Fecal collection systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fecal collection systems are inadequate for individuals with limited or impaired mobility, as they often require complex installation, increase the risk of pressure sores, and are not suitable for continuous use without frequent disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A fecal collection system comprising a user interface assembly with an adhesive sheet, a drainage conduit, and a collection reservoir, allowing for secure attachment to the user's skin, guided fecal transfer, and easy replacement of components without full detachment, featuring one-way valves to prevent backflow and transparent measurement windows for volume tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fecal collection system is designed for secure attachment to the user's skin, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple components (adhesive sheet, applicator, drainage conduit, collection reservoir)
Solution Approach 1:
The fecal collection system is divided into multiple separable components including an adhesive sheet, applicator, drainage conduit, and collection reservoir. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling easier replacement and maintenance of individual parts without replacing the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator is designed to be received within the adhesive sheet, and the drainage conduit connects to the collection reservoir in a nested configuration. This nesting approach reduces the overall profile during application while maintaining secure attachment through the layered structure.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the system allows for continuous fecal collection, then duration of action is improved, but the risk of pressure sores increases due to prolonged skin contact
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the adhesive interface from the collection function through the drainage conduit, allowing the adhesive sheet to be optimized for skin contact comfort while the collection reservoir handles the fecal matter. This segmentation reduces the risk of pressure sores by distributing pressure more evenly.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive sheet and drainage conduit are designed as flexible, thin components that conform to the user's body contours, distributing pressure evenly across the contact area to minimize the risk of pressure sores during continuous wear.
3Productivity
If the drainage conduit is designed to guide feces efficiently, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for one-way valves and measurement windows
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way valve in the drainage conduit automatically prevents backflow of feces without requiring user intervention or complex control mechanisms. The valve self-regulates based on pressure differential, maintaining efficient fecal transfer while preventing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent measurement window allows visual monitoring of fecal volume and characteristics without requiring additional sensors or electronic components. This simple optical approach maintains productivity while minimizing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a fecal collection system includes a user interface assembly, a drainage conduit, and a collection reservoir. The user interface assembly includes a user interface and an applicator. The user interface has a proximal side and a distal side. The proximal side is configured to couple to skin of a user. The applicator is coupled to the distal side of the user interface. The applicator is removable from the user interface while the user interface is coupled to the user. The drainage conduit extends between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is configured to couple to the distal side of the user interface. The drainage conduit defines a lumen configured to guide feces from the proximal end to the distal end. The collection reservoir coupled to the distal end of the drainage conduit.