Fluid Collection Assembly with Inflation Bladder for Anatomical Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid collection devices for individuals with limited or impaired mobility, such as bed pans and urinary catheters, face issues like discomfort, spills, hygiene concerns, and increased risk of urinary tract infections.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collection assembly featuring a fluid impermeable barrier with a chamber, openings, and a fluid outlet, combined with a porous material and an inflation device comprising a bladder that changes curvature states to conform to the user's anatomy, minimizing gaps and leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bed pans are used for fluid collection, then fluid collection capability is provided, but discomfort and hygiene issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid collection assembly is divided into multiple functional components: a barrier layer for fluid collection, an inflation device for securing, a porous material for absorption, and a fluid outlet for drainage. This segmentation allows each component to address specific requirements independently, improving overall reliability while minimizing harmful effects through specialized design of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation device acts as an intermediary mechanism that creates a secure fit without direct thigh contact, using controlled expansion to seal the assembly in place. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for uncomfortable tight fitting while maintaining secure positioning and preventing leaks.
2Reliability
If urinary catheters are used for fluid collection, then fluid collection capability is provided, but discomfort, pain, and infection risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the catheter from the system entirely, replacing it with a non-invasive external collection assembly. By removing the invasive catheter element, the design eliminates associated discomfort, pain, and infection risks while maintaining fluid collection capability through the barrier layer and fluid outlet system.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid collection assembly is designed as a disposable unit that can be applied and removed without causing long-term harm or infection risk. This single-use approach eliminates the prolonged foreign body presence that causes discomfort and infection with catheters, while providing reliable fluid collection during the needed period.
3Reliability
If traditional fluid collection devices are used, then fluid collection is achieved, but spills and hygiene issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly maintains continuous fluid collection and containment through the sealed barrier layer and inflation device, preventing spills throughout the collection period. The fluid outlet provides continuous drainage capability, ensuring hygiene by preventing fluid accumulation and potential overflow, maintaining reliable fluid management without spills.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier layer is designed as a flexible, fluid-impermeable film that conforms to the user's anatomy and maintains a secure seal. This flexible membrane prevents fluid leakage and spills while allowing movement, and the inflation device enhances sealing through controlled expansion, eliminating hygiene issues related to spills.
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 solution effectively collects fluids while reducing discomfort and hygiene issues, maintaining a secure fit without relying on thigh contact, and minimizing the risk of infections by preventing leaks and promoting better fluid management.
Implementation Method 1
The bladder is configured to switch between a first state and at least a second state. A volume of the at least one interior region is greater when the bladder is in the second state than when the bladder is in the first state. Switching the bladder between the first state and the second state changes a curvature of at least a portion of the fluid impermeable barrier.
Implementation Method 2
The fluid collection assembly includes at least one porous material disposed in the chamber.
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid collection assemblies, systems including the same, and methods of using the same are disclosed herein. An example fluid collection assembly includes a fluid impermeable barrier having a proximal surface and a distal surface opposite the proximal surface. The proximal surface defines an opening. The fluid collection assembly also includes at least one inflation device. The inflation device includes a bladder. The bladder may be adjacent to the distal surface of the fluid impermeable barrier or between a conduit disposed in the chamber and the distal surface. The bladder is configured to switch between a first state and at least a second state. A volume of the bladder is greater when the bladder is the second state than when the bladder is in the first state. Switching the bladder between the first and second states changes a curvature of the at least a portion of the fluid collection assembly.