Pressure sensor
Inventors
Nielsen, Poul Michael Fonss • Kruger, Jennifer Ann • Budgett, David Mortimer • Taberner, Andrew James • McCormick, John Daniel
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11712187-B2
Publication Date
2023-08-01
Expiration Date
Abstract
A pressure sensor apparatus includes a plurality of pressure responsive chambers provided along a longitudinal dimension of the apparatus, and a pressure sensor device provided in each chamber which together provide a pressure profile in an anatomical cavity.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a pressure sensor apparatus having an elongate body configured for anatomical cavity applications. The elongate body includes a planar flexible substructure with a plurality of openings or pockets, and at least one membrane is joined to the planar flexible substructure over each opening or pocket to provide a plurality of pressure responsive chambers provided successively along the elongate body. A pressure sensor device is provided in each pressure responsive chamber, where the at least one membrane forms a pressure-transmitting wall for the chamber.
The planar flexible substructure provides a pressure resistant barrier between adjacent chambers, mechanically isolating each of the plurality of pressure responsive chambers from adjacent chambers. The chamber structure enables pressure responsive sensing through pressure-transmitting walls while isolating neighboring chambers through the barrier provided by the planar flexible substructure.
The disclosed system is used for pelvic floor muscle training, including inserting the pressure sensor apparatus into a subject's vagina during performance of a pelvic floor exercise. Pressure data detected by the pressure sensor apparatus is provided to a display device located exteriorly of the subject's vagina, and a visual representation of the pressure data is displayed during performance.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes two independent claims, one directed to a pressure sensor apparatus and the other directed to a method for pelvic floor muscle training. Together, these claims define the core chambered, membrane-covered, pressure-isolated elongate sensor structure and its use with external presentation of detected pressure data during pelvic floor exercise.
Membrane-covered successive pressure responsive chambers on a planar flexible elongate body
An elongate body configured for anatomical cavity applications comprising a planar flexible substructure having a plurality of openings or pockets; at least one membrane joined to the planar flexible substructure and provided over each opening or pocket to provide a plurality of pressure responsive chambers provided successively along the elongate body; and a pressure sensor device provided in each pressure responsive chamber, where each pressure responsive chamber comprises at least one pressure-transmitting wall formed by the at least one membrane.
Pressure resistant barrier mechanically isolating adjacent chambers
The planar flexible substructure provides a pressure resistant barrier between adjacent chambers to mechanically isolate each of the plurality of pressure responsive chambers.
Vaginal insertion with exterior display of pressure data during pelvic floor exercise
A method for pelvic floor muscle training comprising inserting into a subject's vagina a pressure sensor apparatus; providing pressure data detected by the pressure sensor apparatus to a display device located exteriorly of the subject's vagina during performance of a pelvic floor exercise; and displaying on the display device a visual representation of the pressure data during the performance of the pelvic floor exercise.
Method includes the chambered membrane and pressure-isolated sensor apparatus
The pressure sensor apparatus comprises an elongate body with a planar flexible substructure having a plurality of openings or pockets; at least one membrane joined to the planar flexible substructure over each opening or pocket to provide a plurality of pressure responsive chambers successively along the elongate body; and a pressure sensor device provided in each pressure responsive chamber, with a pressure resistant barrier between adjacent chambers to mechanically isolate the chambers.
Across both independent claims, the inventive coverage centers on an elongate planar flexible substructure with openings or pockets covered by membranes to form successive pressure responsive chambers containing a pressure sensor device, with a pressure resistant barrier mechanically isolating adjacent chambers, and on using the resulting apparatus by inserting it into the vagina to provide and visually display detected pressure data during pelvic floor muscle training.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Pelvic floor muscle training, including inserting a vaginal pressure sensor apparatus into a subject's vagina during performance of a pelvic floor exercise and displaying a visual representation of detected pressure data on an exterior display device.
Measuring distinct vaginal pressure profiles during pelvic floor muscle training-related tasks, including PFM contractions, rapid contractions, Valsalva, and coughing, with differences captured between abdominal pressure, pelvic floor pressure, and atmospheric pressure.
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