Fluid Collection Device With Enclosed Permeable Body

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fluid collection devices, such as bed pans and urinary catheters, face issues like discomfort, spills, hygiene concerns, and urinary tract infections, necessitating the development of more effective and comfortable solutions for individuals with limited mobility or restricted travel conditions.

Innovation Solution

A fluid collection device featuring a fluid permeable body with enclosed edges and a fluid impermeable barrier, designed to efficiently draw and direct urine into a tube for removal, minimizing discomfort and hygiene issues by preventing fluid escape and maximizing wicking capability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bed pans are used for fluid collection, then fluid collection capability is provided, but discomfort and hygiene issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid collection capabilityVSAvoiddiscomfort and hygiene issues

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the fluid collection function into separate components: a fluid-permeable body for contact with the user, a fluid-impermeable barrier for containment, and a tube for fluid removal. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall comfort and hygiene while maintaining collection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid-impermeable barrier acts as an intermediary between the fluid-permeable body and the external environment. It prevents direct contact between bodily fluids and the user's skin while still allowing the collection function to operate, thereby resolving the hygiene and comfort issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If urinary catheters are used for fluid collection, then fluid collection capability is provided, but discomfort, pain, and urinary tract infections occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid collection capabilityVSAvoiddiscomfort, pain, and urinary tract infections

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device separates the fluid collection function from direct insertion into the urinary tract. The fluid-permeable body collects urine externally through wicking action, eliminating the need for catheter insertion and associated discomfort and infection risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device replaces the mechanical insertion-based collection system with a wicking-based passive collection system. The fluid-permeable body uses capillary action to draw urine away from the user, eliminating the need for invasive mechanical catheters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If fluid permeable body edges are left open, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but fluid leakage and hygiene issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidfluid leakage and hygiene issues

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges the fluid-permeable body with the fluid-impermeable barrier by enclosing the edges of the permeable body within the barrier structure. This combination prevents fluid leakage while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process where the barrier can be molded to enclose the permeable material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid-impermeable barrier functions as a flexible shell that encloses the fluid-permeable body edges. This thin film structure prevents fluid leakage and maintains hygiene while being simple to manufacture through conventional molding techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 urine with reduced discomfort and hygiene concerns, improving the efficiency of fluid removal and minimizing the risk of urinary tract infections.

Implementation Method 1

drawing urine through the fluid permeable body to an inlet of tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

The fluid impermeable barrier covers the first side, the proximal edge, and the two side edges of the fluid permeable body effective to prevent fluid communication through the first side, the proximal edge, and the two side edges

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid impermeability:

Data Source

PatentUS20240173162A1Fluid collection device

Publication Date: 2024.05.30 PUREWICK CORP

AI summary

Examples relate to fluid collection devices having a fluid permeable body with enclosed edges, and related systems and methods. In some embodiments, a fluid collection device includes a tube having an inlet, a fluid permeable body, and a fluid impermeable barrier. The fluid permeable body has a first side, a second side, a proximal edge, and two side edges extending from the proximal edge towards the inlet. The fluid impermeable barrier covers the first side, the proximal edge, and the two side edges of the fluid permeable body effective to prevent fluid communication through the first side, the proximal edge, and the two side edges.