Vaginal Device Secure Fixation Urethral Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vaginal devices for urinary stress incontinence are not securely fixated inside the vagina during normal use, especially during movements or sneezing, leading to limited or no effect in preventing incontinence and potential harm or discomfort to the user.
Innovation Solution
A vaginal device made of elastic material with a longitudinal portion and a reference member that securely fixes against the vaginal introitus, featuring a decreasing cross-section and notches or slots for stable support against the urethra, ensuring the supporting portion remains at the intended site even during increased pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a vaginal device is made with a simple structure for ease of manufacture and insertion, then the device can be produced cost-effectively and inserted easily, but the device cannot be securely fixated inside the vagina during movements or sneezing
Solution Approach 1:
The vaginal device is divided into multiple functional segments: a longitudinal portion for structural support, supporting portions with pressure elements for urethral support, and a reference member with identification elements for proper positioning. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while maintaining overall device simplicity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The reference member acts as an intermediary element that provides visual identification (through color coding or markings) to ensure proper device insertion and positioning. This mediator enables users to correctly position the device without complex mechanical fixation mechanisms, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving reliability
2Stability of the object's composition
If the vaginal device is made with sufficient support structure to prevent displacement during sneezing or movements, then the device maintains stability, but the device becomes more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The device concentrates its structural complexity only where needed - the longitudinal portion has a specific tapered geometry with decreasing cross-section towards the reference member to provide structural integrity and prevent displacement, while other parts remain simple. This localized quality approach maintains stability without overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal portion features a curved, tapered geometry that transitions from a larger cross-section at the supporting portions to a smaller cross-section at the reference member. This curved design provides structural stability and resistance to displacement forces during sneezing or movements, while the smooth transition simplifies manufacturing compared to angular designs
3Reliability
If the supporting portion is positioned to provide compressive action on the urethra, then the device effectively prevents urinary incontinence, but the device may press on wrong sites during movement causing discomfort or harm
Solution Approach 1:
The reference member with its identification elements (color coding or markings) serves as a mediator that guides proper device insertion and positioning. This ensures the supporting portions are correctly positioned to compress the urethra at the intended site, preventing incontinence while avoiding discomfort or harm from mispositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The device design incorporates preliminary positioning features (the reference member and identification elements) that guide correct insertion before the supporting portions engage the urethra. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning is established before compressive forces are applied, preventing both incontinence and harmful effects
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 provides effective support against the urethra at the maximal urethral pressure point, maintaining stability and comfort, preventing urinary incontinence while avoiding pressure on the wrong sites and minimizing risk of displacement during movements or sneezing.
Implementation Method 1
A vaginal device made of elastic material with a longitudinal portion and a reference member that securely fixes against the vaginal introitus
Data Source
AI summary
A vaginal device and method of preventing urinary incontinence is disclosed. The device includes a longitudinal portion having a geometrical centre line, a first end and a second end, the first end being the innermost of the vaginal device during use, at least one supporting portion protruding from the longitudinal portion at the first end, the at least one supporting portion being configured to support against the urethra, through the vaginal wall, at a site located adjacent the maximal urethral pressure point, and a reference member protruding from the longitudinal portion at the second end, wherein the reference member during use is fixated against the vaginal introitus, holding the vaginal device securely fixated inside of the vagina and ensuring the at least one supporting portion is arranged at the intended site. The device further includes a section of the longitudinal portion, arranged between the supporting portion and the reference member, that has a decreasing cross-section towards the reference member and/or has at least one notch, groove and/or slot in an outer surface along an axial direction of the section.