Urine Collection Indicators for Overflow, Kink, and Pressure Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional urine collection devices, such as bed pans and urinary catheters, are uncomfortable, prone to spills, and can cause hygiene issues, and are limited to use when a patient is confined to a bed in a supine position, making them unsuitable for individuals with limited mobility or restricted travel conditions.

Innovation Solution

A urine collection system equipped with volume, pressure, and flow indicators that include a urine collection device, a canister, and conduits connected to a pump, featuring indicators to detect urine volume, flow, and pressure, allowing for real-time monitoring and alerting users or caregivers of system conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional bed pans and urinary catheters are used for urine collection, then urine collection function is achieved, but user comfort deteriorates and hygiene issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveurine collection functionVSAvoiddiscomfort, spills, hygiene issues

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical urine collection devices (bed pans, catheters) with a wearable urine collection system that uses a pump-driven vacuum mechanism to actively draw urine into a portable canister. This substitution eliminates the need for user positioning in supine bed position and reduces discomfort by using active suction rather than passive collection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the pressure parameter by creating negative pressure (vacuum) within the canister through the pump mechanism. This pressure differential actively draws urine from the collection device into the canister, preventing spills and improving hygiene by containing urine within a sealed portable container rather than allowing open collection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional urine collection devices are used, then urine collection is achieved, but adaptability to different positions and mobility levels deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveurine collection functionVSAvoidposition independence, mobility adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic urine collection system where the pump can be activated or deactivated based on operational needs, and the canister can be removed and repositioned. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to different user positions and mobility levels, transitioning from active pump operation to passive collection as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The wearable urine collection system is designed to be universally applicable across different user scenarios including supine, sitting, and standing positions. The portable canister and pump mechanism can function in various orientations and mobility conditions, making the system versatile for individuals with limited mobility who may be in different positions rather than confined to a bed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If no volume, pressure, or flow indicators are included, then device simplicity is maintained, but monitoring capability and user awareness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidurine volume, pressure, flow information

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates visual indicators that change color or display patterns to indicate system status such as urine volume levels, pressure conditions, and flow rates. These color-changing indicators provide immediate visual feedback to users about system conditions without requiring complex electronic displays or additional sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system includes self-monitoring capabilities where the indicators automatically detect and display urine volume, pressure, and flow information without requiring external monitoring equipment or manual measurement. The pump system itself provides feedback about its own operation and the collection status, eliminating the need for separate monitoring devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 quick and hygienic urine collection by preventing overfilling, kinking, and ensuring proper pressure, enhancing user comfort and convenience for individuals with limited mobility or restricted travel conditions.

Implementation Method 1

activating a pump in fluid communication with the interior region of the canister through a second conduit effective to create a negative pressure in the canister and draw urine from the urine collection device through the first conduit into the interior region of the canister

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS12575960B2Urine collection systems having one or more of volume, pressure, or flow indicators, and related methods

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 PUREWICK CORP

AI summary

Examples relate to devices, systems, and methods for fluid collection such as urine. A urine collection system includes a urine collection device configured to be positioned at least proximate to a urethra of a user, a canister having an interior region, a first conduit in fluid communication with the urine collection device and the canister, and one or more of a urine volume indicator, a flow indicator, and/or a pressure indicator.