Self-Catheterization System with Genital Adapter and Pump
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter systems for self-catheterization are cumbersome, painful, and intimidating, often requiring medical interventions due to their size and friction during insertion, and lack comfort and ease of use for both genders.
Innovation Solution
A portable catheter system with a genital adapter, adapter base, operational tube, base unit containing an electric pump and controller, and a catheter tube that allows for controlled insertion and urine extraction, featuring sensors for monitoring conditions and automatic control options for easy and comfortable use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a typical permanent catheter is used, then urine extraction function is achieved, but the catheter is thick and cumbersome causing inconvenience to patients
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system is divided into separate functional modules: a thin flexible catheter tube for insertion, a genital adapter for positioning, an adapter base with pump mechanism, and a collection container. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, resulting in a thin catheter that is comfortable for patients while maintaining full functionality through the coordinated action of the modular components.
2Ease of operation
If a CIC catheter is used for self-insertion, then the catheter is slenderer, but it is still painful and intimidating for patients
Solution Approach 1:
A genital adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the catheter and the patient's body. This adapter includes a positioning mechanism that guides the thin catheter into the urethra at the correct angle, and a pump mechanism that gently pushes the catheter through without requiring manual insertion effort from the patient, thereby eliminating pain and fear associated with self-insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical insertion process is replaced with an automated pump mechanism. The pump gently pushes the thin catheter through the urethra using controlled mechanical force, eliminating the need for patients to manually insert the catheter and experience the pain and intimidation associated with manual insertion.
3Extent of automation
If an automatic urinary catheterization device is used, then self-IC is enabled for patients with bladder dysfunction, but the device is too large for comfortable use
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic catheterization system is segmented into a portable handheld unit containing the pump and control electronics, and a separate disposable catheter assembly with genital adapter. This segmentation allows the automated functionality to be contained in a compact form factor that can be comfortably held and operated by patients at home, while the disposable components provide the necessary medical functionality.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a portable catheter system with lubricating liquid and adsorption sponge is used, then frictional force during insertion is reduced, but the device is too large for comfortable use
Solution Approach 1:
The genital adapter is pre-coated with lubricating liquid before insertion, and the thin flexible catheter is designed to work in conjunction with the lubricant to minimize friction. The adsorption sponge is integrated into the adapter base to absorb excess lubricant and prevent leakage. This preliminary preparation of the insertion path with lubrication allows the thin catheter to be inserted easily without requiring a large device, as the lubrication is applied directly at the point of insertion.
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 enables efficient and comfortable self-catheterization and urine extraction with a significantly narrower catheter tube, reducing user inconvenience and allowing for home use without medical professionals, while being adaptable for all genders.
Implementation Method 1
a base unit, connected to said operational tube, and comprising an electric pump and a controller
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a catheter system for urine extraction comprising: (a) a genital adapter configured to fit a genitalia; (b) an adapter base connected to said genital adapter; (c) an operational tube connected to said adapter base; (d) a base unit, connected to said operational tube, and comprising an electric pump and a controller; (e) at least one control interface for commanding said controller; (f) a catheter tube having a first end for insertion into said base unit and having a second end for insertion into said operational tube, said adapter base, and said genital adapter; and (g) wherein said second end of said catheter tube is configured to extend through said genital adapter to the urinal bladder and to extract urine from said urinal bladder by said electric pump.