Segmented Male Incontinence Pad with Apertures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Individuals with spinal cord injuries face challenges in managing urinary incontinence, particularly due to the labor-intensive process of changing full-size incontinence briefs, which can lead to skin irritation and increased caregiver costs, and often require frequent changes, especially for those requiring regular hydration.

Innovation Solution

The development of male incontinence pads comprising a water-impermeable lining and multiple absorbent layers with aligned apertures to form a pocket for the male member, allowing for easy insertion and absorption of discharge, reducing the need for frequent brief changes and minimizing skin exposure to urine, while also providing a cost-effective alternative.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If full-size incontinence briefs are used, then incontinence management is achieved, but the changing process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of changingVSAvoidtime for changing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The incontinence product is divided into two separate components: a reusable brief and a disposable pad. The pad can be removed and replaced independently without changing the entire brief, significantly reducing the time and effort required for changing while maintaining effective incontinence management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If full-size incontinence briefs are used, then incontinence management is achieved, but skin irritation and bed sores increase due to prolonged urine exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin irritationVSAvoidduration of urine exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The disposable pad is designed to be replaced frequently and easily, ensuring that urine is contained and absorbed promptly. This reduces the duration of urine exposure to the skin, minimizing skin irritation and prevention of bed sores while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If frequent brief changes are implemented, then skin health is improved, but caregiver costs and labor increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin healthVSAvoidcaregiver efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the pad from the brief, caregivers can perform quick pad changes without the need to change the entire brief. This maintains skin health through frequent changes while significantly improving caregiver efficiency and reducing labor costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Object-affected harmful factors

If male members are exposed to urine for extended periods, then incontinence management is maintained, but bed sores and infections increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebed soresVSAvoidexposure time to urine

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The disposable pad is designed for frequent replacement to minimize the time the male member is exposed to urine. The pad effectively contains and absorbs urine, and its frequent replacement ensures skin remains dry and healthy, preventing bed sores and infections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 pads significantly simplify the process of managing urinary incontinence by allowing for easy removal and replacement, reducing the risk of bed sores, and lowering caregiver costs by providing effective absorption and preventing leakage, thus reducing the need for catheters and associated discomfort and infections.

Implementation Method 1

a first absorbent pad, a second absorbent pad... adapted to be folded to form a pocket for the male member... able to substantially (or maybe even completely) absorb discharge from a wearer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a water impermeable lining... between the pads

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater impermeability: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS10406039B2Male incontinence pad

Publication Date: 2019.09.10 VILLARREAL VIVIAN LOUISE

AI summary

Male incontinence pads may be formed and used by a variety of techniques. In particular implementations, a male incontinence pad may include a first absorbent pad, a second absorbent pad, and a water impermeable lining. The water impermeable lining may be between the pads, and the first absorbent pad, the second absorbent pad, and the lining may each include an aperture that are aligned to allow a male member to be placed therethrough. The second absorbent pad may be adapted to be folded to form a pocket for the male member.