Flushable Catheter Drainage Extension for Spillage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intermittent urinary catheter products do not provide a suitable solution for users to discharge urine directly into a toilet or urine collection bag without risk of urine spillage, especially for users who need to perform self-intermittent catheterization.
Innovation Solution
A catheter drainage accessory featuring a connector that attaches to the catheter's drainage member and a flexible urine drainage conduit that can be extended to a receptacle, such as a toilet, made from flushable materials that degrade in water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional intermittent urinary catheter is used, then the catheterization procedure is straightforward, but users cannot discharge urine directly into a toilet without risk of spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system is divided into separate functional components: the catheter itself and a detachable drainage extension. This segmentation allows the drainage extension to be attached only when toilet discharge is needed, providing spillage protection without complicating the basic catheterization procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
A drainage extension acts as an intermediary component between the catheter and the toilet. This intermediate element provides a controlled fluid path that prevents urine spillage while allowing direct discharge into the toilet when attached.
2Reliability
If a drainage extension is added to enable direct toilet discharge, then urine spillage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage extension is designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable rather than permanently fixed. This dynamic configuration allows users to add the extension only when needed for toilet discharge, keeping the system simple for basic catheterization while providing enhanced functionality when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage extension is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after a single use. This approach reduces the complexity of designing for multiple uses and sterilization, allowing the component to be simpler in structure while maintaining reliability for its intended single-use purpose.
3Strength
If a non-flushable drainage extension is used, then the structure can be more durable, but disposal in the sanitary system becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The material properties of the drainage extension are specifically selected to change state in response to water exposure. The material transitions from a flexible, durable state during use to a disintegrating state when exposed to toilet water, enabling easy disposal while maintaining structural integrity during the catheterization procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage extension is made from composite or specially formulated materials that combine durability during use with flushability for disposal. These materials maintain structural strength when dry and intact but break down when exposed to water and mechanical agitation in the sanitary system.
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
Enables users to discharge urine safely and conveniently into a toilet or collection bag, reducing the risk of spillage and allowing for easy disposal of the accessory in a sanitary system.
Implementation Method 1
made from flushable materials that degrade in water
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A catheter drainage accessory adapted to be connected to a urinary catheter including a connector configured to be operably connected to a drainage member of a urinary catheter and a drainage conduit. At least one of the connector and conduit are made of a water flushable material.