Absorbent Cup Support for Urine Collection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urine specimen collection systems are messy and unsanitary, particularly for women, as they often require manual adjustment and are made of non-absorbent materials that drip urine, and are not designed for compact, widespread use in restroom settings.
Innovation Solution
A cup support system with a handle and integrally formed, liquid-absorbent material that includes a continuously curved aperture for receiving a specimen cup, allowing for remote hand positioning and absorption of urine, and the ability to be stacked for compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a non-absorbent material (such as plastic) is used for the cup holder, then the holder structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but urine drips from the holder when it impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from non-absorbent (plastic) to absorbent (cellulose pulp), transforming the interaction with urine from dripping to absorption, thereby eliminating the harmful dripping effect while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The cup holder is designed as a disposable item made from inexpensive cellulose pulp that can be discarded after use, eliminating the need for cleaning and maintenance while providing the necessary absorbent function during the urine collection process
2Ease of manufacture
If the cup holder geometry is designed for single use, then manufacturing is simple, but multiple holders cannot be provided in a compact fashion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by allowing multiple cup holders to be stacked within each other, with each holder fitting inside the previous one, thereby achieving compact storage of multiple single-use holders without increasing the overall volume significantly
3Device complexity
If the aperture opening has a fixed size, then the holder structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate various specimen cup sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic aperture system where the opening size can be adjusted or expanded to accommodate different cup diameters, allowing the same holder structure to adapt to various specimen cup sizes without requiring multiple fixed-size holders
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 system provides a sanitary and efficient urine collection process by keeping the user's hand dry and preventing urine from dripping, while allowing for easy handling and compact storage, making it suitable for multiple uses and various specimen cup sizes.
Implementation Method 1
the cup support is adapted to absorb liquid that impinges on it during use
Data Source
AI summary
Cup supports having a head portion defining an aperture for receiving a specimen cup for the collection of a liquid and a handle portion extending from the head portion. The head portion and the handle portion can be integrally formed, and in some embodiments the cup support is adapted to absorb liquid that impinges on it during use.