Bladder Collection System for Pilots Using Segmented Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bladder relief systems for pilots, particularly military pilots, are inadequate as they are not designed for seated or mobile use, leading to discomfort, leakage, and reduced situational awareness during flight, and existing external catheters are not adapted for active users who need to move freely.
Innovation Solution
A portable external catheter system with a collection interface designed for seated or standing use, featuring a sleeve with adsorbing material, interface tubing, an exit hose, and a peristaltic pump for efficient urine collection and disposal, along with a quick disconnect system to prevent leakage and facilitate easy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current passive bladder relief systems are used, then urine collection is achieved, but the user must remove flight gear and safety harnesses, reducing operational readiness and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the bladder relief function into separate components: a wearable collection interface that can be donned independently, a portable pump unit, and a collection receptacle. This segmentation allows the collection interface to be used with flight gear and safety harnesses without requiring removal of protective equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary portable pump unit that mediates between the collection interface and collection receptacle, enabling urine extraction without requiring the user to remove flight gear or safety harnesses. The pump can be operated remotely or automatically, maintaining operational readiness.
2Reliability
If current passive systems such as diapers are used, then urine retention is achieved, but the system remains wet and uncomfortable over long periods, leading to infection
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous active extraction of urine through the pump mechanism, preventing accumulation and prolonged contact with the collection interface and skin. This continuous action maintains dryness and comfort over extended periods, reducing infection risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the passive absorption mechanics of diapers with an active mechanical pump system that actively removes urine. This substitution enables continuous extraction rather than saturation, maintaining comfort and reducing infection risk during long-duration use.
3Productivity
If current active systems are used, then urine extraction is achieved, but the systems are complex, requiring inflatable seals or initiation of urine flow, and are bulky and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential extraction function into a separate portable pump unit, eliminating the need for complex integrated systems with inflatable seals or urine flow initiation mechanisms. This focused extraction approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-activating or easily activated without requiring complex initiation sequences. The pump can be triggered by simple user input or automatic sensors, eliminating the need for complex setup procedures and making the system easier to operate while maintaining extraction efficiency.
4Ease of operation
If external catheters designed for supine position are used, then comfort is achieved in that position, but the system does not account for seated or mobile users, limiting versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The collection interface is designed with universal adaptability to work effectively in multiple positions including seated, standing, and supine. The interface geometry and connection system are optimized for seated and mobile users while maintaining comfort, making the system versatile for pilots and active users who cannot remain in a supine position.
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 reliable, comfortable, and discreet bladder relief for pilots, reducing the need for tactical dehydration and maintaining performance during flight by ensuring efficient urine collection and disposal without compromising mobility or comfort.
Implementation Method 1
an adsorbing material contained within the collection cavity
Implementation Method 2
a pump, for facilitating flow of fluid from the collection cavity through the interface tubing, exit hose, and into the collection receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a bladder collection system. Particularly, a bladder collection system for females is disclosed. The system is designed to be flexible and useful in upright or mobile situations. The bladder relief system includes a collection interface sized and configured for seated or standing application, a sleeve, defining a collection opening, and sidewalls defining a collection cavity, an interface tubing, extending from one end of the sleeve to another, between a collection end of the interface tubing, and an exit port for connection to an exit hose; and an adsorbing material contained within the collection cavity.