Team 3
Urine Collection Device for Female NASA Crew Members in Microgravity
Urine Collection Device for Female NASA Crew Members in Microgravity
Team Members:
Daniella Pautz
Victoria Dong
Abby Turcheck
Karla Sharbuno
Bryce Tucker
Team Mentor:
Kimia Seyedmadani - Research Operation Integration (ROI) Group at NASA
Keith Tucker - Research Operation Integration (ROI) Group at NASA
YouTube Link:
View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting
Zoom Link:
https://asu.zoom.us/j/2971342208
Abstract
SecUR has been tasked with improving the urine collection device for female NASA crew members in microgravity as the current device in use does not prevent backflow, leaving the potential for users to acquire a urinary tract infection. UTIs cause discomfort and pain while in severe cases can lead to kidney infection and even death. Female crew members are essential parts of NASA thus ensuring their health and safety is vital. Other drawbacks of the current device include urine leakage and odor release, both inconveniences that no crew member would like to experience.
The team has met with our NASA mentor, Kimia Seyedmadani, and has assessed the current device in person as well as having discussed design controls in length. The design process has been initiated with research into existing competitor devices for urine collection. In our proposed device we plan to eliminate backflow completely by redesigning the attachment segment. We are presently looking into various methods at which backflow is prevented i.e. with the use of biomaterials or pressure valves. Leak and odor containment will also be addressed through shape and material used. Engineering design specifications have been researched but have yet to be tested. Once iterative prototype testing is underway we will have a better understanding of what engineering specifications are superior to be finalized. It is our intention to have the final design verified in depth for microgravity usage to ensure that our device works accordingly. These specifications will then be sent to our manufacturing partners to create a final alpha prototype.
