Adhesive Fluid Collection Device with Wicking Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid collection devices, such as bed pans and urinary catheters, are uncomfortable, prone to hygiene issues, and can cause urinary tract infections, making them inadequate for individuals with limited mobility or those requiring fluid collection for monitoring purposes.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collection device featuring a fluid impermeable barrier with a wicking fluid permeable body and adhesive arms to secure it to the user's abdominal, pubic, or pelvic region, allowing for efficient and hygienic collection of fluids near the urethra, with an optional conduit for vacuum-assisted fluid removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bed pans are used for fluid collection, then fluid collection capability is provided, but discomfort and pressure ulcers occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a flexible, conformable collection element that can be shaped to fit the user's anatomy, distributing pressure evenly and preventing pressure ulcers while maintaining fluid collection capability. The flexible material allows the device to adapt to body contours without creating concentrated pressure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the harmful aspects of traditional bed pans by removing the rigid, non-conformable structure and replacing it with a flexible, anatomically-adapted collection element that maintains fluid collection function while eliminating discomfort and pressure ulcer risks.
2Reliability
If urinary catheters are used for fluid collection, then fluid collection capability is provided, but discomfort, pain and urinary tract infections occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the need for catheter insertion by extracting the collection function from the urinary tract interior and placing it at the external urethral opening. This removes the source of discomfort, pain, and infection risk associated with internal catheters while preserving fluid collection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary collection element positioned at the urethral opening that captures urine before it enters the environment, replacing the need for direct catheter-to-bladder connection and eliminating the associated harmful effects.
3Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive arms are added to secure the device, then device stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive arms are merged with the main body of the device, forming an integrated structure where the securement elements are part of the device itself rather than separate components. This maintains stability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive arms provide self-service securement by automatically adhering to the user's skin or clothing without requiring additional fastening mechanisms, tools, or complex assembly steps, thereby improving stability with minimal complexity addition.
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 provides a comfortable and hygienic means of fluid collection, reducing the risk of infections and discomfort, while effectively securing the device in place to prevent leakage and dislodgement.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid permeable body is positioned at least partially within the chamber to extend across at least a portion of the opening and configured to wick fluid away from the opening
Data Source
AI summary
Example fluid collection devices and methods of use arc described. The fluid collection devices include a fluid impermeable barrier, a fluid permeable body, and two arms. The fluid impermeable barrier at least partially defines a chamber, and an opening configured to be positioned adjacent to a urethra. The fluid permeable body is positioned at least partially within the chamber to extend across at least a portion of the opening and configured to wick fluid away from the opening. The arms include an adhesive surface oriented towards the fluid impermeable barrier. The arms arc positioned on the fluid impermeable barrier to attach to at least one of an abdominal region, a pubic region, or a pelvic region of the user when the opening of the fluid impermeable barrier is positioned at least proximate to the urethra of the user.