Sensor Base With Integrated Camera And Brush For Gynecological Exams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical examination techniques for gynecological and proctological exams are invasive and uncomfortable, often requiring patients to assume awkward positions and can lead to practitioner contamination, deterring individuals from undergoing necessary examinations which may result in undiagnosed conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sensor apparatus with a sensor base, light source, camera, and brush head that allows for perineal examinations without the need for uncomfortable positions or mechanical stretching, featuring a protective sleeve and optic fibers for illumination and sample collection, enabling safer and more informative procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a speculum is used to mechanically stretch the vagina open, then the practitioner can examine and collect tissue samples from the vagina and rectum, but the examination becomes invasive and uncomfortable for the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical speculum system with an optical imaging system. A camera positioned at the distal end of the sensor base captures images of the cervix and surrounding tissues, eliminating the need for mechanical stretching. The illumination system provides visual access without physical intrusion, thereby maintaining examination capability while removing the harmful mechanical stretching effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the internal anatomy instead of direct visual inspection. The camera captures images of the cervix, vagina, and rectum, allowing the practitioner to examine these structures remotely. This copying approach enables thorough examination without requiring the patient to be in uncomfortable positions or endure mechanical stretching.
2Reliability
If the practitioner is required to be in close proximity to the patient's genitalia, then tissue samples can be collected, but practitioner contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the sensor base, camera, and imaging components. This intermediary allows the practitioner to perform examinations and collect tissue samples without direct close proximity to the patient's genitalia. The sensor base acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between the practitioner and the examination site, enabling safe and effective tissue collection while minimizing contamination risk.
3Reliability
If patients are required to assume awkward positions with legs elevated and spread in stirrups, then the examination can be conducted, but patient compliance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic positioning flexibility. The sensor base can be inserted and oriented at various angles, and the imaging system can capture images from multiple perspectives. This dynamic capability allows the examination to be performed with the patient in more comfortable positions, such as lithotomy or lateral decubitus, rather than requiring the traditional stirrup position. The flexible sensor design adapts to different patient positions while maintaining examination accessibility.
4Reliability
If a camera and light source are disposed within the sensor base, then visual examination is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the sensor base assembly. The camera, light source, and tissue collection brush are integrated into a single compact sensor base that can be inserted through the protective sleeve. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure, making it easier to handle and sterilize while maintaining full visual examination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor base is designed as a multi-functional device that combines imaging, illumination, and tissue collection capabilities in one component. This universal design eliminates the need for separate speculum, light source, and brush instruments, thereby reducing device complexity while enhancing examination versatility. The single sensor base performs multiple functions that traditionally required multiple separate tools.
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 apparatus reduces patient discomfort, minimizes practitioner contamination, and facilitates easier examination procedures, improving patient compliance and healthcare outcomes by allowing examinations to be conducted from more comfortable positions and reducing the need for mechanical stretching.
Implementation Method 1
a light source disposed within the sensor base
Implementation Method 2
a camera disposed within the sensor base
Implementation Method 3
a brush extending from the distal end of the sensor base and adapted to collect samples for testing
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for conducting gynecological or proctological exams includes a sensor base having a proximal end and a distal end. The apparatus also includes a light source disposed within the sensor base and a camera disposed within the sensor base. Further, the apparatus includes a brush extending from the distal end of the sensor base and adapted to collect samples for testing.