Wireless Intravaginal Stimulator With Pressure-Triggered Pelvic Contraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical stimulation devices for treating urinary and fecal incontinence are cumbersome, inconvenient, and require users to remain stationary, limiting their mobility and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive, wireless, and compact intravaginal electrical stimulator device that provides electrical stimulation to contract pelvic muscles in response to intra-abdominal pressure changes, allowing use in both stationary and ambulatory positions, with adjustable intensity and modes including selective, automatic, and biofeedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional electrical stimulation device is used, then pelvic muscle contraction can be achieved, but the device becomes cumbersome and requires external battery packs and wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical signal generator, sensor, and power source into a single integrated intravaginal device body, eliminating the need for external battery packs and wires. The generator and sensor are housed within the same device structure that contacts the pelvic muscles, creating a self-contained system that maintains contraction effectiveness while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the electrical signal generator and sensor components within the intravaginal device body structure. The generator is positioned to receive power from an internal battery while the sensor is integrated into the device body to detect pelvic muscle contraction, creating a nested arrangement where multiple functional components occupy space within the outer device shell.
2Reliability
If a traditional electrical stimulation device is used, then muscle training can be provided, but the user must remain stationary in bed for about twenty minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the device to be dynamically adaptable to different user positions and activities. The device can detect pelvic muscle contraction during various states including standing, walking, and other ambulatory activities, not just during stationary bed rest. This dynamic detection capability allows the muscle training to remain effective regardless of whether the user is stationary or moving.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs automatic detection where the sensor monitors pelvic muscle contraction and the generator automatically provides electrical stimulation without requiring user intervention or positioning. The device self-regulates based on detected muscle activity, allowing effective training during any position or activity level without requiring the user to remain stationary or manually activate the device.
3Reliability
If a traditional electrical stimulation device is used, then urinary incontinence can be treated, but the device requires placement several times a day and increases discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous or near-continuous operation of the electrical stimulation device throughout the day. Rather than requiring placement several times a day for limited durations, the device can remain in place and provide continuous muscle training and incontinence treatment, eliminating repeated insertion/removal cycles and extending the total treatment time available each day.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a sensor that provides feedback on pelvic muscle contraction status to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the device to automatically adjust stimulation parameters based on real-time muscle activity, improving treatment effectiveness while reducing the need for manual adjustment and user intervention, thereby enhancing overall ease of operation.
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 prevents urinary and fecal incontinence by contracting pelvic muscles during daily activities, enhancing user mobility and comfort without the need for external connectors, and offering data storage and remote control options.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrode supported on the body and in electrical communication with the at least one sensor, the at least one electrode sending an electrical signal to the pelvic muscles of a user to contract the pelvic muscles based on feedback from the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A device for muscle training and treating urinary incontinence including a body configured for insertion intravaginally for placement within the vagina, at least one sensor supported on the body for measuring intra-abdominal pressure and at least one electrode supported on the body and in electrical communication with the at least one sensor. The at least one electrode sends an electrical signal to pelvic muscles of a user to contract the pelvic muscles based on feedback from the sensor. An electric signal generator housed within the body sends the electrical signal to the electrode. The device can also have application for treating fecal incontinence and pelvic floor weakness.