Portable Urinal with Vacuum Suction for Nocturia Spillage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable urinals are inadequate for nocturia, as they often result in spillage and are not suitable for use while sitting, standing, or lying down, particularly affecting individuals with nocturia who need to urinate frequently during the night, leading to disrupted sleep and fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A portable urinal device with a retractable hollow tube and a suction mechanism, equipped with a head member adaptable for both male and female genitalia, that creates negative pressure to collect urine in a receptacle, reducing spillage and allowing use in various positions, including lying down, with automatic pump activation and a built-in cleaning facility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional portable urinals are used, then portability is achieved, but spillage occurs and they are not suitable for use while sitting, standing, or lying down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vacuum pump to create negative pressure within a hollow tube, generating suction that draws urine from the user's genitalia through the tube and into a collection receptacle. This pneumatic mechanism enables reliable urine collection without spillage while allowing the user to remain in various positions including lying down, sitting, or standing.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into distinct functional components: a hollow tube for urine transport, a collection receptacle for storage, a vacuum pump for suction generation, and a control system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, contributing to overall reliability and ease of operation in various positions.
2Ease of operation
If individuals with nocturia get up to urinate during the night, then urination need is met, but sleep patterns are disrupted and daytime fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables individuals to urinate independently in the comfort of their own bed without needing to transfer to a toilet. The portable urinal with vacuum suction system allows self-service urination while maintaining the sleeping position, thereby eliminating sleep disruption and daytime fatigue associated with frequent nighttime bathroom trips.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional portable urinals are designed with a simple opening, then manufacturing is easy, but they cannot accommodate both male and female genitalia
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates interchangeable head members that can be attached to the hollow tube. Different head members are designed to accommodate different types of genitalia (male or female). This universal design allows a single base device to serve multiple functions and user needs, achieving adaptability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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 minimizes the need to exit the bed, reducing light stimulation and promoting better sleep by enabling discreet and spill-free urination, improving daytime functionality for individuals with nocturia and enhancing convenience for both users and caregivers.
Implementation Method 1
A pump creates a negative pressure in the hollow tube for suctioning urine from the user's genitalia through the hollow tube and into the urine receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A portable urinal device includes a base forming a liquid receptacle. Tubing extends from the base to a head member which can be positioned onto genitalia for urination. Suction is provided via a pump or vacuum device to suction urine from the head into the base receptacle.