Anatomical Fluid Collection Device with Vacuum Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid collection devices for individuals with limited or impaired mobility, such as bed pans and urinary catheters, are prone to discomfort, spills, hygiene issues, and urinary tract infections, necessitating the development of more effective and comfortable solutions for urine collection.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collection device with a fluid impermeable barrier and porous material, designed to be positioned between the legs of a wearer, featuring a means for retention such as flanges or texturing to secure the device in place, and a conduit for vacuum-assisted fluid removal, enhancing comfort and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bed pans are used for fluid collection, then fluid collection is achieved, but discomfort and spills occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a flexible, conformable body portion made of soft material that can be positioned between the wearer's legs to collect fluid. This flexible shell design eliminates the rigidity of traditional bed pans, preventing spills while conforming to the wearer's anatomy for comfort and secure positioning.
2Reliability
If urinary catheters are used for fluid collection, then fluid collection is achieved, but discomfort and urinary tract infections occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the fluid collection function into two separate components: an external conformable body portion that collects fluid non-invasively, and a removable cap portion with porous material that interfaces with the urethra. This segmentation eliminates the need for internal catheter insertion, preventing urinary tract infections while maintaining effective fluid collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous material in the cap portion acts as an intermediary that allows fluid to pass from the urethra into the collection chamber without requiring direct catheter insertion into the urinary tract. This intermediary mechanism reduces discomfort and infection risk while enabling effective fluid collection.
3Reliability
If a fluid collection device is positioned between the legs, then fluid collection is improved, but device displacement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The body portion of the device features a curved, contoured design that conforms to the natural anatomy between the wearer's legs. This curvature allows the device to nestle securely in the anatomical space, preventing displacement while maintaining effective positioning for fluid collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates self-retaining features such as flanges or wings that extend outward to rest against the wearer's thighs or buttocks, providing automatic mechanical retention without requiring additional fastening mechanisms. This self-service design maintains stable positioning throughout use.
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 collects urine while minimizing discomfort and infection risk, maintaining secure positioning and facilitating easy fluid removal, thus addressing the limitations of traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The porous material may be exposed through the opening and configured to receive fluid from the urethra
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum source fluidly coupled to one or more of the fluid storage container or the fluid collection device via the conduit, the vacuum source configured to draw fluid from the fluid collection device via the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
Examples relate to fluid collection devices, systems, and methods for collecting fluid from a wearer of the fluid collection device. The fluid collection device includes porous material disposed within a fluid impermeable barrier and a means for retaining the fluid collection device in a position for use between the legs of a wearer. A fluid collection system includes a fluid collection device operably coupled to a fluid storage container and vacuum source via one or more sections of conduit.