Compressible Urine Collection Casing for Female Anatomical Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urinary collection methods, such as urinary catheters and bed pans, are uncomfortable, prone to complications, and pose hygiene issues, particularly for immobile individuals, especially females with severe urinary incontinence.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collection device with a compressible casing and porous material that can be elastically deformable and positioned in the pubic region to collect and transport urine, using a suction device to extract the fluid through a fluid conduit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a urinary catheter is used to collect urine, then urine collection is achieved, but the user experiences discomfort, pain, and risk of infections
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the urine collection function into separate components: an external compressible casing that collects urine from the pubic region, and a separate suction device that removes the urine. This eliminates the need for internal catheters that cause discomfort and infection risk while maintaining reliable urine collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible casing acts as an intermediary between the user's body and the suction device. It collects urine externally without requiring internal insertion, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of catheters while still enabling effective urine removal through the connected suction system.
2Reliability
If bed pans are used for toileting, then urine collection is achieved, but the user experiences discomfort, spills, and hygiene issues
Solution Approach 1:
The compressible casing is designed to be retained in place by the user's own body (conforming to the pubic region and held by thigh compression), eliminating the need for assistance to position or secure the device. The suction device automatically removes urine, preventing spills and maintaining hygiene without requiring user manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive mechanical system of a bed pan is replaced with an active suction system that automatically removes urine. This eliminates spills and hygiene issues associated with bed pans while improving ease of operation through automatic function.
3Strength
If a rigid housing is used for fluid collection, then structural strength is maintained, but the device cannot conform to the user's anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a compressible casing made of flexible, elastically deformable material that can conform to the contours of the pubic region. This flexible shell maintains structural integrity while adapting to the user's anatomy, solving the contradiction between rigidity and conformability.
Solution Approach 2:
The casing material properties are selected to allow elastic deformation and compression, enabling the device to change shape and conform to anatomical surfaces while maintaining sufficient structural strength to contain and transport urine effectively.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a compressible material is used for the casing, then anatomical conformance is achieved, but the casing may deform under compression
Solution Approach 1:
The compressible casing is designed as a flexible shell that can deform under compression to conform to anatomy, yet maintains sufficient structural integrity through its material properties and design to retain urine effectively and transport it to the suction device without collapsing or losing functionality.
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 device effectively collects and transports urine without discomfort, reducing the risk of infections and hygiene issues, and can be reliably retained in place by conforming to the user's anatomy.
Implementation Method 1
The casing can include or otherwise be formed of a compressible material which is elastically deformable when the fluid collection device is disposed in a pubic region of a female user
Implementation Method 2
The fluid collection device includes a porous material disposed within the internal volume and in fluid communication with the opening
Implementation Method 3
The suction device is operably coupled to the fluid collection device such that fluid can be drawn from the fluid collection device via the suction device
Data Source
AI summary
A device suitable for collecting and transporting urine away from the body of a person including a casing defining an internal volume and an opening. The casing can include a compressible material which is elastically deformable when the device is disposed in a pubic region of a female user. The device can include a porous material disposed within the internal volume and in fluid communication with the opening. The porous material can wick, draw, or direct fluid, such as urine, away from the pubic region of the female user and into the internal volume. The device can include a fluid conduit disposed within the internal volume and enabling extraction of fluid from the internal volume. The device can include a fluid impermeable housing disposed within the internal volume and adhered or otherwise affixed to the casing.