Self-catheterization assistance system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for self-catheterization lack adequate visualization and containment, posing risks of infection and contamination due to insufficient lighting and urine splatter, and are cumbersome for independent use by women, disabled, or neurologically impaired individuals.
Innovation Solution
A self-catheterization assist device with an adjustable support, dual-sided mirror, and independently repositionable focused-beam lamp, combined with a urine containment bowl and splatter screen, allowing for hands-free operation and improved hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a small index card-sized mirror is used for self-catheterization, then the device is portable and simple, but the mirror is not sufficiently visible to anatomically assist with proper placement
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror is made telescoping and collapsible, allowing it to extend to a larger size during use for better visibility, then collapse to a compact form for portability. The mirror can be extended to provide adequate anatomical visualization while maintaining ease of transport when collapsed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror structure allows the smaller mirror surface to be nested within an extended frame when collapsed, and the frame to unfold and support a larger mirror surface when extended, providing both portability and adequate visibility at different states.
2Illumination intensity
If adequate lighting is provided for self-catheterization, then visualization is improved, but the device becomes more complex and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is integrated directly into the mirror assembly, combining the illumination function with the visualization function in a single unit. This reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate lighting equipment while providing adequate illumination for the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is designed to be adjustable and positionable, allowing the user to direct light precisely where needed. The dynamic positioning capability provides adequate illumination without requiring excessive light intensity, thereby reducing the need for complex high-power lighting systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a tripod-mounted mirror is used for self-catheterization, then stability is improved, but the device becomes large, cumbersome, and unmanageable by disabled or neurologically impaired persons
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror support transitions from a rigid tripod structure to a dynamic, adjustable arm mechanism that can be positioned and locked in place. This provides stability during use while allowing easy adjustment and compact storage, making it manageable for persons with limited mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into multiple adjustable segments that can be independently positioned and locked. This segmentation allows the device to achieve stability in various configurations while maintaining a compact form factor that is easy to transport and manage.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If urine containment and splatter prevention are provided, then hygiene is improved, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A containment bowl is introduced as an intermediary element between the user and the environment, catching urine flow and preventing splatter. This simple additive component provides hygiene protection without significantly increasing device complexity, as it functions independently of the mirror and lighting systems.
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 independent and safe self-catheterization in various positions, reducing the risk of infection and contamination while providing effective urine containment and splatter prevention, suitable for diverse user groups.
Implementation Method 1
a dual-sided mirror mounted to the mirror surround
Implementation Method 2
an independently repositionable focused-beam lamp mounted on the mirror surround
Data Source
AI summary
A self-catheterization assist device is provided. The self-catheterization assist device includes an adjustable support component; a yoke attached to the adjustable support component; a mirror surround rotatably attached to the yoke; a dual-sided mirror with a flat surface and a concave surface mounted within the mirror surround; and an independently repositionable focused-beam lamp mounted on the mirror surround. A self-catheterization assist kit is also provided. The kit includes a visual aid device and a urine containment bowl. The visual aid device has an adjustable support component; a yoke attached to the adjustable support component; a mirror surround rotatably attached to the yoke; a dual-sided mirror with a flat surface and a concave surface mounted within the mirror surround; and an independently repositionable focused-beam lamp mounted on the mirror surround. The urine containment bowl is attachable to the adjustable support component.