HYDROGY, LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: DHA193-003

Description

We propose to develop and test & evaluate an operational in-flight bladder relief undergarment to meet and/or exceed the key performance parameters (KPPs) per DHA193-003 solicitation. It is mission critical for air crew members to answer nature’s call with as little distraction as possible when he or she is in an unnaturally restricted position while concentrating on tasks at hands. Improper management of in-flight urine related challenges could compromise operations or user safety. The design of this novel undergarment strives for simplicity, reliability and conformability to hygiene standards for male as well as female crew members. Key advantages of this undergarment include (1) avoiding urine exposure that might cause adverse side effects, (2) managing multiple voids, and (3) allowing aircrew to remain hydrated and urinate with ease throughout flights with built-in safety factors, such as excess urine capacity and leakage-free features. Prototypes will be built using both in-house and commercial-off-the-shelf materials and components, then tested & evaluated against the KPPs. Phase II concludes with a system engineering design package and evaluation of the i-UU in terms of size, weight, safety and associated health hazards, manufacturing cost, life cycle cost, logistics considerations, performance of the system, and its potential for commercialization.