Wheelchair-Mounted Urine Collection Pump and Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional urine collection devices, such as bed pans and urinary catheters, are uncomfortable, prone to spills, and can cause hygiene issues, and are limited in use for individuals with mobility impairments or restricted travel conditions, requiring a more discreet and mobile solution.

Innovation Solution

A portable urine collection system comprising a urine collection device, a conduit, a pump, and a sensor, which is secured to a wheelchair, allowing for discreet and mobile urine collection, with a sensor to detect urine volume and alert caregivers when full, and a pump to efficiently collect urine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bed pans and urinary catheters are used for urine collection, then urine collection function is achieved, but comfort and hygiene are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveurine collection functionVSAvoiddiscomfort and hygiene issues

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical urine collection devices (bed pans, catheters) with a portable collection system that uses a pump to transfer urine from a collection device to a container. This substitution eliminates the need for user contact with the collection vessel, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving reliable urine collection and maintaining comfort/hygiene.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary pump mechanism that mediates the urine transfer process. Instead of the user directly handling the collection container or catheter, the pump serves as an intermediary device that automatically transfers urine from the collection device to the container, eliminating direct contact and associated hygiene issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional urine collection devices are used, then urine collection is achieved, but mobility and discretion are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveurine collection functionVSAvoidmobility and travel conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the urine collection system into separate functional modules: a portable collection device, a pump unit, and a container. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized for portability and mobility, enabling the system to be used in various travel conditions while maintaining reliable urine collection function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a dynamic, adaptable system where the pump can be manually or automatically activated based on the user's mobility needs. The system can adapt to different scenarios including travel, bed rest, and ambulation, providing versatile urine collection capability across diverse conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If a pump system is added to the urine collection device, then urine collection efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveurine collection efficiencyVSAvoidsystem components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service pump system that can operate automatically based on sensors detecting urine presence or container fullness. This automation improves collection efficiency while reducing the need for complex manual operation mechanisms, as the system serves itself by automatically initiating and stopping the pump based on predefined conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The pump system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can collect urine, monitor volume through integrated sensors, and alert users when the container is full. This multi-functionality improves overall productivity while consolidating multiple components into a single integrated system, thereby managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables users with mobility impairments to collect urine discreetly and on-the-go, reducing discomfort and hygiene issues, while allowing caregivers to manage the collection process effectively through alerts and efficient urine transfer.

Implementation Method 1

a pump secured to the urine collection container and configured to promote urine from the urine collection device through the conduit into the urine collection container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Data Source

PatentUS20240058520A1Wheelchair securable urine collection systems and related methods

Publication Date: 2024.02.22 PUREWICK CORP

AI summary

Examples relate to portable urine collection systems and methods of use and assembly. The portable urine collection system (10) may include a urine collection device (12) configured to be positioned at least proximate to a urethra of a user, a conduit (17) in fluid communication with the urine collection device, a urine collection container (14) having an interior region, a pump (16) secured to the urine collection container and configured to promote urine from the urine collection device through the conduit into the urine collection container, and a sensor secured to the container and configured to detect a property relating at least to a volume of the urine in the urine collection container.