Disposable Urethral Plug for Urine Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current incontinence management solutions are inadequate, as they are often cumbersome, uncomfortable, expensive, and ineffective in addressing urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and urinary tract issues, with a lack of discreet, comfortable, and sanitary options for urethral insertion.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical device made of absorbent materials that expands upon contact with urine, designed for urethral insertion, featuring a mesh covering and a withdrawal string, optionally with lubricating and active agents, allowing for easy placement and removal without anchors or balloons, and is biodegradable or recyclable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional incontinence devices (catheters, slings, artificial sphincters) are used, then urine flow control is achieved, but device complexity and surgical intervention requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable urethral plugs made from biodegradable materials that can be inserted and removed without surgical intervention. These single-use devices eliminate the complexity of permanent implants while providing reliable temporary urine flow control, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential function of urine flow control from complex surgical devices (slings, artificial sphincters) and implements it through a simple insertable plug. By removing unnecessary structural elements and focusing only on the core occlusion function, the device achieves reliability without complexity
2Reliability
If indwelling catheters are used, then urine collection is achieved, but discomfort and risk of infection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable nature of the plug eliminates the prolonged indwelling period required by traditional catheters, thereby reducing discomfort and infection risk while maintaining reliable urine collection during the brief insertion period
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its physical parameters (expanding from compressed to expanded state) upon contact with urine, enabling effective urine collection without requiring the continuous indwelling presence that causes discomfort and infection in traditional catheters
3Stability of the object's composition
If balloon-anchored plugs are used, then device anchoring is achieved, but bladder trigone irritation and pain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the balloon anchoring mechanism entirely, relying instead on the natural geometry of the urethra and the expanded plug material to provide sufficient anchoring. This extraction of the harmful balloon element eliminates bladder trigone irritation while maintaining device stability
Solution Approach 2:
The plug material itself acts as an intermediary between the urethral walls, providing anchoring through friction and geometric interlocking rather than through a separate balloon mechanism that irritates the bladder trigone
4Reliability
If externally compressive devices (vaginal inserts, condoms) are used, then urine flow obstruction is achieved, but comfort and discretion decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The device is inserted inside the urethra, nesting the occlusion function within the natural anatomy rather than applying external compression. This internal placement provides reliable urine flow obstruction while being discreet and comfortable, as it is invisible and does not require external 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 provides effective urine absorption and flow obstruction, is easy to use, minimally discomforting, and environmentally friendly, while allowing for sexual activity and reducing the need for costly medical interventions.
Implementation Method 1
said body comprised of absorbent material that expands upon contact with urine or bodily fluid
Implementation Method 2
featuring a mesh covering
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable device for absorbing urine and/or bodily fluids in the urethra having a cylindrical body about 4-8 mm in diameter by about 3-5 cm in length and having a top and bottom end. The body is made of absorbent material that expands upon contact with urine and bodily fluids and includes a string connected to the bottom end of the body for removing the device from the urethra. The device can be used to treat urinary incontinence and/or erectile dysfunction by inserting into the urethra and removing the device after it has been impregnated with fluid. The device can be included in a kit with a plunger for insertion.