Fluid Collection Device with Retention Components
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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, are prone to discomfort, pressure ulcers, hygiene issues, and urinary tract infections, necessitating a more effective and comfortable solution for urine collection.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collection device with a fluid impermeable barrier and a fluid permeable body that uses retention components to secure the device in position near the urethra, utilizing a conduit for fluid collection and removal, and optionally incorporating a vacuum source for efficient fluid storage and management.
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 pressure ulcers occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible, soft-walled collection chamber that can conform to the user's body contours. The chamber is constructed with flexible materials that allow it to adapt to curved surfaces, distributing pressure evenly and preventing localized compression points that cause discomfort and pressure ulcers. This flexible shell approach maintains reliable fluid collection while eliminating the rigid structures of traditional bed pans.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous or permeable materials in the collection chamber construction, allowing for controlled fluid interaction. The porous structure enables the chamber to be both collection-capable and comfortable by allowing slight fluid permeation that prevents pooling and pressure buildup, while still maintaining overall fluid collection functionality.
2Reliability
If urinary catheters are used for fluid collection, then fluid collection capability is provided, but discomfort, pain, and urinary tract infections occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary collection chamber that sits between the urethra and the external environment, eliminating the need for invasive catheters. This intermediate structure collects urine through a urethral opening without requiring internal catheterization, thereby preventing discomfort, pain, and urinary tract infections while maintaining reliable fluid collection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable collection chamber that is discarded after single use, eliminating the need for cleaning and reducing the risk of infections. The disposable nature ensures hygiene and prevents urinary tract infections associated with reusable catheters, while maintaining effective fluid collection during the brief usage period.
3Stability of the object's composition
If retention components are added to secure the device, then device stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retention function directly into the collection chamber structure itself, rather than adding separate retention components. The chamber is designed with integrated retention features such as contoured walls and positioning elements that are built-in during manufacturing, simplifying the overall device while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection chamber serves multiple functions simultaneously: it collects fluid, provides retention through its contoured structure, and ensures comfort through its flexible material. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate retention components, reducing device complexity while achieving stable positioning.
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 provides secure, comfortable, and hygienic urine collection, reducing the risk of infections and discomfort by effectively retaining the device in place and facilitating easy fluid removal, thus improving user experience and health outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid permeable body positioned at least partially within the interior chamber to extend across at least a portion of the opening and configured to wick fluid away from the opening
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to fluid collection devices, systems, and methods utilizing retention components for retaining the fluid collection device in position during use. In an embodiment, a fluid collection device is disclosed. The fluid collection device includes a fluid impermeable barrier at least partially defining an interior chamber and an opening through which the interior chamber is exposed to an external environment. The fluid collection device includes a fluid permeable body positioned at least partially within the interior 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 one or more retention components for retaining the fluid collection device on labia of a wearer by engaging with one or more of legs, pelvis, or buttocks of the wearer. The fluid collection device includes a conduit extending into the interior chamber.