Tensioning Element Curvature Control for Fluid Collection Seal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid collection systems for individuals with limited mobility or impaired urination face issues such as discomfort, infections, and leakage due to their inability to conform accurately to the urethral opening, leading to gaps and unsanitary conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collection system featuring a fluid impermeable barrier with a tensioning element that switches between relaxed and tensioned states to change its curvature, ensuring a secure fit around the urethral opening without relying on thigh contact, thereby minimizing gaps and preventing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fluid collection systems are used, then they can collect bodily fluids, but they cannot conform accurately to the urethral opening leading to gaps and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid collection assembly incorporates a tensioning element that can dynamically adjust the curvature of the assembly. By transitioning between relaxed and tensioned states, the tensioning element enables the assembly to adapt its shape to conform to the urethral opening, thereby improving seal integrity while maintaining adaptability through active shape control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the curvature parameter of the fluid collection assembly by applying tension to the tensioning element. This parameter change allows the assembly to transition from a standard curvature to a modified curvature that better matches the anatomical shape of the urethral opening, eliminating gaps and improving reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fluid collection assembly uses a fixed curvature design, then it is simple to manufacture, but it cannot adapt to different patient anatomies leading to discomfort and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than incorporating a complex multi-position adjustment mechanism, the invention uses a dynamic tensioning element that can continuously adjust the curvature of the fluid collection assembly. This approach achieves anatomical adaptation through a relatively simple mechanism that modifies the existing structure's shape rather than requiring discrete adjustment positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid collection assembly utilizes a flexible barrier that can change its curvature in response to tensioning element activation. This flexible structure allows the assembly to adapt to different anatomical shapes without requiring rigid adjustment mechanisms, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving adaptability.
3Reliability
If bed pans are used for fluid collection, then they can collect urine, but they are prone to spills, discomfort, and hygiene issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a flexible, conformable fluid collection assembly that can be positioned close to the urethral opening, creating a secure seal that prevents spills. The flexibility of the barrier allows it to adapt to the patient's anatomy, improving both fluid containment reliability and user comfort compared to rigid bed pans.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical, rigid structure of traditional bed pans with a flexible, tension-controlled assembly that can be adjusted to fit the patient's anatomy. This substitution improves ease of operation by reducing discomfort and enhancing hygiene through better sealing and positioning capabilities.
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 system effectively collects bodily fluids by conforming to the urethral opening's shape, reducing discomfort and hygiene issues, and maintaining a secure fit even for thin or skinny patients and those with mobility impairments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one tensioning element configured to switch from a relaxed state when the at least one tensioning element has substantially no tension force applied thereto and a tensioned state when the at least one tensioning element has a tension force applied thereto. Switching the at least one tensioning element between the relaxed state and the tensioned state changes a curvature of at least a portion of the fluid collection assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to fluid collection systems and methods of using the same. An example fluid collection system includes a fluid collection assembly and at least one tensioning element (e.g., wire). The fluid collection assembly includes a fluid impermeable barrier that defines at least a chamber and at least one porous material disposed in the chamber. The tensioning element of the fluid collection system is configured to switch from a relaxed state and a tensioned state. The tensioning element is in the relaxed state when substantially no external tensile force is applied thereto and the tensioned state when an external tensile force is applied thereto. The tensioning element is configured to change a curvature of at least a portion of the fluid collection assembly, for example, by switching the tensioning element between the relaxed state and the tensioned state.