Vacuum-Driven Fluid Liner Assembly for Hygienic Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional urine collection systems are uncomfortable, prone to spills, and hygiene issues, and are limited in use for individuals with mobility impairments or restricted travel conditions, requiring improved devices and methods for efficient fluid collection and disposal.
Innovation Solution
A portable fluid collection system comprising a fluid collection device, a rectangular-shaped container, and a pump that creates a partial vacuum to draw fluid into the container, along with a drainage tube and carrying case for easy handling and disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional bed pans are used for fluid collection, then fluid collection is achieved, but discomfort and hygiene issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid collection function into separate components: an external collection device positioned near the urethra, a sealed container for storage, and a drainage system for disposal. This segmentation eliminates direct contact between the user and the collection container, improving both comfort and hygiene.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sealed container system that mediates between the user and the collected fluid. The fluid is transferred through sealed connections and pumped into the container, preventing direct exposure and maintaining hygiene while improving user comfort.
2Ease of operation
If conventional urinary catheters are used, then fluid collection is achieved, but discomfort, pain, and urinary tract infections occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the collection function from the user's body by using an external collection device positioned near the urethra rather than inserting a catheter internally. This segmentation eliminates the trauma and infection risk associated with internal catheterization while maintaining collection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
An external collection device acts as an intermediary between the user and the collection container. The device collects fluid externally through sealed connections, eliminating the need for internal catheterization and its associated discomfort and infection risks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional urine collection devices are used, then fluid collection is achieved, but portability is limited when patient is confined to bed
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with universal applicability for multiple positions and settings. The external collection device can be positioned near the urethra regardless of whether the patient is in bed, sitting, or moving, making the system adaptable to various mobility conditions and locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates flexible positioning capabilities where the collection device can be adjusted to different positions and orientations based on the patient's posture and mobility needs, enabling use whether confined to bed or more mobile.
4Reliability
If conventional collection containers are used, then fluid collection is achieved, but spills and cleaning inconvenience occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a disposable liner assembly that is discarded after use, eliminating the need for cleaning the collection container. The liner prevents spills through its sealed construction and is disposed of with the collected fluid, making the system both spill-proof and cleanable.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner assembly is extracted as a separate removable component from the collection container. This allows the liner to be disposed of with the fluid while the container itself requires minimal cleaning, separating the contamination function from the container structure.
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 simplifies fluid collection and disposal, reducing discomfort and hygiene issues, and allows for more portable and efficient urine collection, minimizing odors and cleaning inconvenience.
Implementation Method 1
a pump in fluid communication with the fluid collection container and configured to pull an at least partial vacuum on an interior region of the fluid collection container effective to draw fluid from a fluid collection device into the fluid collection container
Data Source
AI summary
Examples relate to devices, systems, and methods for fluid collection. A fluid collection system may include a fluid collection device configured to collect fluid discharged from a user, a fluid collection container configured to receive the fluid from the fluid collection device, a pump in fluid communication with the fluid collection container configured to pull an at least partial vacuum on an interior region of the fluid collection container effective to draw fluid from the fluid collection device into the fluid collection container. The fluid collection container is a rectangular shape.