External Urine Collection Device With Suction-Assisted Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Catheterization for urinary management in healthcare settings leads to nosocomial infections and is an invasive procedure, posing challenges in managing urine flow for patients, particularly in acute and long-term care scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, fluid-impermeable outer surface with a fluid-permeable core and actuatable fastener for supralabial or intralabial urine collection, connected to a suction source for urine aspiration, allowing non-invasive urine management for female patients, with optional positioning based on labial size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If catheterization is used for urinary management, then urine output can be monitored effectively, but the risk of nosocomial infections and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the urinary collection system into separate components: an external collection device with fluid-permeable core that collects urine non-invasively, and a separate aspiration tube connected to a canister for urine removal. This segmentation eliminates the need for invasive catheterization while maintaining urine monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary collection device positioned between the patient's urethra and the aspiration system. This external collection device with fluid-permeable core acts as a mediator that collects urine without requiring internal catheter insertion, thereby reducing infection risk while enabling urine output measurement.
2Productivity
If an electric pump is used for urine aspiration, then urine can be removed from the collection device, but the system complexity and potential for patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The aspiration system is designed to be activated by the patient themselves through a manual pump mechanism. This self-service approach allows efficient urine removal without requiring complex automated electric pumps or additional healthcare provider intervention, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining productivity.
3Device complexity
If a fixed-position collection device is used, then the device structure is simplified, but the device cannot adapt to different patient anatomies and positions
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device incorporates flexible materials and adjustable components including an actuatable fastener that allows the device to be positioned in different configurations (supralabial or intralabial). This dynamic design enables adaptation to various patient anatomies and comfort preferences without significantly increasing structural 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
Reduces the risk of infections and discomfort by providing a non-invasive, adaptable urine collection system that effectively manages urine flow, suitable for both supralabial and intralabial positioning, enhancing patient comfort and reducing catheter-related complications.
Implementation Method 1
a generally fluid-permeable core that communicates fluidically with an aspiration tube
Implementation Method 2
connected to a source of suction at the tube
Implementation Method 3
connected to a source of suction at the tube
Data Source
AI summary
A urinary collection device includes an outer surface and a generally fluid-permeable core that communicates fluidically with an aspiration tube. The outer surface includes an obverse opening to allow urine to flow into the fluid-permeable core when the device is positioned supralabially. On the reverse may be an actuatable fastener configured to retain the device in a reverse-folded intralabial position. In this manner the device may be placed supralabially or intralabially for urine collection as appropriate. The core may include a first knit fabric layer and a second knit fabric layer joined by a plurality of fibers, the fibers being oriented generally to extend from an obverse to a reverse position to thereby result in flow channels through the core.