Urine Collection Device with One-Way Valve and Segmented Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing urinary collection devices are invasive, complex, and uncomfortable, posing a risk of urinary infections and being cumbersome, while disposable alternatives often cause skin contact and are not reusable.

Innovation Solution

A urine collection device with a container, one-way valve, and adjustable straps, allowing urine to be collected and stored without skin contact, and can be washed and reused, featuring a flushing tube for cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If disposable diapers or incontinence pads are used, then urine collection is achieved, but skin contact with urine occurs and the device is not reusable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveurine collection effectivenessVSAvoidskin contact with urine

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the urine collection function from the skin-contact function. The collection bag is separated from the garment body, with the bag containing the urine and the garment providing skin protection. This segmentation allows the collection function to be effective while preventing harmful skin contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The garment acts as an intermediary between the skin and the urine collection bag. The waistband, leg openings, and overall garment structure serve as a barrier that prevents direct skin contact with urine while still allowing the collection bag to function effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If invasive urinary collection devices are used, then urine collection is achieved, but the user is at heightened risk for urinary infections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveurine collection effectivenessVSAvoidinfection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device extracts the collection bag from the body cavity, placing it externally in the perineal region rather than inserting it into the urethra or bladder. This extraction eliminates the invasive nature of the device while maintaining urine collection effectiveness, thereby reducing infection risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If existing urinary collection devices are used, then urine collection is achieved, but the device is complex and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveurine collection effectivenessVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges the collection bag with a simple garment structure consisting of a waistband and leg openings. This combination creates a unified, easy-to-wear device that eliminates the complexity of separate components while maintaining effective urine collection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The collection bag is made from flexible, thin material that can be easily integrated into the garment structure. This flexibility reduces the overall bulk and complexity of the device while maintaining its urine collection function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If reusable devices are designed, then the device can be washed and reused, but the device may cause skin contact with urine during use

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereusabilityVSAvoidskin contact with urine

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the collection function from the skin-contact garment. The collection bag can be removed, washed, and reused independently while the garment provides continuous skin protection. This segmentation enables reusability without compromising skin protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 effectively collects and stores urine without skin contact, reducing infection risk and providing a comfortable, reusable solution for managing incontinence during various activities.

Implementation Method 1

a one-way valve selectively covering the lower opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOne-way valve: Valve

Implementation Method 2

The bypass unit receives fluid flowing through the one way valve and directs the fluid into at least one of the storage containers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow direction:

Implementation Method 3

the urine collection device includes a flushing tube through which a cleaning fluid may be directed into the device while the device is worn by a user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid spray cleaning: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS10588774B2Urine collection device

Publication Date: 2020.03.17 ALHAQQAN ALI R A A

AI summary

A urine collection device can collect urine excreted from the body while protecting the skin from contact with the urine. The urine collection device includes a urine collection container having an upper opening, a lower opening, a reservoir extending between the upper opening and the lower opening, a one-way valve selectively covering the lower opening, a waistband, a plurality of upper connection straps connected to an upper portion of the urine collection container and the waist band, first and second thigh loops, a plurality of lower connection straps, and first and second storage containers. Each lower connection strap is connected to a respective thigh loop and a lower portion of the urine collection container. The bypass unit is connected to the urine collection container and the first and second storage containers.