Fluid Collection Device Sump Design for Vacuum Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid collection devices, such as bed pans and urinary catheters, face issues like discomfort, spills, hygiene problems, and increased risk of urinary tract infections, particularly for individuals with limited or impaired mobility.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collection device comprising a fluid impermeable barrier, a fluid permeable body, and a tube, where the fluid permeable body extends between the distal and proximal end regions of the barrier, and the tube has an opening oriented to face the fluid permeable body, creating a defined sump for efficient fluid collection and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a urinary catheter is used for fluid collection, then fluid collection is achieved, but discomfort and pain occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the fluid collection function into two separate components: a wearable fluid collection device that collects urine externally, and a separate catheter that only serves to drain the urine from the body. This segmentation allows the catheter to be removed after fluid collection is complete, eliminating the discomfort and pain associated with leaving a catheter in place for extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable fluid collection device acts as an intermediary between the body and the drainage system. It collects urine in an external container and only uses the catheter as a temporary conduit to transfer the fluid from the body to the collection device, rather than requiring the catheter to remain in place for continuous collection.
2Productivity
If a bed pan is used for fluid collection, then fluid collection is achieved, but hygiene issues and spills occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a flexible, conformable fluid collection device that can be wrapped around or positioned against the body. This flexible design conforms to body contours, preventing spills while maintaining close contact with the skin for hygienic fluid collection. The flexible shell prevents leakage and maintains a closed system that reduces hygiene issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be self-contained with an external pump system that automatically drains the collected fluid. The user simply needs to activate the pump, and the system self-regulates the drainage process, eliminating the need for manual emptying that causes spills and hygiene issues with traditional bed pans.
3Device complexity
If a tube opening is positioned at the end of the tube, then fluid removal is simplified, but vacuum loss occurs in horizontal positions
Solution Approach 1:
The tube opening is positioned laterally on the side of the tube rather than at the distal end. This dimensional change in opening position allows the tube to maintain vacuum effectiveness in horizontal positions by directing fluid flow through the side opening, preventing vacuum loss while still enabling simple fluid removal through the lateral access point.
4Measurement precision
If fluid collection is needed for monitoring, then clinical testing is enabled, but mobility impairment makes the process challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates an external pump system that automatically collects and transports fluid for monitoring purposes. The user simply needs to activate the pump, and the system self-regulates the entire fluid collection and transfer process, eliminating the need for manual manipulation or complex user actions that would be challenging for individuals with mobility impairments.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of fluid collection and transfer is replaced with an automated pump system. The pump electronically transports fluid from the collection device to the monitoring location, substituting manual mechanical actions with an automated mechanical system that is easier for individuals with mobility impairments to operate.
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 and removes fluid, even in horizontal positions, by utilizing the fluid permeable body to promote molecular bonding and the defined sump to prevent vacuum loss, thereby enhancing fluid capture and reducing discomfort and hygiene issues.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the fluid permeable body to promote molecular bonding
Implementation Method 2
the defined sump to prevent vacuum loss
Data Source
AI summary
Examples relate to fluid collection devices, and related systems and methods. A fluid collection device includes a fluid impermeable barrier, a fluid permeable body, a tube, and a sump. The fluid impermeable barrier has a distal end region and defines an opening and a chamber in fluid communication with the opening. The fluid permeable body is positioned within the chamber at least partially at the distal end region. The tube extends into the chamber and has an end positioned proximate to the distal end region of the fluid impermeable barrier. The tube includes a tube opening at least proximate to the end of the tube and oriented to face at least a portion of the fluid permeable body. The sump is positioned in the area between the tube opening and the distal end region.