With U

它是什么?

With U is a recovery product for neurogenic bladder patients. It tracks bladder capacity, controls urination frequency to prevent disuse atrophy and helps rebuild urination reflex. By enhancing experience of using catheters, it brings convenience to users.

你的灵感

Catheters in current use can satisfy the daily needs of patients suffering from neurogenic bladder, a disease causing inability to pass urine. But long-period use of catheters result in irreversible disuse atrophy of bladder, patients have to rely on catheters even if they can be cured in the future. Hence, we want to design something for them to keep their bladders from shrinking and to rebuild their urination reflex, in a word, to help them safely go through the whole recovery journey. After studying the existing measures to prevent disuse atrophy of bladder and how they works, we find out that a smart urine controller can be useful.

如何运作？

Users in recovery will go through 2 stages.The system includes a smart controller, redesigned drainage bags, drainage tubes, leg straps and an app.Fixed on user’s thigh with straps, the controller connects the catheter and drainage bag or tube. The valve inside the controller is normally closed so urine accumulates in the bladder. Using a sensor to track pressure inside the bladder and data will be sent to app. In stage 1, a drainage bag is used to collect urine. The controller won't open the valve until  the bladder is 80% full. Thus, user is saved from disuse atrophy of bladder muscles. In stage 2, a drainage tube is used. The controller will vibrate when the bladder is full, reminding user to urinate at washroom. A groove on the surface of the controller help user find the buttons over their clothes. To open the valve, user must press both buttons on the sides of the controller. In the app, user can check real-time data and the recovery of bladder capacity

设计过程

During the design process we mainly focused on optimizing the safety and user friendliness of device and the drainage bag while trying to improve the whole system of neurogenic bladder treatment. The external form of the controller has changed from the very first disc-like round to a round-like rectangle, with a designed angle enabling the device to fit body better. We worked on our buttons, changing the location of switch and drainage buttons from the front surface to both sides, redesigning the triggering mode of drainage buttons from long touching to pushing both at the same time, and having developed a groove on the surface of the controller to help users find the buttons over their clothes, thus preventing mistakenly touching and enabling users to easily locate the buttons under their cloths. We also changed the positions of inner parts like batteries, sensors, etc. and took water-proof methods into consideration according to the development of the external look. Besides, we experimented on different ways of dotting on our drainage bag to find out the better solution to maintain the shape of the bag against gravity when filled with urine and improved UI interface, joints of tubes and other details to make the whole system safe and easy to use.

它有什么不同？

While catheters in current use serve as basic medical tools for neurogenic bladder, saving patients from present pain, With U does more and takes patients' future into consideration. We have introduced the current-using method of training bladder muscles used in hospitals to our product, so it can help train users' bladder muscles in daily life, thus preventing possible disuse atrophy of bladder from happening and giving users chances to go back to normal life after a long period use of catheters. Besides, by severing as an experienced nurse who knows users' bladder condition better than themselves, With U saves users from potential health risk. Unlike traditional catheters, by days of training using With U, it is possible for patients to recover from neurogenic bladder without their bladders atrophying.

未来计划

We have done several tests of the cross-correlation technique as well as ways of using it. In the next step, In the next step, we hope to complete the prototype and bring testing for more patients and long-term treatment. In the future, we will develop a smarter, smaller device to carry to minimize the inconvenience caused by wearing equipment on the thigh. We'd love to see our design being put into production so that patients now suffering can lead a better life.

奖项