Absorbent Bed Pad Grid for Non-Catheter Urine Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent bed pads cannot accurately measure urine output, leading to the impractical use of catheters in incontinent patients and limiting clinical decision-making capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An absorbent pad with a top layer containing a wicking material and a volume approximation grid, along with a visual fluid indicator, to estimate urine volume by changing color based on fluid absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If catheters are used to measure urine output, then measurement precision is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to nosocomial complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the catheter by placing a grid pattern directly on the absorbent bed pad. This allows urine output measurement without requiring catheterization, thereby eliminating catheter-related nosocomial complications while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The grid pattern on the bed pad serves as an intermediary measurement tool between the patient's urine output and the clinician's assessment. Instead of directly measuring through catheter, the grid provides a visual reference that mediates the measurement process, enabling accurate assessment without invasive procedures
2Ease of operation
If absorbent bed pads are used for incontinent patients, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision worsens due to inability to measure fluid output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a fluid indicator that changes color upon contact with urine, providing visual feedback on fluid presence and volume. This color change mechanism enables accurate measurement of fluid output while maintaining the non-invasive, easy-to-use nature of absorbent bed pads
Solution Approach 2:
The grid pattern divides the bed pad surface into discrete measurement zones, allowing clinicians to estimate urine volume by counting saturated grid units. This segmentation transforms the continuous absorption process into discrete, measurable units, enabling precision measurement without compromising operational simplicity
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
Accurately estimates urine output without catheters, providing valuable fluid data for clinical decisions and reducing nosocomial complications.
Implementation Method 1
the first sheet includes a wicking material
Implementation Method 2
a visual fluid indicator disposed on at least a portion of the top layer or the bottom layer
Data Source
AI summary
An absorbent pad including a top layer. The top layer including a first sheet, the first sheet including an outward face and an inward face, wherein the first sheet comprises a wicking material, the first sheet further including a volume approximation grid having a plurality of fluid volume estimation regions. The top layer including a second sheet, the second sheet comprising an absorbent material, the second sheet attached to the inward face of the first sheet. The absorbent pad including a bottom layer including an outward face and an inward face, the inward face of the bottom layer attached to the second sheet. The absorbent pad including a visual fluid indicator disposed on at least a portion of the top layer or the bottom layer.