separately attached or removed from the cord. Each weight represents a discrete unit of resistance, allowing the user to segment the total resistance into manageable increments that can be progressively adjusted based on muscle strength development.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static fixed-weight design to a dynamic adjustable-weight design. The cord with multiple attachable weights allows the resistance to be dynamically modified during the exercise program, enabling progressive overload as muscles strengthen while maintaining flexibility in resistance selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If traditional Kegel exercises are performed, then basic muscle tone improvement is achieved, but lack of feedback and resistance limits effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexercise effectivenessVSAvoidresistance force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The visual and tactile feedback from handling multiple discrete weights provides immediate information about the resistance level being applied. Users can see and feel the weight configuration, allowing them to monitor and adjust their exercise intensity in real-time, thereby improving exercise effectiveness through enhanced feedback mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows users to pre-configure the desired weight combination before beginning exercise. By selecting and attaching specific weights in advance, users can plan their resistance level according to their current capability and exercise goals, enabling more reliable and effective training sessions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed weight systems are used, then simple operation is maintained, but adaptability to different training stages is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining progression capabilityVSAvoidweight system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cord and weight system serves multiple functions: it provides resistance training, allows progressive overload, enables different exercise intensities, and can be adjusted as the user progresses. This multi-functional design enhances adaptability to different training stages without requiring multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system allows for accelerated and advanced pelvic floor muscle development by providing adjustable resistance, enabling users to increase weight and exercise dynamically, overcoming the limitations of conventional systems and allowing for potentially unlimited progression in muscle tone and strength.

Implementation Method 1

a weight system adapted to be removably coupled to the cord

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11633074B2Systems, apparatus and methods for pelvic floor muscle development

Publication Date: 2023.04.25 SQUEE LLC DBA KEGELBELL

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention provide systems, methods and apparatus for pelvic floor exercise. The invention includes an anchor adapted for insertion into a user's body; a cord coupled to the anchor and adapted to extend external to the user's body when the anchor is inserted internal to the user's body; and a weight system adapted to be removably coupled to the cord. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.