AIDA

The stylish and discreet portable external catheter system for females.

Designed while attending SJSU.

With AIDA here to help, females who struggle with urinary incontinence now can go anytime, anywhere with out fear and in a discreet, sanitary fashion.

how it works

a liquid sensor also built into the underwear detects wetness against the built in absorbent pad
the pump activates from the sensor starting to pump the urine into the contents pouch
the pump stops after collection is finished
the user can dispose of the contents pouch when convenient and replace with a new one

faux leather carrying case opening from the back with a indent for the pump tube to exit out of

portable peristaltic pump with battery light indications on the top, USB-C charging on the bottom and a textured on/off button on the side

Process

problem

Whether due to a disease or growing age, many women struggle with a condition called urinary incontinence, “the unintentional loss of urine.” This may not disrupt only their physical health, but also emotional and mental health as it may cause some of the following:

fear of going out & embarrassing accidents
increased isolation
less exercise leading to more health issue

key findings

stats about urinary incontinence:

75-80% of the 25 million American adults who struggle with urinary incontinence are women
24% of women btw. ages of 18-44
~23% of women age 60+

(Urinary Incontinence in Women Statistics, Phoenix Physical Therapy, PLC)

personal observations & inspiration

In January 2020, my Lola was hospitalized and while there, we were introduced to the Purewick.

The Purewick

The Purewick is an external catheter for females recently introduced to hospitals. It allows for safe urine extraction while also lowering the risk of UTIs since its not inserted into the body. It uses low pressure suction and since May 2020. it is being commercialized for at-home use with a stationary pump.