Wearable Urine Collector Check Valve for Backflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable urinary collection apparatuses face challenges in effectively preventing backflow and leakage of urine, especially during activities that apply pressure, and may hinder urine flow into the collection receptacle, causing discomfort and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A wearable urinary collection apparatus with a tubular collection receptacle featuring a constriction and a check valve, an expandable entrance opening, and a tubular member with a check valve to prevent backflow, along with a harness for secure attachment, enhances urine collection and prevents leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a check valve is added to prevent backflow, then backflow prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is designed to automatically open and close based on urine flow direction without external control. Urine flow pressure opens the valve to allow passage, and when flow stops or reverses, the valve closes automatically using the weight and elasticity of the flap, eliminating the need for mechanical actuators or complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve function is extracted as a separate, simple component (flap valve) that can be independently manufactured and attached to the collection receptacle. This modular approach allows the backflow prevention function to be added without redesigning the entire apparatus, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability
2Reliability
If a constriction is formed in the collection receptacle, then backflow prevention is improved, but urine flow may be hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The constriction is applied locally at a specific position in the collection receptacle rather than throughout the entire structure. This localized narrowing creates a choke point for backflow prevention while maintaining adequate flow cross-section elsewhere in the receptacle, allowing urine to flow freely during voiding while blocking reverse flow when the bladder contracts or the user moves
Solution Approach 2:
The collection receptacle is segmented into different zones with different diameter characteristics - a wider upper portion for storage and a constricted lower portion near the check valve for backflow prevention. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other
3Ease of operation
If an expandable entrance opening is provided, then ease of insertion is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The entrance opening is designed with elastic or flexible material that allows it to dynamically change size. During insertion, the opening expands elastically to accommodate the penis, and after insertion, it returns to its original constricted state to prevent backflow and leakage. This dynamic behavior provides ease of insertion without requiring complex mechanical expansion mechanisms
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 apparatus effectively prevents backflow and leakage, ensuring comfortable and efficient urine collection even during active movements, while being cost-effective and easy to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
The check valve is configured to permit urine to freely pass from the constricted opening into the tubular member. The check valve is also configured to block urine from flowing from the tubular member into the constricted opening.
Implementation Method 2
The constriction defines a constricted opening at the intermediate position that has a diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the collection receptacle. Accordingly, the urine which a user discharges into the collection receptacle must pass through the constricted opening to pass further inward of the collection receptacle from the constriction.
Implementation Method 3
The expandable entrance opening may include an elastic band that normally urges the expandable entrance opening to engage the user's penis.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable urinary collection system include a sleeve and a tubular membrane. The sleeve is configured to extend around at least a portion of a penis of a user. The tubular membrane is configured to collect urinary fluid within a volume. The tubular membrane may include a redundant fluid collection portion configured to extend around at least a portion of the sleeve and may also include a series of seals each extending along a width of the tubular membrane. The series of seals may be spaced along a length of the tubular membrane that is perpendicular to the width. Each of the seals may include an aperture. A guide tube may be configured to extend through the aperture of some of the seals to form a fluid flow path through the guide tube and the aperture of remaining ones of the seals into the volume.