Vaginal Insert with Anchoring Arms for Urinary Incontinence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vaginal inserts for treating urinary incontinence are often uncomfortable, difficult to insert and remove, and require medical professional assistance, with manufacturing processes being complex and costly, and they may cause infections or migration issues during storage.
Innovation Solution
A vaginal insert design featuring a core with anchoring and supporting arms that stabilize within the vagina without significant movement, allowing self-insertion and removal, and can be manufactured using a simplified process, with a migration reduction feature to prevent premature expulsion from an applicator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vaginal inserts are designed to apply pressure against the bladder neck to block urine flow, then incontinence protection is improved, but the insert completely blocks the urethra requiring removal or collapse to allow urination
Solution Approach 1:
The vaginal insert applies pressure selectively at the bladder neck region rather than uniformly along the urethra. The core structure is positioned to concentrate force on the bladder neck to close the urethral opening, while leaving the distal urethra accessible for urination flow when needed.
2Ease of operation
If vaginal inserts are made large and intrusive to avoid complete urethral blockage, then urination accessibility is improved, but comfort and irritation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The insert uses a compact core structure with anchoring arms that engage locally at the bladder neck, providing effective urethral closure without requiring a large intrusive body. This localized approach minimizes contact with sensitive vaginal tissues while maintaining functional effectiveness.
3Manufacturing precision
If vaginal inserts require proper positioning by a medical professional, then positioning accuracy is improved, but ease of insertion and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The insert incorporates an applicator device that pre-positions the core structure during insertion. The applicator guides the insert to the correct location at the bladder neck, eliminating the need for post-insertion adjustment by a medical professional and enabling straightforward self-insertion.
4Ease of operation
If vaginal inserts are designed for prolonged wear, then convenience is improved, but risk of infections and pressure ulcers is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The insert uses a segmented core structure with multiple anchoring arms that distribute pressure across different contact points rather than concentrating force on a single area. This segmentation reduces pressure ulcer risk while the modular design allows for easier removal and replacement, mitigating infection risk.
5Ease of operation
If vaginal inserts are placed in an applicator for self-insertion, then ease of insertion is improved, but migration towards the outlet during shipment is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator incorporates retention features such as frustums or engagement structures that prevent the insert from migrating toward the outlet during storage and shipment. These features create preliminary counter-actions against gravitational and handling forces that would otherwise cause premature expulsion.
Data Source
AI summary
A vaginal insert which can be provided in an applicator for the treatment of urinary incontinence in females. The vaginal insert can provide tension-free incontinence treating support perpendicularly to the urethra (i.e., across the urethra).