Urinary Relief Device Suction Subsystem Against Gravity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircrew, particularly female aviators, face challenges in urinating during flights without removing restraint systems or flight equipment, as conventional urinary devices are bulky, uncomfortable, and not leak-proof, and often rely on gravity, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A urinary relief device with an intimate interface that includes a tray and pad for fluid capture, a suction sub-system to remove fluid against gravity, and a fluid removal system with discharge hoses connecting to a storage device, designed for ergonomic, discreet, and on-demand use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional urinary devices are used, then they can collect urine, but they are bulky and uncomfortable for aircrew during flights
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a wearable collection component with tray and pad, a fluid removal system with suction subsystem, and a storage component. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, reducing overall bulk while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces gravity-dependent mechanical drainage with an active suction subsystem that uses a pump to remove fluid. This substitution enables a more compact design without relying on large gravity-dependent collection angles or positions.
2Productivity
If gravity-based urinary devices are used, then they can collect urine, but they are inefficient and require frequent emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive gravity-based collection with an active fluid removal system that uses a suction subsystem with a pump to actively remove urine. This increases collection efficiency and allows for larger capacity storage without increasing device bulk, reducing emptying frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction subsystem operates continuously or periodically to remove urine from the collection tray, maintaining optimal collection conditions throughout the flight and enabling extended use without emptying.
3Ease of operation
If restraint systems and flight equipment are worn, then flight safety is maintained, but aircrew cannot urinate without removing them
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the urination function into a separate wearable component that can be used independently of flight restraints and equipment, allowing aircrew to maintain safety gear while accessing urinary relief.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed for self-contained operation with integrated collection, fluid removal, and storage functions, allowing aircrew to use it autonomously without assistance or removal of flight equipment.
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 comfortable, leak-proof, and efficient means for aircrew to relieve themselves during flights, ensuring fluid is removed against gravity, reducing the need for frequent device emptying and maintaining flight safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a suction sub-system configured to pull the fluid against gravity to remove the fluid from the fluid cavity
Implementation Method 2
the raised perimeter forming a seal between the portion of the user's body and the tray
Implementation Method 3
the pad may be formed of a wicking material to capture the fluid from the portion of the user's body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A female urinary relief device is disclosed. The device may include an intimate interface device (IID) (102) configured to be positioned intimate with a user's body. The IID may include a tray (110) including a raised perimeter (116) forming a seal between the user's body and the tray. The IID may include a fluid cavity (114) configured to capture fluid from the user's body. The IID may include a pad (112) including a slot (120) configured to provide an unobstructed route to the fluid cavity. The device may include a fluid removal system configured to remove the fluid from the fluid cavity and route the fluid to a storage device. The fluid removal system may include a suction sub-system (124) configured to pull the fluid against gravity to remove the fluid from the fluid cavity. The fluid removal system may include discharge hoses (106) configured to fluidically and mechanically couple the IID to the storage device.