Compostable Urine Bag Structure for Spill-Proof Outdoor Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urine collection methods, such as rigid plastic flasks and superabsorbent pouches, pose risks of spillage, handling difficulties, and inadequate hygiene, particularly in outdoor settings, and lack environmental sustainability.
Innovation Solution
A portable, compostable urine collection bag housed in a box-like structure with a deployable design, featuring an absorbent polymer pouch and essential oil for odor masking, ensuring easy use and disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid plastic flask is used for urine collection, then the flask can be closed securely, but the urine may flush around and splash out during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible plastic bag instead of a rigid flask to collect urine. The bag can be comfortably held open by the user during urination and then tied off securely after use, eliminating the splashing issue while maintaining closure security through the tying mechanism rather than a rigid lid.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a static rigid flask to a dynamic flexible bag system that can adapt its shape and position. The bag can be held open during use and then collapsed and tied for disposal, providing both ease of use and spill prevention through its dynamic nature.
2Reliability
If a superabsorbent pad in a bag with rigid plastic collar is used, then urine can be converted to gel, but the collar cannot be compressed and may break during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rigid plastic collar entirely from the design, extracting the problematic component that caused breaking during handling. The bag opening is simply held open by the user's fingers during urination and then tied off with a cord, eliminating the collar's structural weaknesses while maintaining the superabsorbent pad's urine-to-gel conversion function.
3Reliability
If a bag with two cords for closing is used, then the bag can be closed, but the user must keep the bag open during use which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pre-attached cord at the bag opening that is ready for use. The user simply needs to tie this pre-positioned cord after urination to close the bag, eliminating the need to manually hold the opening open throughout the process and significantly improving ease of operation.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If a disposable compostable urine bag is used, then environmental sustainability is improved, but the bag must be sufficiently strong to handle and store
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining a biodegradable plastic bag with a natural fiber cord for closing. The bag material provides sufficient strength for handling and storage while remaining compostable, and the cord attachment method ensures secure closure without requiring additional rigid components that would compromise biodegradability.
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 solution provides a spill-proof, hygienic, and environmentally friendly urine collection system that is easy to use and dispose of, reducing the risk of infection and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbant pouch (5) for absorbing and solidifying a liquid received at the bag (4)
Implementation Method 2
The portable method for collecting urine further comprises adding an essential oil for masking a smell of the urine
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a portable bag housed in a box like structure for collecting urine, wherein the bag is housed in a compact condition inside a box which comprises a front, back, bottom and at least two side edges, with a bag opening formed at the opposite end of the bottom. The present invention is a handheld disposable and composable urinal for male persons for collecting and solidifying waste.