Fluid Collection Device Using Vacuum Extraction and Permeable Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid collection devices, such as bed pans and urinary catheters, face issues like discomfort, spills, hygiene problems, and urinary tract infections, making them inadequate for individuals with limited mobility or restricted travel conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collection device featuring an elongated fluid impermeable barrier with a chamber and an aperture for urine collection, combined with a fluid permeable body that uses a vacuum source for efficient urine extraction, manufactured through methods like injection molding, welding, or heat shrinking, to improve comfort and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bed pans are used for urine collection, then urine collection is achieved, but discomfort and hygiene issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible, conformable urine collection device with a thin film or shell structure that adapts to the user's anatomy, providing comfort while maintaining hygiene through its designed fluid collection and containment features
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates porous materials that allow for selective permeability, enabling comfort through breathability or fluid interaction while maintaining hygiene by controlling fluid flow and preventing unwanted contact
2Ease of operation
If urinary catheters are used for urine collection, then urine collection is achieved, but discomfort, pain, and urinary tract infections occur
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter device is divided into multiple functional segments or components, each performing a specific function such as fluid collection, drainage, or infection prevention, thereby reducing overall discomfort and minimizing intrusion into the urinary tract
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful or unnecessary components of traditional catheters are removed or extracted, leaving only the essential urine collection and drainage functions, thereby reducing pain and infection risk while maintaining effectiveness
3Ease of operation
If traditional fluid collection devices are used, then urine collection is achieved, but spills occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes pneumatic or hydraulic mechanisms such as vacuum-driven fluid removal or pressure-controlled containment to prevent spills by actively managing fluid flow and containment throughout the collection process
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 provides an efficient and comfortable means of urine collection, reducing the risk of infections and spills, while being easier to use and maintain, thus addressing the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
an aperture sized and dimensioned to have urine drawn therethrough by a vacuum source
Implementation Method 2
The elongated body is positioned at least partially within the chamber and extends at least partially across the opening, the elongated body being at least partially fluid permeable
Data Source
AI summary
Examples relate to fluid collection devices, and related systems and methods. In some embodiments, a fluid collection device includes an elongated fluid impermeable barrier and an elongated body. The fluid collection device includes at least one of the fluid impermeable barrier being an injection molded fluid impermeable barrier, the body including at least an extruded support, the fluid impermeable barrier including one or more regions of film welded together, the fluid impermeable barrier including a die cut foam fluid impermeable barrier, or the fluid impermeable barrier including a plastic tube welded at the proximal end region and the distal end region.