Vacuum-Secured Fluid Collection Device Preventing Leaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid collection devices for individuals with limited or impaired mobility, such as bed pans and urinary catheters, face issues like discomfort, pressure ulcers, hygiene problems, and urinary tract infections, and external catheters can leak due to size or improper placement.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collection assembly with securement elements, including a fluid collection device having a chamber and an opening for fluid communication with the urethra, secured using a conduit and a portable vacuum source to prevent leaks and movement, featuring a fluid impermeable barrier and a permeable body to wick fluids effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external catheters are used to improve user comfort, then user comfort is improved, but leaks may occur due to size of the user, movement of the external catheter, and/or improper placement
Solution Approach 1:
The external catheter system is divided into multiple functional segments: a collection device with chamber for fluid collection, a securement element for attachment to the user's body, and a conduit for fluid removal. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the collection device maintains comfort while the securement element ensures reliable positioning to prevent leaks
Solution Approach 2:
The securement element is designed to be applied to the user's body before the catheter is placed, creating a pre-prepared attachment mechanism that ensures proper positioning. This preliminary securement prevents movement and improper placement that would otherwise lead to leaks, while maintaining user comfort through proper distribution of securing forces
2Quantity of substance
If bed pans are used for fluid collection, then fluid collection capability is provided, but discomfort, pressure ulcers, spills, and hygiene issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The external catheter acts as an intermediary between the urethra and the collection chamber, providing a controlled pathway for fluid collection. This eliminates the need for direct contact between collection devices and the user's body surfaces, thereby preventing discomfort, pressure ulcers, and hygiene issues while maintaining effective fluid collection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical contact-based collection method of bed pans with a fluid dynamics-based approach using a conduit connected to a portable vacuum source. This substitution eliminates the need for large mechanical collection devices that cause discomfort and hygiene problems, while maintaining efficient fluid collection through controlled suction
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 solution provides secure, comfortable, and effective fluid collection by preventing leaks and movement of the device, reducing the risk of infections and improving user comfort, while allowing for efficient fluid removal through a vacuum system.
Implementation Method 1
a portable vacuum source to prevent leaks and movement
Implementation Method 2
a permeable body to wick fluids effectively
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein are fluid collection assemblies including one or more securement elements and methods for collecting fluids with the fluid collection assemblies. In an embodiment, a fluid collection assembly includes a fluid collection device and means for securing the fluid collection device to the user with a fluid permeable body of the fluid collection device positioned proximate to the urethra of the user through the opening in a fluid impermeable barrier of the fluid collection device.