Pelvic Organ Prolapse Device with Telescoping Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-surgical treatments for pelvic organ prolapse, such as pessaries, lack effective mechanisms for adjustable support and easy deployment within the vagina, often requiring complex mechanisms and causing discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an adjustably flexible, planar ring with a telescoping locking mechanism and a removal string, allowing the ring to transition between expanded and reduced profile states for optimal support and easy insertion/removal, along with an applicator for deploying the device within the vagina.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a telescoping locking mechanism with snap and window is used, then the device achieves bi-stable states (expanded and reduced profile), but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a telescoping inner tube with snap elements, an outer tube with window openings, and a removal string system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving bi-stability through the coordinated interaction of simple elements rather than a complex integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap elements on the telescoping mechanism automatically engage with the window openings to lock the device in its expanded state without requiring additional locking actions. The removal string provides a simple user interface that triggers the self-service release mechanism, allowing the device to transition back to its reduced profile state without complex control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ring is made adjustably flexible, then the device adapts to different vaginal sizes and shapes, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ring transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one through the telescoping locking mechanism. In the reduced profile state, the inner tube can slide within the outer tube, allowing the ring to flex and adapt to different anatomical shapes. When locked in the expanded state, the snap elements engage with the window openings to provide rigid structural support. This dynamic design enables the same ring to exhibit both flexibility and rigidity as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its structural parameters (flexibility and diameter) through the telescoping mechanism. The inner tube's position relative to the outer tube can be adjusted, changing the overall diameter and flexibility of the ring. This parameter change allows the device to adapt to different vaginal anatomies while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as the same components serve multiple functional states.
3Ease of operation
If the snap is made elastic and diamond shaped, then the locking mechanism allows easy engagement and disengagement, but the strength of the connection may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The snap element combines elastic material properties with a diamond shape geometry to achieve both ease of operation and sufficient connection strength. The elastic material allows the snap to deform during engagement and disengagement, providing a user-friendly experience, while the diamond shape distributes mechanical stresses efficiently, maintaining connection strength when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The diamond shape of the snap element, while angular in appearance, utilizes curved surfaces and rounded edges to facilitate smooth engagement and disengagement. The geometry is optimized to guide the snap into the window opening and allow elastic deformation during operation, balancing ease of use with connection reliability.
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 provides stable support for pelvic organs, reduces discomfort, and facilitates easy insertion and removal, addressing the limitations of existing pessaries by offering a bi-stable locking mechanism and user-friendly deployment.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic diamond shaped snap comprising at least two opposing prongs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A device sized and shaped for alleviating organ prolapse when inserted into a vagina, comprising: (a) an adjustably flexible, substantially planar ring; (b) a telescoping locking mechanism extending in a central axis, but within the plane of the ring, from a first side of the ring to a second side of the ring, comprising, (i) a first element extending from a side of the ring including an elastic diamond shaped snap, and, (ii) a second element extending from a second side of the ring, opposite the first element, including at least one window configured as a counterpart to the snap, wherein the device is configured to be in an expanded, treatment rendering state when the snap is released into the window and a reduced profile state when the snap is not in the window.