External Male Urinary Catheter with Elastomeric O Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urinary catheter systems for male humans are uncomfortable, prone to complications such as infections, and fail to provide a satisfactory solution for collecting and transporting urine, especially for individuals with limited mobility or bedbound patients.
Innovation Solution
A portable, self-contained urine collection system comprising a gusseted pouch made of hydrophobic polymer material with an elastomeric O ring for secure penis insertion, absorbent material for capillary action, and features like a zipper for odor containment, straps for waist security, and optional antiseptic treatment to prevent infections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Foley catheter is used for urine collection, then urine can be collected effectively, but it causes discomfort, pain, and complications such as infections and tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful indwelling catheter from the body and replaces it with an external collection system. The penis receives no foreign object internally, eliminating the source of tissue damage and infection while maintaining urine collection functionality through external absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent pad acts as an intermediary between the urine source and the collection system. It captures urine externally through capillary action without requiring internal placement, thereby preventing direct contact between foreign materials and penile tissue.
2Reliability
If a condom type external catheter is used, then urine collection is achieved, but it frequently falls off, creates lacerations, and does not accommodate erection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a flexible absorbent pad with elastic bands instead of a rigid condom structure. This flexible design accommodates natural penile movement and erection without causing lacerations or dislodgement, while still effectively collecting urine.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic bands are designed with adjustable tension parameters that can accommodate different penile sizes and states (erect or flaccid). This parameter adjustment allows the device to remain secure during movement and erection without causing tissue damage.
3Reliability
If adhesive membrane external catheters are used, then urine collection is achieved, but they require clean shaven surface area and adhesive detaches during sleeping
Solution Approach 1:
The invention completely removes the adhesive membrane from the design, eliminating the need for clean shaven surfaces and adhesive application. The absorbent pad is held in place mechanically by elastic bands and waist straps, not by adhesives, thereby simplifying preparation and improving reliability during sleep.
4Reliability
If vacuum and suction external catheter is used, then urine collection is achieved, but it can only be used in hospital setting where vacuum pump is available
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent pad is self-contained and self-activating through capillary action, requiring no external vacuum pump or power source. This self-service mechanism allows the device to function reliably in any environment including homes, travel, and outdoor settings, not just hospital environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical vacuum pump system with a passive capillary action mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for external equipment and power sources, making the device portable and adaptable to all environments.
5Duration of action of stationary object
If Foley catheter is used for prolonged periods, then urine collection continues, but it causes a slit type rip in the penis where the catheter starts leaking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the foreign object from the penile tissue, eliminating the mechanical cause of slit-type rips and leakage. The external absorbent pad system provides continuous urine collection without internal contact, allowing prolonged use without tissue damage.
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 effectively collects and transports urine comfortably and hygienically, reducing the risk of infections and skin irritation, while being portable, reusable, and suitable for various mobility conditions, including bedbound patients.
Implementation Method 1
The patient can freely urinate into the pouch while the absorbent material soaks up the discharge through capillary action
Implementation Method 2
an assembly that will include absorbent material enclosed in a gusseted pouch made of hydrophobic polymer material
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed for collecting urine from a human male. An assembly includes absorbent material enclosed in a gusseted pouch made of polymer material. The body facing region of the Pouch is fitted with an elastomeric O ring allowing the insertion of the penis into the pouch. Once the penis is inserted into the ring, it will not retract or dislodge. The patient can urinate into the pouch while the absorbent material soaks up the discharge. The top of the pouch is fitted with a zipper that allows the changing of the pads for reuse of apparatus. The pads may be impregnated with a mild body safe deodorant or antiseptic. The Anterior face of the pouch may be fitted with a portal to accommodate a indwelling catheter and intercept the leaking urine. The pouch may have a weight to milliliter discharge conversion table, and/or a urine diagnostic strip.