Urethral Meatus Seal With Odor Control for Female Incontinence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urinary incontinence products, such as absorbent pads and diapers, fail to prevent urine leakage effectively and often contain wetness and odor, while adhesive urethral meatus seals have limitations.
Innovation Solution
A biocompatible device with a resilient foam body and adhesive surface is designed to fit between the labia minora and vestibule floor, sealing the urethral meatus and incorporating odor-controlling substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If absorbent pads or diapers are used to contain urine leakage, then urine leakage is absorbed and contained, but wetness and odor are forced to be contained within the wearer's undergarments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful factors (urine and odor) from the wearer's body by providing a barrier that prevents urine from contacting the skin and undergarments. The absorbent pad is positioned to intercept urine before it can cause harm, effectively removing the harmful factor from the wearer's environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary substance (absorbent pad with odor-control agents) that mediates between the urine leakage and the wearer's undergarments. This intermediary layer absorbs urine and contains odor-control agents that neutralize or mask odors, preventing direct contact between urine and the wearer's clothing.
2Reliability
If adhesive urethral meatus seals are used to prevent urine leakage, then sealing engagement is provided, but the device complexity and potential for slippage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the sealing function into multiple components: a body portion that provides structural support and positioning, and a separate adhesive layer that provides sealing engagement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the body for fit and the adhesive for sealing - while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by providing adhesive only at specific locations where sealing is needed (around the urethral meatus) rather than covering the entire surface. This localized adhesive application provides effective sealing while minimizing the risk of slippage and reducing material usage.
3Reliability
If a device is designed to fit precisely between labia minora and vestibule floor, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but ease of insertion and removal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates dynamic elements that allow the device to adapt during insertion and removal. The body portion is designed with flexible materials that can deform during insertion to accommodate anatomical variations, and the adhesive layer can be gradually peeled during removal, making the process easier while maintaining precise fit and sealing effectiveness.
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 a fluid-tight seal against urine leakage, minimizes slippage, and reduces odor, enhancing comfort and hygiene for individuals with urinary incontinence.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive carried on at least a first portion of the surface and configured to provide a sealing engagement between the body and the urethral meatus
Implementation Method 2
a substance carried by at least one of the body and the adhesive and configured for controlling the odor of the general vaginal-urethral area of a female
Data Source
AI summary
A system for managing female incontinence includes a body of biocompatible material configured to fit between the labia minora and the vestibule floor, the body having a surface configured to occlude the urethral meatus, an adhesive carried on at least a first portion of the surface and configured to provide a sealing engagement between the body and the urethral meatus, and a substance carried by at least one of the body and the adhesive and configured for controlling the odor of the general vaginal-urethral area of a female.