Wearable Urinary Relief Interface for Aircrew Hydration Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircrew, especially female aircrew, face challenges in urinating during flights without removing restraint systems, leading to dehydration due to reduced liquid intake, necessitating a safe and effective urinary relief system.
Innovation Solution
A human interface for a urinary relief system comprising a body with a fluid cavity and an outlet, coupled to a storage unit and control unit, allowing for discreet and comfortable urine collection and storage under flight conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If aircrew ingest fewer liquids to reduce the need to urinate during flights, then the frequency of urination is reduced, but dehydration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The human interface device enables aircrew to independently manage urinary relief during flight without requiring assistance or removal of flight equipment. The device is self-contained with collection, storage, and disposal functions integrated into a single wearable unit that operates autonomously throughout the flight.
Solution Approach 2:
The human interface device is designed to be worn underneath flight equipment and restraint systems, nesting the urinary relief function within the existing flight gear configuration. This allows the device to be integrated without adding external bulk or requiring removal of safety equipment.
2Ease of operation
If aircrew use traditional urinary relief methods during flights, then urination can be achieved, but flight equipment and restraint systems must be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The human interface device is designed to be worn underneath flight equipment and restraint systems, nesting the urinary relief function within the existing flight gear configuration. This allows the device to be integrated without adding external bulk or requiring removal of safety equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes flexible, conformal structures that adapt to the body shape and can be worn comfortably under tight-fitting flight equipment. The flexible design allows the device to accommodate movement and positioning requirements during flight without compromising flight safety equipment integrity.
3Ease of operation
If existing urinary relief systems are used, then urination function is provided, but the systems are complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The human interface device combines collection, storage, and disposal functions into a single integrated unit. The collection receptacle, absorbent material, and waste management components are merged into one wearable device, eliminating the need for multiple separate systems and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves multiple functions simultaneously: collecting urine, storing it in containment, managing waste through absorbent material, and maintaining compatibility with various flight equipment configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A human interface for a urinary relief system is disclosed herein. The human interface includes a body including a top, a bottom, a front, a back, a first side, and a second side, a fluid cavity defined by the bottom, the front, the back, the first side, and the second side, the fluid cavity open through an opening in the top of the body, and an outlet extending from the fluid cavity and through the bottom, the outlet located near the back and centered between the first side and the second side.