Scissor Pelvic Floor Probe for Localized Stiffness Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices are unable to accurately measure the non-contractile stiffness of the levator ani muscle, which is a key component of the pelvic floor, and often disperse pressure to non-targeted internal tissues during measurement.
Innovation Solution
A scissors-shaped pelvic floor stiffness measuring device with pressurizable pressure and movement sensors that efficiently contacts and measures the levator ani muscle by minimizing contact with other tissues, using a unique design that prevents pressure dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure-based measurement methods are used to measure pelvic floor tissue, then contraction strength can be measured, but non-contractile stiffness of the levator ani muscle cannot be accurately measured
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is segmented into two distinct components: a pressure sensor for measuring contraction strength and a movement sensor for measuring non-contractile stiffness. This segmentation allows each sensor to specialize in measuring its specific parameter, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability by enabling the device to accurately measure both contractile and non-contractile properties of pelvic floor tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device is designed with multi-functionality to measure both contraction strength (via pressure sensor) and non-contractile stiffness (via movement sensor). This universal measurement capability allows a single device to address multiple measurement needs that were previously requiring different specialized devices, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If conventional measurement devices are inserted into pelvic cavity, then measurement can be performed, but pressure disperses to non-targeted internal tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor and movement sensor are positioned to apply and measure forces locally at the levator ani muscle, rather than dispersing pressure broadly. The measurement probe is designed to contact specifically the target tissue, ensuring that the measured parameters reflect only the local properties of the levator ani muscle. This local quality approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision while preserving ease of operation through targeted local measurement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If finger palpation is used to assess pelvic floor tone, then subjective evaluation can be obtained, but objective data and portability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The subjective mechanical assessment by finger palpation is replaced with objective electronic sensing using pressure sensors and movement sensors. These sensors provide quantifiable, objective data about pelvic floor tone and stiffness, eliminating the subjectivity inherent in manual palpation. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing both the versatility of evaluation and the reliability of objective, portable measurements.
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
Accurately measures pelvic floor stiffness without finger palpation, providing objective data and improving portability, while avoiding contact with non-target tissues.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurizable pressure sensor and a movement sensor that can measure a non-contractile displacement of a tissue
Implementation Method 2
a pressurizable pressure sensor and a movement sensor that can measure a non-contractile displacement of a tissue
Implementation Method 3
calculate tissue stiffness by measuring a movement distance by a non-stretchable tissue when a pair of insertion parts spaced apart in a width direction press both wall surfaces of a pelvic floor tissue and pressure at this time
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a pelvic floor stiffness measuring device including: based on a longitudinal direction, a pair of pressure members including insertion parts formed at each end thereof, grip parts formed at each other end of the pair of pressure members, and a hinge part that does not intersect between the insertion part and the grip part, the pair of insertion parts being open/closed by opening/closing the grip parts around the hinge part, in which the pair of insertion parts has each one end forming a pelvic floor pressure area based on the longitudinal direction and each other end connected to the hinge part, and has a downward convex curved surface based on a widthwise axis of symmetry through which the pair of pressure members is open/closed, and is connected by an intermediate area in which a point where the pair of insertion parts intersect is formed at least in part.