Vacuum Pump Fluid Collection System with Real-Time Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid collection devices, such as bed pans and urinary catheters, suffer from discomfort, hygiene issues, and potential health risks, while existing battery-powered systems lack real-time monitoring and efficient fluid management.

Innovation Solution

A fluid collection system with a pump, sensor, and control system for real-time monitoring and efficient fluid transfer, utilizing a capacitive sensor to detect fluid volume and a vacuum pump for fluid collection, integrated with a control panel for accurate data communication and user interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If bed pans are used for fluid collection, then fluid collection is achieved, but discomfort and hygiene issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid collectionVSAvoiddiscomfort and hygiene issues
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the passive mechanical bed pan system with an active pump-based fluid transfer system. The pump mechanically draws fluid from the collection device to the container, eliminating the need for manual handling and improving hygiene while reducing user discomfort through automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a pump as an intermediary device between the fluid collection device and the storage container. This intermediary automates the fluid transfer process, eliminating direct contact and manual intervention, thereby improving hygiene conditions and user comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If urinary catheters are used for fluid collection, then fluid collection is achieved, but discomfort, pain, and health risks occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid collectionVSAvoiddiscomfort, pain, and health risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the invasive catheter-based mechanical system with a non-invasive or less invasive pump-based system. The pump creates negative pressure to draw fluid through a collection device, eliminating the need for catheter insertion and associated discomfort, pain, and infection risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pump serves as an intermediary that enables fluid collection without requiring invasive catheter placement. By using pressure differentials created by the pump, the system achieves fluid collection through a collection device rather than through catheter insertion, thereby eliminating associated health risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If battery-powered systems are used for fluid collection, then fluid collection is achieved, but real-time monitoring capability is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid collectionVSAvoidreal-time monitoring data
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates sensors that detect fluid properties and volume, providing real-time feedback to a control system. This feedback mechanism enables continuous monitoring of fluid collection parameters, allowing the system to adjust pump operation and provide accurate data on fluid volume and collection status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system includes sensors and control mechanisms that automatically monitor and track fluid collection without requiring external intervention. The control system processes sensor data and provides real-time information about fluid volume and collection status, enabling self-monitoring and reducing information loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If traditional fluid collection systems are used, then fluid collection is achieved, but efficient fluid management is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid collectionVSAvoidfluid management efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs sensors and control systems that provide real-time feedback on fluid volume and collection status. This enables efficient fluid management by allowing the system to optimize pump operation, track fluid accumulation, and provide accurate data for timely intervention or container replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual fluid management with an automated pump-based system controlled by electronic sensors and control circuits. This substitution enables efficient fluid transfer, automated monitoring, and improved productivity in fluid collection and management operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables real-time monitoring and efficient fluid collection with reduced discomfort and health risks, providing accurate data on fluid volume and system status through a user-friendly interface.

Implementation Method 1

The pump is configured to pull an at least partial vacuum to draw the fluid from the fluid collection device and into the fluid collection container.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a capacitive sensor to detect fluid volume

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4346713B1An intelligent pump-based fluid collection system
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 PUREWICK CORP
  • EP4346713B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4346713B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4346713B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Examples relate to devices, systems, and methods for collecting discharged fluids. A fluid collection system includes a fluid collection device configured to collect fluid discharged from a user and a fluid collection container configured to receive the fluid from the fluid collection device. The fluid collection system also includes a pump configured to pull an at least partial vacuum to draw the fluid from the fluid collection device and into the fluid collection container. The fluid collection system also includes a control system including at least one sensor configured to monitor at least one of a property or status of the fluid collection system and a controller operatively coupled to the at least one sensor and configured to communicate at least one of the property or the status of the fluid collection system to a control panel.