External Fluid Collection Device Using Thin Film and Vacuum Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid collection devices for individuals with limited mobility or impaired urination, such as bed pans and urinary catheters, often cause discomfort, hygiene issues, and urinary tract infections due to their design and material properties.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collection device featuring a wicking material with a thin, soft fluid impermeable coating that defines a chamber and an opening for positioning adjacent to the urethra, combined with a conduit for fluid collection and a vacuum source for efficient fluid removal, minimizing discomfort and preventing infections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional urinary catheter is used, then fluid collection is achieved, but discomfort and pain occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin, flexible external covering made of soft material that conforms to the body surface, replacing rigid catheter structures. This thin film approach maintains fluid collection effectiveness while significantly reducing discomfort and pain by eliminating the need for invasive catheters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary collection chamber between the urethra and the external environment. This chamber receives urine through a fenestration in the covering and transports it away from the body, serving as a mediator that enables fluid collection without direct contact between invasive elements and the body, thus reducing pain and discomfort.
2Reliability
If a bed pan is used, then fluid collection is achieved, but hygiene issues and spills occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be self-contained with an integrated collection chamber that automatically receives and contains urine. The vacuum system automatically drains the collection chamber, eliminating the need for manual emptying and reducing hygiene issues associated with bed pans. The soft covering conforms to body movements, preventing spills.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical bed pan system with a vacuum-based fluid removal system. The vacuum source creates negative pressure to automatically drain urine from the collection chamber through a conduit, eliminating manual handling and reducing hygiene problems and spills associated with traditional bed pans.
3Reliability
If a urinary catheter is used, then fluid collection is achieved, but urinary tract infections occur
Solution Approach 1:
The collection chamber serves as an intermediary that receives urine at the urethral opening and separates it from the rest of the urinary tract. This mediator approach allows fluid collection without inserting catheters into the urethra, thereby preventing urinary tract infections while maintaining collection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fluid collection function from the invasive catheter system and relocates it to an external collection chamber. By taking out the collection mechanism from the body interior and placing it externally, the system eliminates the risk of urinary tract infections associated with internal catheters while maintaining effective fluid collection.
4Reliability
If a thick fluid impermeable coating is used, then fluid leakage is prevented, but comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin, flexible fluid impermeable coating that provides sufficient leakage protection while maintaining comfort. The thin film approach allows the device to conform to body movements and skin contours, preventing discomfort and irritation that would result from thicker, more rigid coatings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameter of the fluid impermeable coating to achieve the minimum effective level for leakage prevention. By carefully controlling this parameter, the system provides adequate protection against fluid leakage while minimizing discomfort and maintaining skin comfort, balancing protection and comfort through parameter optimization.
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 a comfortable and hygienic means of fluid collection by reducing skin irritation and the risk of infections, with the thin impermeable coating ensuring a smooth feel and preventing fluid leakage, while the vacuum system facilitates efficient fluid removal.
Implementation Method 1
at least one wicking material including an outer surface
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum source fluidly coupled to one or more of the fluid storage container or the outlet of the fluid collection device, the vacuum source configured to draw fluid from the fluid collection device
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~1D
AI summary
Examples relate to devices, systems, and methods for fluid collection such as urine. The fluid collection device is shaped to complement the female anatomy or male anatomy near the urethra. The fluid impermeable coating of the fluid collection device is sized and shaped to provide a soft, smooth, and compliant outer surface for the fluid collection device. The fluid collection device may be coupled to a vacuum source via one or more sections of conduit.