External Fluid Collection Barrier with Localized Adhesion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid collection devices, such as bed pans and urinary catheters, are uncomfortable, prone to discomfort, cause urinary tract infections, and have hygiene issues, making them unsuitable for individuals with limited mobility or restricted travel conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collection device with a fluid impermeable barrier and a fluid permeable body, featuring a second outer surface portion with enhanced adhesive strength, positioned adjacent to the urethra, and a fluid permeable body to wick fluid away from the opening, designed to improve adhesion and collection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional bed pans or urinary catheters are used for fluid collection, then fluid collection function is achieved, but user comfort is poor and hygiene issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the fluid collection system into separate functional components: an external collection portion that collects urine at the source near the urethra, and an internal reservoir portion that stores the collected fluid. This segmentation allows the collection mechanism to remain external, avoiding insertion into the body while still achieving effective fluid collection, thereby improving comfort and reducing infection risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary collection chamber that captures urine externally before it would contact the user's body or require catheter insertion. This intermediary structure serves as a buffer between the urethra and the user's body, collecting fluid through proximity to the urethra opening while maintaining a barrier that prevents direct contact and potential infection.
2Reliability
If adhesive strength is increased to secure the device, then device stability improves, but skin irritation may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive barrier is designed with non-uniform adhesive properties: the first portion (contacting the user's body) has reduced adhesive strength to minimize skin irritation, while the second portion (facing the collection chamber) has enhanced adhesive strength to ensure secure device attachment. This local differentiation allows the device to maintain stability without causing excessive skin irritation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire adhesive barrier uniformly strong, the invention applies adhesive strength partially and selectively - using strong adhesive only where needed for structural attachment (second portion) and using minimal or no adhesive where contact with skin occurs (first portion). This partial application of adhesive action achieves device security while avoiding the harmful effects of excessive adhesive contact with skin.
3Reliability
If the device is designed for secure adhesion, then device reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves different adhesive strengths by changing the material parameters of the adhesive barrier itself, rather than adding separate adhesive components. By varying the composition, thickness, or surface properties of the adhesive barrier at different locations, the device obtains both strong and weak adhesive regions within a single integrated structure, maintaining reliability while avoiding excessive complexity.
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 effectively collects fluids, including urine, while reducing discomfort and infection risk, and maintains secure adhesion to the user, even for obese individuals, through improved adhesive properties and fluid wicking.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid permeable body positioned at least partially within the chamber to extend across at least a portion of the opening and configured to wick fluid away from the opening
Data Source
AI summary
Example fluid impermeable barriers of fluid collection devices and methods of forming a fluid impermeable barrier of a fluid collection device. The fluid impermeable barrier includes an inner surface at least partially defining a chamber, a first end region defining an aperture extending therethrough and including a first outer surface portion, and a second end region distal to the first end region and including a second outer surface portion having more adhesive strength than the first outer surface portion. The fluid impermeable barrier also defines an opening extending longitudinally along the fluid impermeable barrier and configured to be positioned adjacent to a female urethra.