Fluid Collection Valve for Urine Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid collection devices, such as bed pans and urinary catheters, suffer from discomfort, hygiene issues, and increased risk of urinary tract infections, particularly for individuals with limited mobility or disabilities, and there is a need for improved systems and methods to collect urine efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collection device with a valve that controls gas flow through a conduit to manage comfort and hygiene, featuring a fluid impermeable barrier, conduit, and valve that can be actuated by the user to regulate fluid and gas flow, connected to a vacuum or gas source for efficient urine collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional fluid collection devices (bed pans, urinary catheters) are used, then fluid collection is achieved, but user comfort and hygiene are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a collection chamber for fluid accumulation, a conduit system for controlled removal, and a valve mechanism for flow regulation. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while maintaining overall collection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
A valve acts as an intermediary between the collection chamber and the external environment, providing controlled mediation of fluid flow. This intermediary mechanism enables precise regulation of when and how fluid is removed, improving both comfort and hygiene while maintaining reliable collection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If urinary catheters are used, then fluid collection is achieved, but risk of urinary tract infections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the catheter from the body entirely, replacing it with an external collection system that uses a barrier and controlled flow mechanism. This extraction eliminates the direct foreign object in the urinary tract that causes infection, while maintaining collection effectiveness through the external chamber and valve system.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism, which could be seen as adding complexity, actually converts the potential harm of uncontrolled flow into a benefit by enabling precise control over fluid removal timing and rate, thereby reducing infection risk while maintaining effective collection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If bed pans are used, then fluid collection is achieved, but discomfort and spills occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes hydraulic principles through the valve mechanism to control fluid flow automatically. The valve regulates flow based on pressure differentials and mechanical actuation, eliminating the need for manual pouring or tipping that causes spills in traditional bed pans, while improving comfort through controlled, gentle flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism provides dynamic control over fluid flow, allowing the system to adapt to different conditions and user needs. This dynamic regulation improves ease of operation by enabling controlled flow without requiring manual manipulation or positioning that characterizes static bed pan systems.
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 enhanced user comfort and hygiene by allowing controlled gas flow, reducing discomfort and infection risk, while efficiently collecting urine using a user-actuated valve system.
Implementation Method 1
The valve includes a second aperture that is fluid couplable to at least one of an air source, a vacuum source, or a fluid storage container
Implementation Method 2
The valve is configured to selectively control gas flow through the conduit responsive to actuation of the valve
Implementation Method 3
The valve includes a second aperture that is fluid couplable to at least one of an air source, a vacuum source, or a fluid storage container
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a fluid collection device includes a fluid impermeable barrier that at least partially defines a chamber. The fluid impermeable barrier also defines an opening extending therethrough. The opening is configured to be positioned adjacent to a female urethra or have a male urethra positioned therethrough. The fluid collection device also includes a conduit at least partially disposed in the chamber. The conduit defines at least one aperture that allows an interior of the conduit to be in fluid communication with the chamber. The fluid collection device further includes a valve. The valve includes a first aperture coupled to the conduit and a second aperture that is fluid couplable to at least one of an air source, a vacuum source, or a fluid storage container. The valve is configured to control fluid flow through the conduit responsive to direction from a user.