Segmented Vaginal Device for Rectal Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for fecal incontinence in women, such as vaginal balloons, are inadequate due to deficiencies like the need for inflation tubes and lack of effective stable support.
Innovation Solution
A fecal incontinence device comprising shell segments that form an enclosed cylinder with a pressure generating structure and a state-changing mechanism, allowing the device to transition from a collapsed state to an expanded state for insertion into the vagina, providing stable support to the rectum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vaginal balloons are used to treat fecal incontinence, then they provide some support to the rectum, but they require inflation tubes and lack effective stable support
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple shell segments (first shell segment, second shell segment, third shell segment) that can be assembled together to form the complete structure. This segmentation allows the device to be inserted in a collapsed state and then expanded to provide stable support without requiring inflation tubes or complex mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the device is designed to provide effective stable support to the rectum, then it can ameliorate fecal incontinence, but it may be difficult to insert into the vagina
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a collapsed state during insertion to an expanded state after insertion. The shell segments are configured to move from a compressed arrangement suitable for insertion to an expanded arrangement that provides stable support to the rectum, enabling both easy insertion and effective treatment.
3Device complexity
If the device structure is simplified to remove inflation tubes, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide stable support may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes flexible shell segments that can be collapsed for insertion and then expanded to provide stable support. The flexible nature of the shells allows them to maintain structural integrity and provide reliable support without requiring inflation tubes or complex mechanical components.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A fecal incontinence device for insertion into a vagina, comprising: a plurality of shell segments, which together form an enclosed cylinder with rounded ends in a collapsed state of the device, wherein one of the cylindrical shells is disposed in the device facing a posterior wall of the vagina when the device is inserted into the vagina; a pressure generating structure attached to and abutting the posterior-facing cylindrical shell; and, a state-changing mechanism configured to reversibly transition the device from the collapsed state to an expanded state.