Perineum Leakage Control Device with Retractable Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external incontinence control devices are ineffective in preventing leakage due to movement, variable pressure application, discomfort, visibility, and inability to accommodate different anatomical shapes and sizes, leading to frequent displacement and vesicoureteral reflux risks.
Innovation Solution
A device with retractors and band members that apply a constant pulling force to maintain pressure against the perineum, incorporating a slider assembly with rotatable spools and flexible cords to ensure constant compression and absorbency, adjustable to fit various anatomies and prevent leakage without causing reflux.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive is used to attach the device to the user's skin or undergarment, then the device can be secured in place, but it causes allergic reactions and painful removal due to sensitivity of perineum tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the adhesive component entirely from the device design. Instead of using adhesive to attach the device to the user's skin or undergarment, the invention employs a mechanical fastening system consisting of a fastener that secures the device to the user's undergarment, eliminating direct contact with sensitive perineum tissue and thus preventing allergic reactions and pain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the undergarment - between the device and the user's skin. The device attaches to the undergarment rather than directly to the skin, and the undergarment in turn contacts the skin. This intermediary approach allows secure attachment while avoiding direct adhesive contact with sensitive tissue.
2Reliability
If traditional absorbent articles are attached to undergarments, then they can capture leakage, but they move within or upon the undergarment allowing leaked fluids to travel into and through the undergarment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pressure to the perineum region before leakage occurs through the retractable mechanism that pulls the device taut. This pre-applied pressure creates a seal or barrier that prevents leakage from occurring in the first place, rather than merely capturing leakage after it happens. The device is positioned and secured to the undergarment in advance to maintain this preventive pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a retractable mechanism that can dynamically adjust the tension and pressure applied to the perineum region. The retractable element can be pulled to increase pressure for prevention, and released to allow for comfort or emptying. This dynamic parameter adjustment maintains both leakage prevention and device stability.
3Reliability
If vacuum pressure is used to retain the urethral cup in position, then the device can be held over the urethral opening, but it draws fluid out of the urethra requiring frequent emptying and causes tissue bruising
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the approach from vacuum suction to positive pressure application. Instead of using vacuum to hold the device in place and suction fluid out, the invention uses a retractable mechanism to apply outward pressure against the perineum region, physically blocking the opening and preventing fluid escape. This reverses the harmful suction effect with a beneficial pressure effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the concept of pressure application from harmful vacuum suction to beneficial positive pressure. The retractable mechanism applies controlled pressure that prevents leakage without causing tissue damage. The pressure that could potentially be harmful is instead used beneficially to seal and block the perineal opening, preventing fluid escape while avoiding the tissue bruising associated with vacuum cups.
4Reliability
If tight-fitting pull-on garments are used to compress the perineum, then leakage can be prevented, but they are visible through outer clothing and uncomfortable to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the leakage prevention function into separate components: a small device that applies pressure to the perineum region and attaches to the user's existing undergarment. This segmented approach allows the pressure-application function to be isolated to a small, invisible area, while the rest of the undergarment remains normal and comfortable, avoiding the need for tight-fitting garments that are visible and uncomfortable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies pressure locally to the specific perineum region rather than requiring tight compression of the entire garment. The device concentrates the pressure exactly where needed at the perineal opening, while the rest of the undergarment and outer clothing remain loose and comfortable. This localized approach provides effective leakage prevention without the discomfort and visibility issues of tight-fitting garments.
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 effectively prevents and mitigates leakage across various bodily movements while maintaining constant pressure, reducing the risk of vesicoureteral reflux and accommodating different anatomical shapes, ensuring comfort and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
flexible cords to ensure constant compression
Implementation Method 2
retractors and band members that apply a constant pulling force to maintain pressure against the perineum
Implementation Method 3
The bridge member includes an absorbent material configured to absorb any leakage or discharge that may escape
Data Source
AI summary
A perineum control device attachable to the user's undergarment, belt or similar clothing to apply pressure to the perineum to control various conditions including leakages of body fluids from the urethral, anal, and vaginal openings. The device and method comprise one or more front and rear retractors having a retractable cord supporting a bridge or band member positioned against a user's perineum. When a user puts on their undergarment, or tensioned and retractable cords exert a constant and predetermined upward compression force to an attached sanitary article (such as pads/napkins). The force pushes/pulls the article against the perineum increasing the perineum pressure above an abdominal or bladder pressure, which prevents or mitigates leakages and/or prolapses. The device keeps the article in constant close contact with the orifices of the perineum regardless of a user's vigorous movements and regardless of a user's body size, shape, and anatomical differences.