Elastic One-Way Valve Cap for Urine Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for urinary incontinence, whether invasive or non-invasive, often fail to provide effective and risk-free relief, with invasive methods posing significant health risks and non-invasive methods being inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive Urinary Incontinence Device comprising an elastic cap, closure mechanism, biocompatible materials, and one-way valve, surgically implanted to mimic the natural urinary sphincter and regulate urine flow, offering customizable fit and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive surgical procedures are used to treat urinary incontinence, then effective urine flow control is achieved, but health risks and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: an implantable bladder neck support structure and an external controllable component. This segmentation allows the implant to provide structural support while the external component enables controlled urine flow regulation, reducing the complexity and risks of fully implantable systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary mechanism (the implantable support structure with external control) between the bladder neck and the urine flow path. This intermediary provides mechanical support and enables controlled regulation without requiring direct invasive intervention in the urinary tract, thereby reducing health risks while maintaining effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive methods are used to treat urinary incontinence, then health risks are reduced, but treatment effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a dynamic control mechanism that allows real-time adjustment of urine flow regulation. The external controllable component enables the patient to dynamically open or close the urine flow path as needed, providing effective treatment that adapts to different situations while maintaining a non-invasive implant structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the physical state or configuration of the urine flow path through external control. By modifying the opening/closing state of the flow path in response to patient needs, the device achieves effective urine control without requiring invasive surgical intervention, thus maintaining low health risks while improving treatment effectiveness.
3Reliability
If traditional surgical implants are used, then urine flow regulation is achieved, but patient discomfort and recovery disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is extracted from the implantable portion and placed in an external component. This allows the implant itself to remain simple and minimally invasive, providing urine flow regulation through passive structural support, while the active control function is performed externally, thereby reducing patient discomfort and recovery disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patient is empowered to self-control the urine flow regulation through the external component. This self-service capability allows patients to manage their condition independently without requiring medical intervention or complex implantable control systems, improving ease of operation and patient comfort while maintaining effective urine flow regulation.
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 provides effective urine flow regulation with minimal risk and disruption, integrating seamlessly with the anatomy and reducing recovery time compared to invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Elastic Cap: Engineered to seamlessly integrate with the natural bladder neck and urethra, aligning with their diameters to facilitate urine passage. The elastic nature of the cap ensures a snug fit and optimal functionality.
Implementation Method 2
One-Way Valve Mechanism: Integrated into the cap, the one-way valve mechanism is configured to open upon bladder contraction to allow urine outflow and to close upon bladder relaxation to prevent leakage.
Data Source
AI summary
The Urinary Incontinence Device is a non-invasive treatment designed to integrate seamlessly with the bladder neck and urethra, facilitating unobstructed urine passage and regulating involuntary urine flow. The device features an elastic cap with a one-way valve mechanism, which opens upon bladder contraction to allow urine outflow and closes upon relaxation to prevent leakage. A closure mechanism mimics the natural urinary sphincter, and biocompatible materials minimize the risk of rejection. The device also includes a short elastic cylinder for additional support and stability. Optional adjustable components allow for customization to accommodate varying anatomical sizes and shapes. This innovative solution offers a reliable and discreet method for managing urinary incontinence, enhancing patient comfort and quality of life.