External Catheter Inflatable Ring Pneumatic Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external catheters are uncomfortable and insecure, leading to skin issues and urinary tract infections, and alternative solutions like adult diapers are embarrassing and ineffective in preventing moisture accumulation.
Innovation Solution
An external catheter system featuring an inflatable ring that adjusts diameter via a syringe valve and inflation tube to securely fit users of various sizes, combined with a urine collection bag for comfortable and efficient urine drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional external catheters are used, then urine drainage function is provided, but comfort and security are poor leading to skin issues and infections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inflatable ring connected to a syringe mechanism that can be inflated to secure the catheter firmly to the user's body. This pneumatic fastening system provides reliable security without requiring adhesives or tight elastic bands, thereby preventing skin irritation and infections while maintaining effective urine drainage.
2Reliability
If external catheters secure via adhesives or elasticity, then attachment is achieved, but comfort is poor and skin breakdown occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable ring provides a pneumatic attachment mechanism that distributes pressure evenly across the contact surface, securing the catheter reliably without the need for adhesives or excessive elastic tension. This eliminates skin breakdown while maintaining secure attachment during movement and activity.
3Quantity of substance
If adult diapers are used, then urine absorption is provided, but moisture accumulation leads to dermatitis and rashes
Solution Approach 1:
The external catheter system extracts the urine drainage function from the diaper system, providing a dedicated catheter that channels urine away from the skin directly into a collection bag. This prevents moisture accumulation against the skin that causes dermatitis and rashes, while still providing adequate urine absorption and containment capacity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable diameter mechanism is added, then adaptability to various sizes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable ring with syringe mechanism provides an intuitive and simple adjustment system. The user simply operates the syringe to inflate or deflate the ring, adjusting the diameter to fit various sizes. This pneumatic system is more adaptable than fixed-size catheters while remaining simpler than complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, as it requires minimal user interaction and provides smooth, continuous size adjustment.
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 system provides a comfortable, secure, and efficient means of urine drainage, reducing the risk of skin issues and infections while allowing for easy replacement and storage, enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
Upon depression of a plunger of the syringe, air is dispensed into the inflatable ring
Data Source
AI summary
An external catheter system is provided. The external catheter system includes an elongated sheath having an open upper end and an open lower end and a check valve. An inflatable ring is affixed about the open upper end. In some embodiments, the inflatable ring is removably securable to the open upper end of the elongated sheath. An inflation tube is in fluid communication with an interior volume of the inflatable ring. A syringe valve is affixed to a distal end of the inflation tube, wherein the syringe valve operably connects to a syringe. Upon depression of a plunger of the syringe, air is dispensed into the inflatable ring. The check valve has a generally conical shape and is inserted into the elongated sheath and is disposed before the drainage tube and sits within the elongated sheath.