Fluid Collection Device With Wicking Permeable Body

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional urine collection devices, such as bed pans and urinary catheters, face challenges with discomfort, hygiene issues, and increased risk of urinary tract infections, particularly for individuals with limited mobility or anatomical difficulties, necessitating a more effective and comfortable solution for urine collection.

Innovation Solution

A fluid collection device featuring a substantially flat and wider design with a fluid impermeable barrier and a fluid permeable body, configured to wick urine away from the collection area, providing easier positioning and securement on users with varying anatomies, including those with buried penises or thinner physiques, using a conduit system for efficient fluid transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional bed pans are used for urine collection, then urine collection is achieved, but discomfort and pressure ulcers occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveurine collection effectivenessVSAvoiddiscomfort and pressure ulcers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses a flexible, conformable body that can be positioned against the user's anatomy without creating pressure points. The thin film design allows it to adapt to body contours while maintaining comfort during extended wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The device replaces the rigid mechanical bed pan system with a flexible, passive wicking system that uses capillary action rather than mechanical containment, eliminating the need for rigid structures that cause discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If urinary catheters are used for urine collection, then urine collection is achieved, but discomfort, pain and urinary tract infections occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveurine collection effectivenessVSAvoiddiscomfort, pain and urinary tract infections

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device extracts the collection function from the body interior (where catheters insert) and places it externally, using a wicking mechanism that collects urine at the surface without requiring internal insertion or contact with the urinary tract.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid-permeable body acts as an intermediary between the user's anatomy and the collection system, allowing urine to pass through via wicking while maintaining a barrier that prevents direct contact with collection components, thereby preventing infections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If conventional cylindrical urine collection devices are used, then urine collection is achieved, but positioning and securement is difficult for users with varying anatomies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveurine collection effectivenessVSAvoidpositioning and securement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device transitions from a symmetric cylindrical shape to an asymmetric, contoured design that can be positioned against specific anatomical landmarks, improving fit and security for various body types including those with buried penises or thinner physiques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates regions of varying permeability and structural properties tailored to specific anatomical locations, with enhanced securing features positioned at critical areas to maintain reliability across diverse user anatomies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 ensures improved comfort and hygiene by facilitating secure and efficient urine collection, reducing the risk of infections and pressure ulcers, while accommodating diverse user anatomies through its innovative design and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

The fluid permeable body is positioned at least partially within the chamber to extend across at least a portion of the opening and configured to wick fluid away from the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP3996641B1Fluid collection devices including an opening having an increased width

Publication Date: 2023.10.11 PUREWICK CORP

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Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary

Example fluid impermeable barriers of fluid collection devices and methods of forming a fluid impermeable barrier of a fluid collection device. The fluid impermeable barrier at least partially defines a chamber, an aperture configured to receive a conduit therethrough, and an opening. The fluid permeable body is positioned at least partially within the chamber to extend across at least a portion of the opening and configured to wick fluid away from the opening. The fluid permeable body includes a slot extending longitudinally through the fluid permeable body and configured to at least partially receive a conduit therein.