Fluid Collection Device With Garment Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fluid collection devices for individuals with limited or impaired mobility, such as those with disabilities or restricted travel conditions, face issues like discomfort, pressure ulcers, hygiene problems, and urinary tract infections due to traditional bed pans and urinary catheters.

Innovation Solution

A fluid collection device with a dry adhesive region, featuring a fluid impermeable barrier and a fluid permeable body, is designed to securely attach to a garment, preventing movement and irritation, and includes a conduit for efficient fluid collection and removal using a vacuum source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a fluid collection device is secured to the user's body using traditional adhesive methods, then the device remains in place, but the adhesive causes discomfort and skin irritation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice position stabilityVSAvoidskin irritation and discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a garment as an intermediary layer between the fluid collection device and the user's skin. The device attaches to the garment rather than directly to the skin, eliminating direct adhesive contact with the skin while maintaining device stability through the garment interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a fluid collection device uses a secure attachment mechanism, then the device prevents displacement, but the attachment mechanism causes pressure ulcers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice position stabilityVSAvoidpressure ulcers

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The garment serves as a mediator that distributes the attachment forces over a larger surface area and softer material interface, preventing concentrated pressure points that cause ulcers while maintaining device stability through the garment layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs porous or breathable materials in the garment and device interface that allow air circulation and reduce moisture accumulation, thereby preventing pressure ulcer formation while maintaining secure device attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Duration of action of stationary object

If a fluid collection device remains in place during use, then fluid collection is effective, but the device causes hygiene issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice usage durationVSAvoidhygiene problems

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The garment acts as a hygienic barrier between the device and the user's body, allowing the device to remain in place for extended periods while the garment can be laundered or replaced to maintain hygiene standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The use of porous and breathable materials in the garment construction allows for air circulation and moisture management, preventing bacterial growth and maintaining hygiene during extended device usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 improved comfort, securement, and hygiene by preventing displacement and reducing the risk of urinary tract infections through effective fluid management and collection.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid permeable body positioned at least partially within the chamber to extend across at least a portion of the opening and configured to wick fluid away from the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

a dry adhesive region positioned on the rear region of the fluid impermeable barrier at least partially distal to the opening to interface a garment worn by the user over the fluid collection device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

an aperture sized and dimensioned to receive a conduit therethrough... efficient fluid collection and removal using a vacuum source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS20230218425A1Fluid collection devices including a dry adhesive region, and related systems and methods

Publication Date: 2023.07.13 PUREWICK CORP

AI summary

Example fluid collection devices, and related systems and methods of use are described. The fluid collection device includes a fluid impermeable barrier having a rear region and a front region at least partially defining an opening and positioned on the fluid impermeable barrier to be at least proximate to a urethra of a user. The fluid impermeable barrier at least partially defines a chamber and an aperture sized and dimensioned to receive a conduit therethrough. The fluid collection device includes a fluid permeable body positioned at least partially within the chamber to extend across at least a portion of the opening and configured to wick fluid away from the opening. The fluid collection device includes a dry adhesive region positioned on the rear region of the fluid impermeable barrier at least partially distal to the opening to interface a garment worn by the user.