Biodegradable Urination Aid with Foldable Flap for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for aiding female urination are complex, expensive, bulky, and not easily transportable, making them unsuitable for practical and hygienic use, especially in public settings.
Innovation Solution
A compact, biodegradable, and compostable urination device made of paper material that can be folded and stored in a pocket, featuring a tubular body with a flap that rotates for ergonomic use and tapered design for efficient urine discharge, allowing for easy transportation and disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing female urination aids are designed to be functional, then urination assistance is provided, but the devices become complex, expensive, and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two main segments: a tubular body for urine collection and a flap for positioning and support. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently while keeping the overall structure simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a disposable product made from inexpensive paper materials. After a single use, the entire device is discarded, eliminating the need for complex cleaning, maintenance, or sterilization systems that would increase device complexity and cost.
2Ease of operation
If existing female urination aids are designed to be functional, then urination assistance is provided, but the devices become expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses inexpensive paper materials that are easy to manufacture and dispose of. The disposable nature eliminates the need for expensive durable materials and complex manufacturing processes required for reusable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its physical parameters through simple folding and rotation actions. The tubular body folds from an extended configuration to a compact form, and the flap rotates from a stored position to an operational position, providing functionality without complex mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If existing female urination aids are designed to be functional, then urination assistance is provided, but the devices become bulky and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static bulky form to a dynamic compact form through folding. The tubular body can be folded along its length to reduce volume significantly, allowing easy portability in bags or pockets while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap is positioned to lie flat against the tubular body when not in use, with the free end extending beyond the distal end of the tube. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall volume of the device during storage and transport.
4Volume of moving object
If the device is made compact for portability, then transportability is improved, but manufacturing simplicity and economy must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into simple geometric segments (tubular body and flap) that can be manufactured separately and assembled through simple folding and joining processes, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving compact form.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable paper construction allows for simple manufacturing processes without the need for complex assembly mechanisms. The device is manufactured in its unfolded state and simply folded by the user for compact storage, eliminating complex folding mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A device (1) for aiding female urination is described, comprising: -a tubular body (2) extending along a longitudinal axis (X-X), between a proximal end (3) configured to rest during use on the female body portion at the genital organ, and a distal end (6); -said tubular body (2) having at least one side wall extending between said distal end (6) and said proximal end (6); -said tubular body (2) having an extension along the longitudinal axis (X-X) of less than 15 cm; said tubular body (2) being configured to switch from a planar configuration, in which the side wall (4) is folded on itself to form two opposite facing portions and an operating configuration in which the side wall (4) is arranged substantially around a circumference; characterized in that it comprises a flap (7) configured to switch from a folded position to an operating position, said flap being configured to extend in use between the user's thighs in the direction of the anal orifice of the latter.