External Catheter with Adhesive Base and Vent for Moisture Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional catheters require medical professionals for insertion, can lead to infections, are not designed for extended fluid storage, and may fall off during movement, complicating urinary incontinence management and increasing the risk of moisture-related disorders and prolonged healing times.
Innovation Solution
An external catheter with a planar base and tubular member made of latex-free materials, featuring a removable adhesive for skin attachment, a vent to manage moisture, and a sealable drain for fluid collection and measurement, designed for secure wear and extended use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional catheters are used, then fluid capture is achieved, but medical professional intervention is required and infections may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The external catheter is designed to be applied and removed by the user without requiring medical professional intervention. The adhesive base allows self-application to the groin area, and the removable design enables user-friendly removal and cleaning, fostering independence in managing urinary incontinence.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter function is extracted from the invasive internal catheter and relocated to an external applicability design. The tubular member is positioned externally over the urethra, eliminating the need for internal insertion while maintaining fluid capture capability and reducing infection risk.
2Ease of operation
If internal catheters are used, then fluid drainage is achieved, but invasive procedures and hospital settings are required
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system is extracted from the invasive internal configuration and repositioned externally. The tubular member sits outside the body over the urethral opening, allowing fluid drainage through a simple opening at the distal end without requiring surgical insertion or complex hospital procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is divided into distinct functional segments: an adhesive base for attachment, a tubular member for fluid collection, and a drain opening for discharge. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently, simplifying the overall system and eliminating the need for complex insertion procedures.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If catheters are designed for extended wear, then continuous fluid capture is achieved, but they may fall off during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive base is designed with specific local properties to attach securely to the skin of the groin area. The adhesive material is positioned to contact the skin directly, providing localized bonding that maintains attachment stability during movement while allowing extended wear periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is designed with flexibility and adaptability to accommodate body movement. The tubular member and base are constructed to flex with natural motion while maintaining attachment, preventing dislodgement during activities such as walking, sitting, or lying down.
4Productivity
If moisture remains on skin and clothing, then fluid capture is incomplete, but moisture-related disorders and pressure ulcers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture management function is extracted from the body and transferred to the external catheter system. The tubular member captures all urinary fluid externally, preventing moisture contact with the skin and clothing, thereby eliminating the risk of moisture-related disorders and pressure ulcers.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential harm of moisture accumulation is converted into a benefit by using the catheter to collect and contain the fluid. The tubular member acts as a protective barrier that transforms the problematic moisture into a contained, manageable fluid volume that can be easily drained.
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 external catheter effectively captures and stores bodily fluids, reducing the risk of infections and skin irritation, allowing for extended wear without medical intervention, and facilitating easier fluid drainage, thus improving comfort and healing outcomes for individuals with urinary incontinence.
Implementation Method 1
A back surface of the planar base has an adhesive material that be used to removably secure the planar base of the device to the skin of a user
Implementation Method 2
A vent is disposed on the front surface of the tubular member to enable air to flow and reduce moisture in the area
Data Source
AI summary
An external catheter is provided. The external catheter has a planar base having a central aperture therethrough. A back surface of the planar base has an adhesive material that be used to removably secure the planar base of the device to the skin of a user. A tubular member is disposed on the front side of the planar base about the central aperture. The tubular member is composed of materials that enable fluid to be stored therein without leaking. A vent is disposed on the front surface of the tubular member to enable air to flow and reduce moisture in the area. A sealable drain located at a terminal end of the tubular member enables the fluid to be drained from the tubular member. The device can be used to capture and store bodily fluids and is especially useful for people who experience urinary incontinence.