Shape Memory Polymer Incontinence Device with Elastic Stent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for reducing or preventing urinary incontinence, such as inflatable devices and tampon-like devices, fail to provide a suitable solution for many women, as they do not effectively address the need for a device that can be inserted into the vagina and provide adequate support under varying pressures.
Innovation Solution
An intravaginal urinary incontinence device with a working portion made of shape memory polymer or metal alloy, featuring an elastic stent design with an anchoring portion, which expands to provide support and maintain position, with specific dimensions and materials to accommodate the vaginal environment and exert pressure to prevent incontinence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a device is designed to be small for insertion into the vagina, then ease of insertion is improved, but the ability to provide adequate support under expansion pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a compressed dynamic state during insertion to an expanded static state during use. The elastic stent is designed to dynamically change its configuration, allowing small insertion diameter that transforms into larger expanded diameter providing adequate support pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes parameter changes in material properties through shape memory effects. The shape memory polymer or metal alloy changes its physical parameters (shape, diameter) in response to temperature or stress changes, enabling transition from insertion configuration to expanded configuration with appropriate support capability.
2Strength
If a device expands to provide adequate support, then support capability is improved, but the insertion diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic stent is designed to nest within itself or within an applicator device during insertion. The anchoring portion extends beyond the working portion ends, creating a nested configuration that reduces the effective insertion diameter while maintaining the structural integrity needed for expansion to provide support.
3Strength
If a device is made rigid to provide support, then support capability is improved, but ease of insertion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device exhibits dynamic mechanical properties, being flexible and compressible during insertion but rigid and supportive when expanded in place. The elastic stent and shape memory materials enable this dynamic transition from compliant insertion state to rigid support state.
4Reliability
If a device is designed to maintain position under pressure, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure. The elastic stent provides both the expansion mechanism and the positioning function, while the anchoring portion integrated with the working portion provides both structural support and position stability, reducing overall device complexity.
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 reduces or prevents urinary incontinence by providing a comfortable fit and sufficient support through expansion, maintaining position and exerting appropriate pressure, addressing the limitations of existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
The working portion may be an elastic stent, preferably formed of a shape memory polymer or a metal alloy
Implementation Method 2
The working portion may be an elastic stent
Data Source
AI summary
A urinary incontinence device includes a working portion having an insertion equivalent diameter ranging from about 10 to about 25 mm and a use equivalent diameter ranging from about 25 to about 35 mm under an expansion pressure of about 20 to about 150 cm H.sub.2O.