Drainage Spout Fluid Trap for Urine Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional urine collection systems are prone to bacterial infections due to the introduction of contaminants through the open drain site, which compromises the closed system necessary for catheterized patients.
Innovation Solution
A drainage device with a drain spout positioned above the opening in the collection element, forming a fluid trap when the urine level reaches a predetermined point, and optionally incorporating an anti-microbial pellet to prevent contamination, along with a selectively engageable cover or valve to manage fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a valve or clamp is used to drain the collection bag, then complete drainage of urine is achieved, but an opening is created that allows airborne contaminants to enter the system
Solution Approach 1:
The drain spout acts as an intermediary element between the collection bag interior and the external environment. It extends downward to create a fluid trap that mediates the drainage process, allowing urine to exit while preventing contaminants from entering through the opening in the collection bag.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes hydraulic principles by creating a fluid trap using the drain spout geometry. The spout is positioned and dimensioned to allow urine to drain through it while the remaining urine in the spout creates a liquid seal that prevents air and contaminants from entering the collection bag during the drainage process.
2Productivity
If the drain device is positioned at the bottom of the bag, then complete drainage is achieved, but the system becomes vulnerable to contamination at the drain site
Solution Approach 1:
The drain spout serves as an intermediary structure that extends from the bottom opening into the collection bag. It enables complete drainage by positioning the outlet at the lowest point while maintaining system integrity through the fluid trap it creates, thus mediating between drainage effectiveness and contamination prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain spout creates a flexible liquid barrier (fluid trap) that adapts to the drainage process. The urine remaining in the spout forms a dynamic seal that maintains the closed system integrity while allowing complete drainage to occur.
3Ease of operation
If an open drain site is used for routine drainage, then fluid removal is simplified, but bacterial invasion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drain spout acts as a protected intermediary channel for drainage. It simplifies operation by providing a dedicated drainage path while simultaneously protecting against bacterial contamination through the fluid trap mechanism that prevents external contaminants from entering through the drain site.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies hydraulic principles to create a self-sealing drainage system. The drain spout is designed to allow easy drainage operation while the fluid trap automatically prevents bacterial invasion, combining operational simplicity with contamination protection through fluid mechanics.
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 effectively prevents airborne contaminants from entering the urine collection system, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and infections by maintaining a closed environment until drainage is necessary, while allowing for controlled urine disposal.
Implementation Method 1
the urine remaining within the drainage device establishes a fluid trap substantially preventing contaminants from entering the collection element through the opening
Implementation Method 2
The drainage device may include an anti-microbial pellet, the antimicrobial pellet disposed within the volume of urine forming the fluid trap
Data Source
AI summary
A urine collection system includes a collection element configured for operable connection to a catheter for accumulating urine expelled from a subject and defining an opening for passage of the urine from the collection element and a drainage device extending from the collection element and positioned about the opening in the collection element. The drainage device includes a drain spout defining an outlet port disposed above the opening in the collection element. Urine collected in the collection element exits the opening within the collection element to be drained through the outlet port of the drain spout until the volume of urine reaches a predetermined level below the outlet port. Upon reaching the predetermined level, the urine remaining within the drainage device establishes a fluid trap substantially preventing contaminants from entering the collection element through the opening.