Disposable Absorbent Article With Diagnostic Test Port

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current absorbent articles do not provide a convenient means for caregivers to collect and analyze urine samples, leading to challenges in diagnosing urinary tract infections and other health issues in incontinent patients, particularly in post-acute care settings.

Innovation Solution

The development of a disposable absorbent article with a test port and cover system that allows for the collection and analysis of urine samples without removing the article from the patient, utilizing a moisture-pervious inner layer, absorbent cores, and a moisture-impervious outer layer, along with a window or test port that can accommodate commercially available test strips for various health indicators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If urine samples are collected by extracting from used articles or using catheterization, then diagnostic testing can be performed, but the incidence of urinary tract infections increases and the procedure becomes complex and invasive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic testing capabilityVSAvoidurinary tract infection incidence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent article is pre-equipped with a test port and cover system before use. The test port is sealed with a cover that maintains sterility until the moment of sample collection. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for invasive catheterization or post-use extraction, as the diagnostic interface is already in place and ready for non-invasive sampling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The test port acts as an intermediary interface between the absorbent article and the diagnostic test strip. Instead of directly extracting urine or inserting catheters, the system uses the test port as a controlled intermediary that allows sterile, non-invasive access to the urine sample for diagnostic testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If current absorbent articles are used without diagnostic features, then the article structure remains simple, but caregivers lack convenient means for sample collection and analysis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample collection convenienceVSAvoidarticle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent article is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides its primary absorbent function while simultaneously serving as a diagnostic sampling device. The test port and cover system are integrated into the article structure, allowing it to function both as an incontinence product and as a urine collection device for diagnostic testing, eliminating the need for separate collection procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The absorbent article is designed to enable self-service diagnostic testing. The test port with its cover system allows caregivers or even patients to independently collect and analyze urine samples without requiring medical personnel or complex equipment. The article itself provides the sampling mechanism, making the diagnostic process self-contained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Quantity of substance

If invasive methods like catheterization are used for sample collection, then urine samples can be obtained, but patient comfort decreases and infection risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveurine sample availabilityVSAvoidpatient discomfort and infection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the necessary component (urine sample) through the test port interface, rather than requiring full catheterization or removal of the absorbent article. The test port allows selective extraction of urine for testing while leaving the absorbent article in place, obtaining the required sample quantity without the harmful effects of invasive procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables convenient and non-invasive urine sample collection and analysis, reducing the incidence of urinary tract infections and improving healthcare monitoring in incontinent patients by providing diagnostic functionality within the absorbent article.

Implementation Method 1

a moisture-pervious inner layer, absorbent cores

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

moisture-pervious inner layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

a backsheet that prevents the exudates from escaping from the absorbent article

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMoisture impervious barrier: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS20240325211A1Disposable hygienic article with means for diagnostic testing

Publication Date: 2024.10.03 MEDLINE INDUSTRIES

AI summary

A disposable, wearable article can be used for collecting a sample and performing urinalysis. The article incorporates a test port feature to simplify this function. The test port has a resealable cover that can be used to selectively expose an aperture through the backsheet of the disposable article. The test port is used to position test devices, such as urine test strips to urine collected in the disposable article.