Reusable Urethral Occlusion Device with Application Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for stress urinary incontinence in females, such as absorbent products and disposable devices, are either ineffective in preventing leaks or environmentally unfriendly, and lack reusability, leading to user distress and environmental burden.
Innovation Solution
A reusable stress urinary incontinence device with a biocompatible outer portion that occludes the urethral opening, featuring a guide for application and an adhesive layer for secure placement, designed for removable placement beneath the inner labia and above the vaginal opening, utilizing materials like medical-grade silicone and a double-sided adhesive for secure and hygienic use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If disposable incontinence devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but environmental harm increases and device loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be reusable multiple times through proper cleaning and maintenance, eliminating the need for disposable single-use products. The reusable construction with detachable components allows users to clean and store the device between uses, reducing environmental waste while maintaining ease of application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent rejects the disposable model in favor of a reusable device that provides long-term solution. The device is constructed with durable materials and designed to last through multiple use cycles, eliminating the need for continuous purchase of new disposable units and reducing environmental impact.
2Ease of operation
If disposable incontinence devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device loss in toilet receptacle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components including a reusable body and detachable adhesive elements. This segmentation allows for easy application and removal while the main body retains its structural integrity to prevent loss in toilet receptacles. The detachable adhesive portions can be replaced without losing the main device.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates design features that prevent accidental dislodgement during urination, such as a secure fit mechanism and appropriate size and shape that remain in place during the urination process, cushioning against the harmful effect of device loss.
3Reliability
If pessary devices are used, then urine leakage prevention is improved, but device complexity and cleaning requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the essential function of urine leakage prevention while removing complex cleaning requirements by using a simpler, more maintainable construction. The detachable adhesive portions and smooth surfaces are designed to be easily cleaned by the user without requiring specialized cleaning procedures or professional maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed for user-friendly cleaning and maintenance, allowing women to clean and care for the device themselves without requiring medical professional intervention. The simple construction and detachable components enable straightforward self-service cleaning procedures.
4Ease of operation
If single-use adhesive devices are used, then ease of application is improved, but cost burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be reused multiple times through proper cleaning and maintenance, eliminating the need for continuous purchase of new disposable units. The reusable construction with detachable components allows users to clean and store the device between uses, reducing long-term cost burden while maintaining ease of application.
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 limits or prevents urine leakage, is environmentally friendly due to reusability, and reduces user distress by providing a reliable and comfortable solution for stress urinary incontinence.
Implementation Method 1
The contact face has a surface configured to receive at least one adhesive layer for adhering the device to the urethral meatus and over the urethral opening
Data Source
AI summary
A stress urinary incontinence device is provided to limit or prevent leakage of urine in an individual. The device includes a body comprising an inner portion surrounded by an outer portion. The outer portion comprises biocompatible material and has a contact face opposing a guide face. The contact face is configured to occlude the urethral opening of the individual. A guide having an interior portion surrounded by an exterior portion projects from the guide face to aid in the application of the device onto the urethral meatus beneath the inner labia and above the vaginal opening of the individual. The device comprises materials that render it reusable.