Fluid Collection Device With Low-Contact Vacuum Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid collection devices, such as bed pans and urinary catheters, are prone to spills, cause discomfort, and can lead to hygiene issues and urinary tract infections, particularly for individuals with limited mobility or delicate urogenital tissue.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collection device with a fluid impermeable barrier and a conduit that minimizes skin contact area, featuring a targeted opening for urine collection and a vacuum system for efficient fluid transfer, while avoiding coverage of sensitive areas like the clitoris, mons pubis, and anal aperture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluid collection device covers a larger area to ensure complete urine collection, then collection reliability is improved, but skin contact area increases causing discomfort and hygiene issues
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies different functional properties to different areas: the distal end has a smaller collection opening that contacts only the perineal area near the urethra, while the proximal end has a larger reservoir that does not contact the skin. This localized application of fluid collection function minimizes skin contact while ensuring complete urine capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a distal collection portion with minimal skin contact, a mid-section conduit for fluid transfer, and a proximal reservoir for storage. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing overall skin contact area.
2Productivity
If a vacuum system is used to efficiently transfer fluid, then fluid transfer speed is improved, but skin contact area increases causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum source is extracted from direct contact with the user's body and placed in the reservoir portion of the device. The vacuum system operates remotely through the conduit, providing efficient fluid transfer without requiring the vacuum components to contact the skin, thus maintaining productivity while eliminating the harmful effect.
3Reliability
If a traditional catheter is used to collect urine, then fluid collection is reliable, but the device causes discomfort and urinary tract infections
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses an intermediary collection chamber and external vacuum system instead of inserting a catheter into the urethra. Urine is collected externally at the urethral opening and transferred through a conduit to the reservoir, eliminating direct contact with delicate internal tissues while maintaining reliable collection and reducing infection risk.
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 reduces skin irritation and infection risk by minimizing contact with delicate perineal tissue, enhances comfort, and prevents spills through targeted fluid collection and vacuum-assisted transfer.
Implementation Method 1
The conduit also includes an outlet that provides fluid communication between the interior of the conduit and 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. The fluid collection device also includes a conduit at least partially disposed in the chamber. The conduit defines at least one aperture that provides fluid communication between an interior of the conduit and the chamber. The conduit also includes an outlet that provides fluid communication between the interior of the conduit and a vacuum source or a fluid storage container. The size and shape of the fluid collection device helps minimize the area of a user's skin both that contacts the device and to which a vacuum pressure is applied.