Integrated Vibration Dilator for Pelvic Floor Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Female cancer survivors often require multiple devices for pelvic floor physical therapy to address dyspareunia and pelvic pain, which can be painful, emotionally challenging, and costly, with current devices not adequately addressing the complex needs of altered anatomy and comorbidities post-cancer treatment.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional device with a handle portion and intravaginal dilator portion that combines vaginal dilation, vibration, and myofascial release, integrated with a mobile application for personalized therapy management, reducing the need for multiple devices and enhancing treatment adherence through ergonomic design and telemedicine capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate therapy devices are used to address different therapy needs (dilation, massage, vibration), then comprehensive therapy coverage is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple therapy functions (dilation, vibration, and myofascial release) into a single integrated device. The handle portion contains a motor that generates vibrations transmitted through the intravaginal dilator portion, while the dilator portion itself provides both mechanical dilation and massage functions through its structure and movement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The intravaginal dilator portion serves multiple functions: it acts as a dilator through its tapered structure, a vibration transmitter through its connection to the motor in the handle, and a massage tool through its ability to apply pressure and perform myofascial release movements. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple therapy devices are required for comprehensive treatment, then all therapy needs are met, but ease of operation and adherence decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple therapy modalities into one device, the patent simplifies the user experience. Patients no longer need to learn and manage multiple separate devices with different operating procedures; instead, they use a single device that provides comprehensive therapy through integrated functions controlled from one handle.
3Reliability
If separate devices are used for each therapy function, then specialized treatment is provided, but cost and loss of resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal therapy device that replaces multiple specialized devices. The intravaginal dilator portion with its motorized handle provides dilation, vibration, and massage functions in one unit, eliminating the need for patients to purchase and maintain separate devices for each therapy modality, thereby reducing overall cost while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
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 improves treatment efficacy and adherence by providing a single solution for dyspareunia management, reducing the number of in-person therapy visits, and increasing access to care for a significant population, while addressing the unique needs of cancer survivors with altered anatomy and comorbidities, thereby enhancing quality of life.
Implementation Method 1
vibration devices reduce soreness and pain through relaxation
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a device includes a handle portion and an intravaginal dilator portion. The handle portion includes a curved handle portion; a battery within the handle portion; a motor housing including a vibration motor coupled to the battery; an activation button configured to activate the vibration motor; and a faceplate and one or more locating recesses within the faceplate. The intravaginal dilator portion includes a dilator plate and a motor housing recess configured to receive the motor housing when the intravaginal dilator portion is attached to the handle portion; and one or more locating pins configured to fit within the locating recesses of the handle portion when the intravaginal dilator portion is attached to the handle portion.