First integral

A first integral is a function of time, state, and derivatives that remains constant along every solution.

Multiply the ordinary differential equation by $f^{\prime }$ and integrate. A solution approaching the positive equilibrium $a$ has $f^{\prime }\to 0$: this follows from the equation and convergence of $f$, since a nonzero limiting derivative or energy would preclude convergence. Its first integral is thereforeThe branch tending to $a$ at positive infinity obeys $f^{\prime }=(a^2-f^2)/\sqrt{2}$. Separation yieldsThe constant solution is $A=0$. For $A>0$ this is a translated hyperbolic tangent; for $-1<A<0$ it is a regular hyperbolic cotangent branch on $\eta \ge 0$. The condition $A>-1$ excludes both an interior pole and a divergent value at the finite endpoint. The opposite sign in the first integral moves away from the positive equilibrium as $\eta$ increases, except at the constant solution.

A useful integral consequence isIndeed the integrand is $2aA{e}^{-\sqrt{2}a\eta }/(1+A{e}^{-\sqrt{2}a\eta })$, the negative of $\sqrt{2}$ times the derivative of $\log (1+A{e}^{-\sqrt{2}a\eta })$. An integral deficit can therefore fix the translation parameter uniquely, even when the differential equation and far value leave it free.