Portable Urinal Inlet Valve Shape for Backflow-Free Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable urinals face issues with backflow and spillage due to inadequate valve designs, leading to unsanitary conditions and increased risk of infections for bedridden patients, as current solutions either obstruct the flow path or have weak, flimsy membranes that fail to seal effectively.
Innovation Solution
A portable urinal with a valve assembly featuring a shaped sidewall contour that directs liquid flow into sealable openings, coupled with a flexible membrane supported by an elongated member to ensure effective sealing against backflow, eliminating liquid gathering recesses and providing sufficient support to prevent urine from leaking back out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a valve assembly with a flat plate and multiple openings is used, then liquid flow is permitted through the openings, but the flat plate creates a liquid gathering recess that traps liquid and prevents it from passing through
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly replaces the flat plate with a curved or domed configuration. This curvature eliminates the liquid gathering recess by creating a surface that naturally directs liquid flow toward the openings, preventing liquid accumulation and ensuring complete drainage through the valve structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the problematic flat plate component that creates the liquid gathering recess. By extracting this specific element and replacing it with a curved surface integrated into the valve assembly, the design eliminates the harmful liquid trapping effect while maintaining the flow-permitting function.
2Ease of operation
If a thin resilient membrane is used to allow weak liquid streams to flex, then the membrane is flexible enough to move, but the membrane is weak and may fold or curl, failing to seal against backflow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a flexible membrane made of elastomeric material that is thin enough to be responsive to weak liquid streams yet sufficiently robust to maintain structural integrity. The membrane is configured to flex outward in response to incoming liquid flow while maintaining its sealing capability against the valve assembly openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly integrates the flexible elastomeric membrane with a supportive structural framework. This composite construction provides the membrane with the necessary mechanical strength and rigidity to prevent folding and curling, while preserving its flexibility to respond to liquid flow and maintain the seal against backflow.
3Device complexity
If a valve bottom is disposed at a right angle to the tube, then the valve structure is simple, but the obstruction extends into the flow path and forms a liquid gathering recess
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly transitions from a right-angle flat plate configuration to a curved or domed structure. This curvature redesign maintains structural simplicity while eliminating the liquid gathering recess by creating a surface that naturally channels liquid flow toward the openings, preventing accumulation and ensuring complete drainage.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the valve plate extend perpendicular to the flow path (creating an obstruction), the invention inverts the approach by curving the valve surface to follow the flow direction. This inversion transforms the obstruction into a flow-guiding element that directs liquid toward the openings rather than blocking it.
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 solution effectively prevents backflow and spillage, ensuring a clean and safe urination experience for patients by maintaining a clear flow path and ensuring the membrane seals properly, reducing the risk of infections and the workload for caretakers.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane is flexible and flexes away from the sidewall when a liquid moves through the opening along a flow path from the outside to the reservoir. The membrane seals against the sidewall when liquid moves against the flow path.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable urinal that includes a container defining a liquid reservoir and a spout extending therefrom. The spout has an inlet for receiving a liquid. A valve assembly is disposed within the spout. The valve assembly has an interior region and an exterior region. The valve assembly includes a sidewall and one or more sealable openings for permitting flow of a liquid into the reservoir, while resisting undesired flow of the liquid out of the reservoir. The openings defining the line between the interior region and the exterior region. The valve assembly sidewall has a shaped contour structured to direct liquid flow into the openings.