External Urine Collection System with Barrier Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a device that can collect urine from a person or animal comfortably and with minimal contamination of the user and/or the surrounding area, particularly for individuals with limited or impaired mobility.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a fluid impermeable casing with a reservoir and an outlet, a longitudinally extending fluid impermeable layer defining an opening between the reservoir and outlet, a fluid permeable support and membrane within the casing, and a tube connecting the reservoir to the outlet for urine collection and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a urinary catheter is used to collect urine, then urine collection is achieved, but user comfort deteriorates and infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the urine collection system into separate functional components: an external collection bag positioned away from the urethra, a positioning member that guides urine flow, and a barrier layer that prevents direct contact with the urethral opening. This segmentation eliminates the need for a catheter inserted into the urethra while maintaining effective urine collection.
2Reliability
If a bed pan is used for urine collection, then urine collection is achieved, but hygiene and contamination control worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning member acts as an intermediary element that directs urine flow from the urethral opening into the collection bag without requiring direct contact between the user and the collection container. The barrier layer further mediates by preventing accidental contact with urine, thus maintaining hygiene and reducing contamination risks.
3Productivity
If direct urine collection near the urethra is implemented, then collection efficiency improves, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier layer is strategically positioned only at the urethral opening area where contamination risk is highest, while the rest of the collection bag remains accessible for efficient urine collection. This localized protection maintains collection efficiency while minimizing contamination risk at the critical interface.
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 effectively collects and transports urine away from the body, reducing discomfort and contamination risks, while maintaining hygiene and ease of use for individuals with mobility impairments.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid permeable membrane disposed on the support and covering at least the portion of the support that extends across the elongated opening
Implementation Method 2
US patent application Ser. No. 15/171,968, filed Jun. 2, 2016, entitled 'Using Wicking Material To Collect Liquid For Transport'
Data Source
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 having a fluid reservoir at a first end, a fluid outlet at a second end, and a longitudinally extending fluid impermeable layer coupled to the fluid reservoir and the fluid outlet and defining a longitudinally elongated opening between the reservoir and the outlet. The assembly can further include a fluid permeable support disposed within the casing with a portion extending across the elongated opening, and a fluid permeable membrane disposed on the support and covering at least the portion of the support that extends across the elongated opening, so that the membrane is supported on the support and disposed across the elongated opening. The assembly can further include a tube having a first end disposed in the reservoir and a second, fluid discharge end.