External Urine Collection System with Adhesive Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urine collection methods for individuals with limited mobility or impaired mobility, such as those using urinary catheters or bed pans, are uncomfortable, prone to complications, and can lead to hygiene issues, particularly for males with urinary incontinence.
Innovation Solution
A urine collection system comprising a fluid impermeable casing, a fluid permeable support, and a fluid permeable membrane, configured to receive urine from the urethral opening and transport it through a tube for collection, designed to accommodate a penis comfortably and minimize contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If urinary catheters are used to collect urine, then urine collection is achieved, but discomfort and infections occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a condom-style catheter as an intermediary device that collects urine externally without inserting anything into the urethra. The catheter is wrapped around the penis and secured with adhesive, creating a barrier that captures urine before it can cause discomfort or infection associated with traditional internal catheters.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the urine collection function from the urethral interior and relocates it to the external surface of the penis. By placing the collection bag and adhesive securing mechanism on the external surface, the design eliminates the need for internal catheter insertion while maintaining effective urine collection.
2Reliability
If bed pans are used for toileting, then urine collection is achieved, but spills and hygiene issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The condom-style catheter acts as an intermediary that directly captures urine at the source (urethral opening) and channels it into a sealed collection bag. This prevents urine from spilling onto bedding or surrounding areas, eliminating the hygiene issues associated with traditional bed pans.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the passive mechanical system of bed pans (which require manual positioning and are prone to spilling) with an active adhesive-based system that secures the collection device directly to the body, ensuring reliable urine capture without spills.
3Reliability
If condom-style catheters are used, then urine collection is achieved, but they are difficult to manipulate and do not stay on reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the catheter with self-adhering properties where the adhesive material on the back of the collection bag sticks to itself when pressed together. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manipulation or additional securing steps, allowing the device to be easily applied and securely retained.
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 system provides a comfortable and hygienic means of urine collection and transport, reducing the risk of infections and spills, suitable for various positions and user types, including males and females.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid permeable membrane disposed on the support and covering at least a portion of the support. The fluid permeable membrane at least partially defines a cavity
Implementation Method 2
a fluid permeable support defining a reservoir. The support is disposed within the interior region
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A system suitable for collecting and transporting urine away from the body of a person or animal may include an assembly having a fluid impermeable casing, a fluid permeable membrane, and a fluid permeable support. A reservoir is defined by the fluid permeable support. The fluid permeable membrane can define a cavity. The casing can define an opening such that the cavity is accessible via the opening. The assembly can also include an outlet in fluidic communication with the reservoir. The assembly can be arranged such that a user's penis can be disposed through the opening with the urethral opening disposed within the cavity and such that a fluid can flow into the body from the urethral opening of the user's penis, collect in the reservoir, and flow out of the outlet.