Bladder Relief System With Gel Adhesive Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bladder relief devices face issues with leakage, skin irritation, and urinary tract infections due to inadequate sealing and adhesive properties, especially during physical activity, and are often cumbersome and difficult to use in various positions.
Innovation Solution
A bladder relief system with a pliable gel adhesive interface impregnated with a proprietary Hydro-block filter or air vent that forms a leakproof seal, allowing air to enter while preventing urine from escaping except through the drainage tubing, and is designed to be reusable and adaptable to different anatomies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rigid plastic pad with ridges is used to move labia for free flow of liquid, then urine collection is improved, but user comfort and skin health deteriorate due to invasiveness and potential irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid plastic pads with a flexible gel interface that conforms to the user's anatomy. The gel material allows for gentle manipulation of tissue without the harsh ridges of plastic, maintaining urine flow while reducing skin irritation and discomfort through its soft, adaptable nature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the interface material from rigid plastic to pliable gel, fundamentally altering the mechanical properties. This parameter change allows the interface to be both effective at directing urine flow and gentle on the skin, resolving the contradiction between collection efficiency and user comfort.
2Reliability
If adhesive is applied to secure the device to the body, then device stability is improved, but skin irritation and damage occur upon removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a porous foam layer within the gel interface structure. This porous material allows for controlled adhesion that secures the device effectively during use, while the porous structure enables gentle release during removal, preventing skin damage by allowing the adhesive to detach without pulling on skin cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite gel interface combining adhesive properties with foam structure. This composite material provides both the necessary holding power for device stability and the gentle release characteristics that prevent skin irritation upon removal, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and skin health.
3Volume of moving object
If the device is designed to be small and compact, then ease of wear and discretion are improved, but adequate sealing and leakage prevention become more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible gel interface that can be compressed into a compact form while maintaining its sealing capability. The gel's viscoelastic properties allow it to conform to body contours in a small package, providing adequate seal integrity despite the reduced size, thus resolving the contradiction between compactness and leakage prevention.
4Ease of operation
If the adhesive interface is made reusable and movable on the body, then ease of adjustment and comfort are improved, but adhesive strength and seal reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the adhesive properties of the gel interface to allow for controlled repositioning. By adjusting the adhesive parameters, the interface becomes sufficiently bondable to stay in place during normal activity but sufficiently repositionable for user adjustment, resolving the contradiction between ease of movement and seal reliability.
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 effectively prevents leakage and reduces the risk of skin irritation and urinary tract infections by ensuring complete urine drainage away from the user's skin, regardless of body position or activity level, enhancing user confidence and reducing healthcare costs associated with urinary incontinence complications.
Implementation Method 1
a user interface attachment means comprised of a pliable gel that is impregnated with an adhesive
Implementation Method 2
a proprietary Hydro-block or similar substance filter or air vent that allows air to flow into the urine cup collection means while simultaneously blocking the urine from exiting
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates generally to bladder relief devices. This invention is a device and method of use that incorporates the features of existing technologies with a user interface attachment means comprised of a reusable pliable gel that is impregnated with an adhesive together with a pressure relief balloon system and a proprietary Hydro-block or similar substance filter or air vent allowing air to flow into a urine cup collection means while simultaneously blocking the urine from exiting except through the intended drainage tubing to a fluid storage bag. A user of this invention can use it while in any position, such as: while the user is moving, working or exercising; the user is in reclined positions; the user is in lying positions; the user is in seated positions; the user is in standing positions; or the user is in zero gravity such as in outer space.