Shape-Memory Fluid Collection Assembly for Leak-Safe Anatomical Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid collection assemblies, such as bed pans and urinary catheters, suffer from discomfort, spills, hygiene issues, and increased risk of urinary tract infections, particularly for individuals with limited mobility or restricted travel conditions.

Innovation Solution

A fluid collection assembly incorporating a fluid impermeable barrier, porous material, conduit, and shape memory material that conforms to the anatomical shape of the patient, minimizing leaks and enhancing comfort by maintaining a selected geometric configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fluid collection assembly is used for individuals with limited mobility, then fluid collection is achieved, but discomfort and hygiene issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid collection effectivenessVSAvoiddiscomfort and hygiene issues

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly uses a flexible barrier made of thin film material that can conform to the anatomical contours of the patient's body. This flexible structure provides a secure fit without rigid components that would cause discomfort, while maintaining fluid collection effectiveness through its ability to adapt to body movements and contours.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly incorporates shape memory material that changes its physical parameters (shape and rigidity) in response to temperature or other stimuli. This allows the barrier to transition from a compact storage shape to an expanded conforming shape during use, optimizing both comfort and fluid collection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional urinary catheters are used, then fluid collection is achieved, but urinary tract infections and pain occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid collection effectivenessVSAvoidurinary tract infections and pain

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the fluid collection function from the traditional catheter design that requires insertion into the urinary tract. Instead, the assembly collects fluid externally at the urethral opening, eliminating the need for internal catheterization and thereby preventing urinary tract infections and associated pain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly introduces an intermediary collection chamber and barrier system between the patient's body and the fluid collection process. This intermediary structure allows fluid to be collected without direct contact between foreign objects and the urinary tract, reducing infection risk while maintaining collection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If bed pans are used for fluid collection, then fluid collection is achieved, but spills and discomfort occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid collection effectivenessVSAvoidspills and discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly transitions from the traditional two-dimensional bed pan surface to a three-dimensional form that conforms to the body's contours. This dimensional change allows the collection device to adapt to body movements and positioning, preventing spills while improving comfort through customized fit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly incorporates dynamic, flexible materials that can move and adapt with the patient's body movements. Unlike rigid bed pans, the flexible barrier and conformable structure maintain their sealing and collection function during patient movement, preventing spills and discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 assembly effectively collects bodily fluids with reduced leakage and discomfort, maintaining a secure fit despite patient movement, thereby improving hygiene and reducing the risk of infections.

Implementation Method 1

the conduit including one or more walls that define a passageway. Additionally, the fluid collection assembly includes at least one shape memory material at least partially disposed within the one or more walls of the conduit. The at least one shape memory material is sized, shaped, and positioned in the one or more walls to retain a selected geometric configuration.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory material: Shape Memory Polymer

Implementation Method 2

The fluid collection assembly also includes at least one porous material disposed in the chamber.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPorous material absorption: Porosity

Data Source

PatentUS12569365B2Fluid collection assemblies including at least one shape memory material disposed in the conduit

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 PUREWICK CORP

AI summary

Embodiments disclosed herein are related to assemblies, systems, and methods of using fluid collection assemblies and systems. The assemblies, systems, and methods of using fluid collection assemblies and systems include at least one shape memory material for forming and maintaining the fluid collection assembly into a selected shape. The shape memory material may enable for selective manipulation of the fluid collection assembly to contour to the anatomical features of variously sized patients.