Pelvic Floor Training Device with Isolated Muscle Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for training pelvic floor muscles often lack portability and accuracy, as they are influenced by activities of other muscle groups, and user compliance is poor without direct feedback or supervision.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with a rigid housing and a beam that couples specifically to pelvic floor muscle activity, using a sensor and communication means to provide feedback through a remote electronic device, while minimizing influence from gluteal and abdominal muscles, and a method that includes calibration and gamification to motivate users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is used to sense pelvic floor muscle activity, then training feedback is provided, but the sensed quantity is influenced by other muscle groups (gluteal and abdominal muscles)
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the sensing function by using multiple sensors positioned at different locations. The first sensor specifically detects pelvic floor muscle activity through the anal opening, while a second sensor detects abdominal muscle activity separately. This spatial segmentation allows the system to distinguish and isolate the target muscle group's signal from interfering signals of other muscle groups, thereby improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary processing system (controller and software) that receives signals from multiple sensors, processes them according to predetermined algorithms, and distinguishes between pelvic floor muscle activity and abdominal muscle activity. This intermediary layer filters out harmful influences from other muscle groups by analyzing signal patterns and applying discrimination logic, thus improving the accuracy of pelvic floor muscle measurement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing training devices are used, then pelvic floor muscle training is possible, but the devices lack portability and require direct feedback or supervision
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements a comprehensive feedback system that provides real-time visual, acoustic, and haptic feedback to users during training. The controller processes sensor signals and generates appropriate feedback signals that inform users about their muscle contraction quality and progress. This automated feedback loop eliminates the need for direct supervision by healthcare professionals while maintaining high user compliance, as users can independently monitor and adjust their training in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces the need for mechanical supervision and direct human feedback with an electronic and software-based system. The controller, communication unit, and feedback generation mechanisms substitute for the role of healthcare professionals, enabling portable and independent use. This substitution maintains training effectiveness while significantly improving portability and ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If a rigid housing is used to prevent deformation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device becomes less comfortable for prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments its structural components into rigid and flexible parts. The housing containing the sensors and electronics is made rigid to maintain measurement precision, while the interface elements that contact the user's body (such as the anal probe and seating surfaces) are made from flexible, comfortable materials. This segmentation allows the device to simultaneously achieve measurement accuracy and user comfort during prolonged use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies different material properties to different parts of its structure. The main housing and sensor mounting structures use rigid materials for stability and measurement accuracy, while the user-contact surfaces and flexible components use soft, compliant materials for comfort. This local differentiation of material quality enables the device to resolve the contradiction between rigidity for precision and flexibility for comfort.
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 allows for effective and portable training of pelvic floor muscles with precise feedback, improving user compliance and muscle performance, reducing incontinence and enhancing sexual satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for sensing a movement of and/or a force exerted on the beam
Data Source
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
A device for training pelvic floor muscles comprises a rigid housing (1) for a user to sit on, comprising a ridge (2) with an opening (4) facing the pelvic floor muscles of the user sitting on it, a beam (5) arranged in the housing (1), being flush with or protruding from or facing the opening (4) in the ridge (2), adapted to couple to an activity of the pelvic floor muscles of the user, and a sensor (11) for sensing a movement of and/or a force exerted on the beam (5). A further aspect of the invention concerns a method for training pelvic floor muscles of a user, in particular being performed using the device.