Incontinence Appliance with Absorbent Bladder and Asymmetric Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
The management of urinary incontinence in care facilities, particularly among dementia patients who tend to remove their catheters and clothing, leading to labor-intensive cleaning and potential bladder rupture, is inefficient and affects the quality of life for both residents and carers.
Innovation Solution
An incontinence assist appliance comprising a bladder with a urine-absorbing substance, such as sodium polyacrylate, housed within an envelope with a catheter port and a bladder status indicator, designed to be securely fastened to the user using hook and loop fasteners, and optionally integrated into wearable garments to prevent accidental removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If urinary catheters and incontinence garments are made easily removable by users, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as users can accidentally remove them causing bladder rupture and urine leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system uses asymmetric design where the secure fastening mechanism requires specific actions (unzipping, undoing fasteners) that are not easily performed accidentally, while still allowing intentional removal when needed. The envelope structure with specific opening mechanisms creates directional asymmetry in removal difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The envelope design incorporates protective features beforehand to prevent accidental removal - secure fastening mechanisms, enclosed structures, and intentional design elements that cushion against unintended opening while maintaining the ability for intentional removal by caregivers or users when needed.
2Reliability
If incontinence garments are secured tightly to prevent removal, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as users cannot easily remove them
Solution Approach 1:
The incontinence system is segmented into modular components - the envelope, bladder, fastening mechanisms, and opening elements are separate but integrated. This segmentation allows the garment to be securely fastened overall while having specific intentional opening points that enable controlled removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system incorporates dynamic elements that transition between secure and removable states. The envelope can be tightly closed and secured with fasteners for reliable retention, but includes intentional opening mechanisms (zippers, undoable fasteners) that allow dynamic transition to an open state when removal is intended.
3Ease of operation
If catheter management is simplified for users, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as proper catheter placement and security cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The envelope acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates catheter management. It provides a controlled environment for catheter insertion and securement, with built-in guides, openings, and fastening mechanisms that mediate between simple user action and reliable catheter placement. The envelope structure ensures proper positioning while simplifying the user's task.
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 appliance effectively manages urinary incontinence by containing urine within the bladder, preventing leaks, and simplifying catheter management, reducing labor for carers and enhancing the quality of life for residents by minimizing accidents and infections.
Implementation Method 1
the bladder contains a urine absorbing substance
Implementation Method 2
the exterior of the bladder and the interior of the envelope are provided with complementary hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro) for detachably holding the bladder fast
Data Source
AI summary
An incontinence assist appliance for a user includes an envelope including a surface, such as an upper outside surface, for contact with the user. A removable bladder is receivable within the envelope and includes a port for attachment of a catheter which passes through an opening in the outer envelope. The bladder contains a urine absorbing substance so that it avoids spills of liquid urine. The envelope may be formed as a wearable garment. A pair of trousers incorporating the appliance in each leg is also provided.