External Fluid Collection Assembly With Sump-Based Leak Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with limited or impaired mobility face challenges in managing bodily fluids due to discomfort and hygiene issues associated with urinary catheters and bedpans, which can lead to infections and spills.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collection assembly with a fluid impermeable barrier having a sump and a base, featuring a porous material and a vacuum system to collect and remove bodily fluids, including a fluid outlet and adhesive layer for secure attachment to the pubic region, utilizing gravity or suction for fluid removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If urinary catheters are used to manage bodily fluids, then fluid collection is achieved, but discomfort and infection risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the fluid collection function into two separate components: an external collection assembly with a sump that captures fluids at the source, and a separate catheterless drainage system. This segmentation eliminates the need for a catheter to be inserted into the urethra, thereby reducing discomfort and infection risk while maintaining reliable fluid collection through the external sump and adhesive seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary adhesive seal and collection assembly positioned between the urethral opening and the environment. This intermediary structure captures fluids externally through the sump before they can cause discomfort or infection associated with traditional catheters, while still providing reliable fluid collection and drainage.
2Reliability
If bedpans are used for toileting, then fluid collection is achieved, but spills and hygiene issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a traditional bedpan approach (collecting fluids in a receptacle) to a dimensional change by positioning the collection sump directly at the urethral opening in three-dimensional space. The sump protrudes outward to intercept fluids at the source, and the adhesive base secures the assembly to the pubic region, eliminating spills and hygiene issues associated with bedpans while maintaining reliable fluid collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-service fluid collection by positioning the sump and adhesive assembly to automatically capture and contain fluids at the urethral opening without requiring external assistance or risk of spills. The integrated design with adhesive sealing and controlled drainage provides hygienic, spill-free fluid management.
3Productivity
If a fluid impermeable barrier with sump and base is used, then fluid collection efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: the fluid impermeable barrier, sump, adhesive base, and drainage components are combined into one unified structure. This merging improves fluid collection efficiency by ensuring a secure seal and direct fluid capture while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate components that would need to be assembled and coordinated.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid impermeable barrier serves multiple functions simultaneously: it creates an adhesive seal to the skin, forms the structural base for the sump, prevents fluid leakage, and provides the framework for drainage. This multi-functionality improves collection efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity, as a single component performs multiple roles.
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 assembly effectively collects and removes bodily fluids without leakage, reducing discomfort and hygiene issues, providing a comfortable and hygienic solution for individuals with mobility impairments.
Implementation Method 1
The sump defines a chamber and an opening configured to be positioned adjacent to a female urethral opening. The fluid collection assembly also includes at least one porous material at least partially covering the opening and disposed in the chamber.
Implementation Method 2
The fluid collection assembly, the fluid storage container, and the vacuum device are configured to remove one or more bodily fluids from the chamber of the fluid collection assembly and deposit the bodily fluids in the fluid storage container when a suction force provided from the vacuum source is applied to the chamber of the fluid collection assembly.
Implementation Method 3
fluid collection assembly with a fluid impermeable barrier having a sump and a base configured to be attached to an individual
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to fluid collection assemblies including a fluid impermeable barrier having a sump and a base. An example fluid collection assembly includes a fluid impermeable barrier. The fluid impermeable barrier includes a sump and a base. For example, the sump may protrude outwardly from the base. The sump defines an opening and a chamber. The fluid collection assembly may include at least one porous material disposed in the chamber that at least partially covers the opening, such as a fluid permeable membrane extending across at least a portion of the opening and a support disposed in the chamber. The fluid collection assembly may also include an adhesive layer disposed on the base that is configured to secure the rest of the fluid collection assembly to at least a portion of a pubic region of an individual. Further, the fluid collection assembly may include a fluid outlet.