Urine collection device and a method of emptying urine from a container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urine collection bags with anti-reflux valves are difficult to empty without making a mess and can be unhygienic, often requiring the bag to be torn open, which complicates disposal and can lead to contamination.
Innovation Solution
A urine collection bag with a foil anti-reflux valve that includes a tube member shorter than the valve, allowing the valve to be pushed back to expose the tube for easy emptying without contact with the fluid, and a cap to maintain hygiene and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bag is provided with an anti-reflux valve to prevent urine leakage, then the reliability of the sealing function is improved, but the ease of operation for emptying the bag deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-reflux valve is segmented into multiple foil layers (first, second, third layers) with welds creating distinct chambers. This segmentation allows the valve to be pushed back in a controlled manner to expose the tube member for emptying, while maintaining reliable sealing when in the closed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The foil valve is designed to be dynamically movable between a closed position (providing reliable sealing) and an open position (exposing the tube member for emptying). The flexible foil material allows the valve to be pushed back and forth, enabling easy emptying operation while maintaining sealing reliability when needed.
2Volume of moving object
If the bag is made thin and compact for portability, then the volume and weight are reduced, but the ease of operation for emptying deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tube member is nested within the foil valve structure, with the tube extending into the valve's internal chambers. This nesting allows the emptying mechanism to be integrated within the compact bag structure, enabling easy emptying operation without increasing the overall bag volume or weight.
3Ease of operation
If the bag is torn open to empty the urine, then the ease of operation for emptying is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors (mess and hygiene issues) increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tube member acts as an intermediary element that provides a controlled pathway for urine to exit the bag. Instead of tearing the bag open, the user pushes the foil valve back to expose the tube, allowing urine to be drained through this intermediate structure. This prevents direct contact with urine and eliminates the mess and hygiene issues associated with tearing the bag.
4Ease of operation
If the tube member is made long to extend through the valve, then the ease of operation for emptying is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tube member is positioned locally within specific chambers of the foil valve structure, extending into the first and second chambers but not unnecessarily throughout the entire valve length. The welds are strategically placed to create the necessary chambers and pathways, minimizing complexity while ensuring the tube is properly positioned for effective emptying operation.
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
Enables clean and mess-free emptying of the urine collection bag without additional equipment, keeping the user's hands dry and the surroundings clean, while allowing the bag to be folded or rolled for discreet disposal.
Implementation Method 1
an anti-reflux valve at the inlet
Implementation Method 2
use gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A urine collection bag (1) comprising an anti-reflux valve in the form of a foil valve (8), located at the inlet (5) of the bag. The valve secures a liquid tight seal of the bag when filled and that no reflux occurs during catheterization. The bag comprises a tube member (11) that can be brought in a position so as to bypass the foil valve and the bag can be emptied in an easy and non-messy way.