Shape-Memory Urine Collection for Leak-Safe Anatomical Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid collection devices, such as bed pans and urinary catheters, are uncomfortable, prone to leaks, and can cause hygiene issues, making them unsuitable for individuals with limited mobility or impaired urination capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collection device incorporating a fluid impermeable barrier, porous material, and shape memory material that conforms to the wearer's anatomy, featuring a conduit for fluid extraction using a vacuum source, minimizing leaks and enhancing comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bed pans are used for fluid collection, then fluid collection capability is provided, but comfort and hygiene are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible, conformable collection chamber that can adapt to the user's body contours, replacing rigid bed pans with a soft, anatomy-conforming structure that maintains fluid collection reliability while significantly improving comfort and hygiene
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates porous material in the collection chamber that allows fluid absorption and wicking away from the opening, preventing leaks and maintaining hygiene while preserving the fluid collection function
2Reliability
If urinary catheters are used for fluid collection, then fluid collection capability is provided, but comfort and infection risk are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible, soft collection chamber made of comfortable materials that conform to the body without causing discomfort or pain, eliminating the need for invasive catheters while maintaining reliable fluid collection
Solution Approach 2:
The porous material absorbs and manages fluid, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections by keeping the collection area dry and hygienic, while still providing reliable fluid collection capability
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid structure is used for fluid collection device, then structural stability is provided, but adaptability to anatomy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible collection chamber that can conform to various anatomical shapes and sizes, providing adaptability to different users while maintaining structural integrity through the flexible material's inherent stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes shape memory material that can change its physical state or configuration in response to body heat or contact, allowing the device to adapt to anatomical contours while maintaining structural stability through controlled material properties
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 effectively collects fluids by conforming to the user's anatomy, reducing leaks and discomfort, while maintaining a secure fit and facilitating easy fluid removal.
Implementation Method 1
a shape memory material incorporated in the fluid collection device. The shape memory material is sized, shaped, and positioned to retain a selected geometric configuration
Implementation Method 2
a porous material disposed in the chamber
Implementation Method 3
a vacuum source fluidly coupled to one or more of the fluid storage container or the fluid collection device via the conduit, the vacuum source configured to draw fluid from the fluid collection device via the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
Examples relate to systems, devices, and methods for removing fluid from a fluid collection device using a vacuum source operably coupled thereto. The fluid collection devices include urine collection devices having shape memory material that may be selectively shaped to complement the female or male anatomy near the respective urethras.