Fluid Collection Assembly Length Adjusting Feature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urinary collection devices, such as bed pans and urinary catheters, face issues like discomfort, spills, hygiene problems, and increased risk of urinary tract infections.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collection assembly with a length-adjusting feature, a fluid impermeable barrier, and a porous material, designed to accommodate penises of varying sizes by adjusting its length and flaring or folding its intermediate portions to optimize fluid collection and minimize leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length urinary collection device is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate penises of varying sizes and may cause discomfort or fluid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate portion of the fluid collection assembly is designed to be collapsible and expandable, allowing it to dynamically adjust its length to accommodate different penis sizes. The length adjusting feature enables the device to transition between collapsed and expanded states, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fluid collection assembly length is increased to accommodate larger penises, then adaptability improves, but the distance between urethral opening and fluid outlet increases, potentially causing fluid to flow in the wrong direction and vacuum loss
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid collection assembly is divided into distinct segments: a distal region with the fluid outlet, an intermediate portion with the length adjusting feature, and a proximal end region. This segmentation allows the intermediate portion to be independently collapsed or expanded without affecting the critical fluid collection zone at the distal end, thereby maintaining fluid collection efficiency while accommodating varying penis sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate portion can dynamically change its length by collapsing or expanding, allowing the device to adapt to different penis sizes while maintaining an optimal configuration for fluid collection. When collapsed, the intermediate portion minimizes the distance between the urethral opening and fluid outlet; when expanded, it accommodates larger penises.
3Ease of manufacture
If the intermediate portion is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then manufacturing is easier, but it cannot flare or fold to optimize fluid collection and minimize leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate portion is designed with flexible characteristics that allow it to flare and fold as needed. This flexibility enables the intermediate portion to adapt its shape for optimal fluid collection and to minimize leakage, while still maintaining sufficient structural integrity for manufacturing. The flexible design allows the intermediate portion to be formed into various configurations without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
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 fluid collection assembly effectively reduces the distance between the urethral opening and the fluid outlet, preventing fluid from flowing in the wrong direction and minimizing vacuum loss, thereby enhancing comfort and hygiene while reducing the risk of infections.
Implementation Method 1
at least one porous material disposed in the chamber
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum source fluidly coupled to one or more of the fluid storage container or the fluid collection assembly via the conduit. The vacuum source is configured to draw fluid from the fluid collection assembly via the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed towards fluid collection assemblies that include at least one length adjusting feature, fluid collection assemblies including the same, and methods of using the same. An example fluid collection assembly includes a fluid impermeable barrier. The fluid impermeable barrier includes a distal region, at least one distal end region spaced from the distal region, and at least one intermediate portion extending from the distal region to the distal region. The fluid impermeable barrier also defines at least one length adjusting feature (“LAF”) extending from the distal end region to the distal region. The LAF allows the length of the fluid collection assembly to change. The ability of the fluid collection assembly to change the length thereof allows a penis of a patient to be disposed in preferential locations within the fluid collection assembly.