Urine sample collecting and processing device

The portable urine sample collection and processing device integrates automatic delivery, identification, and secure temporary storage functions, solving the problems of urine sample collection errors and inconvenient management, and realizing fully automated, safe, and efficient sample management.

CN122021684APending Publication Date: 2026-05-12QINGPU BRANCH OF ZHONGSHAN HOSPITAL AFFILIATED TO FUDAN UNIV (SHANGHAI QINGPU DISTRICT CENT HOSPITAL)
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
QINGPU BRANCH OF ZHONGSHAN HOSPITAL AFFILIATED TO FUDAN UNIV (SHANGHAI QINGPU DISTRICT CENT HOSPITAL)
Filing Date
2026-01-16
Publication Date
2026-05-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing technologies, urine sample collection is prone to errors, sample information registration is inaccurate, and sample storage lacks physical isolation and access control. Traditional equipment cannot flexibly adapt to diverse testing needs, resulting in inefficient testing processes and potential safety hazards.

Method used

Design a portable urine sample collection and processing device that integrates an automatic sample delivery module, a patient identification module, a temporary storage management module, and a control module. It can achieve automatic identification, accurate recording, secure hierarchical temporary storage, and lightweight portability. Through components such as a conveyor belt, drive motor, barcode scanner, drawer-type storage box, and electronic lock, it can achieve fully automated management of the entire process.

Benefits of technology

It enables accurate identification and traceability of sample information, eliminates human error, builds a permission-based secure temporary storage system, improves the security and flexibility of sample management, supports seamless data exchange, and enhances the efficiency and accessibility of the testing process.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN122021684A_ABST
    Figure CN122021684A_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The invention provides a urine sample collecting and processing device which comprises an automatic sample conveying module for automatically conveying a urine sample tube placed on the automatic sample conveying module to a target position; the patient identity recognition module is used for recognizing the identification information on the urine sample tube and generating a corresponding circulation timestamp; the temporary storage management module comprises a storage box with a plurality of independent lock control partition grids; the control module controls the automatic sample conveying module to convey the urine sample tube to a position corresponding to the temporary storage management module after the urine sample tube is recognized by the patient identity recognition module, and controls the corresponding partition grid to be unlocked to complete safe storage and taking of the sample after an authorization instruction is obtained. Meanwhile, a traceable electronic record containing the sample information, the operation time and the operator identity is generated, the traceable electronic record containing the sample information, the operation time and the operator identity is generated through automatic recognition and authority control, and the problems that manual operation is prone to errors, and sample management is difficult to trace are solved.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a urine sample collection and processing device. Background Technology

[0002] In clinical laboratory work, the collection, identification, and temporary storage of urine samples are crucial steps in ensuring the accuracy of test results and the standardization of procedures. However, medical institutions currently rely heavily on manual registration to record patient sample information, which is not only inefficient but also prone to errors, omissions, and illegible handwriting, seriously affecting the accurate correspondence between patient information and samples.

[0003] The sample storage process often uses open shelving or simple transport boxes, lacking effective physical isolation and access control. This easily leads to sample confusion, misplacement, loss, and even cross-contamination, posing a dual risk of medical safety and privacy breaches. More importantly, the time required for key steps such as sample collection, storage, and retrieval in traditional processes relies on manual estimation or simple marking, lacking objective and accurate time records. Once there are issues such as sample storage exceeding the time limit, transfer delays, or quality disputes, it is often difficult to trace the responsible link, hindering systematic quality control before testing.

[0004] In addition, most of the existing sample processing equipment with partial automation functions are large and fixed designs, and their deployment is limited to central laboratories. They cannot flexibly adapt to the diverse and scenario-based immediate testing needs of wards, emergency rooms, outpatient sampling points, and mobile medical examination vehicles, thus limiting the improvement of the efficiency and accessibility of clinical testing services.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a urine sample collection and processing device that integrates automatic identification, accurate time recording, secure hierarchical storage, and lightweight portability to systematically address the aforementioned clinical pain points and promote the intelligent, standardized, and closed-loop management of the testing process. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a urine sample collection and processing device to solve the technical problem that urine sample collection is prone to errors in the prior art. To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a urine sample collection and processing device, comprising: a portable housing, and an assembly integrated within the housing: The automatic sample delivery module is used to automatically deliver urine sample tubes placed on it to the target location; The patient identification module is used to automatically identify the identification information on the urine sample tube and generate the corresponding transfer timestamp; The temporary storage management module includes a storage box with multiple independent lockable compartments for storing or retrieving samples under authorized control. The control module is connected to the automatic sample delivery module, the patient identification module and the temporary storage management module respectively, and is used to receive the identification information and timestamp, control the delivery and distribution of urine sample tubes, and control the access permissions of the temporary storage management module based on the administrator authentication signal. The control module is configured to: after the urine sample tube is identified by the patient identification module, control the automatic sample delivery module to deliver the urine sample tube to the position corresponding to the temporary storage management module, and after obtaining an authorization instruction, control the corresponding partition to unlock to complete the secure storage and retrieval of the sample, while generating a traceable electronic record containing sample information, operation time and operator identity.

[0007] Furthermore, the automatic sample delivery module includes: The conveyor belt extends from the beginning to the outside of the housing to form a sample receiving station, and its end is located above the storage box of the temporary storage management module; A drive motor is used to drive the conveyor belt to operate; Multiple sample racks are arranged on the conveyor belt, and the sample racks are provided with slots for accommodating and fixing the urine sample tubes.

[0008] Furthermore, the sample holder includes at least three arc-shaped slots arranged in a circle, the radius of curvature of which matches the outer diameter of the standard urine sample tube.

[0009] Furthermore, the inner wall of the arc-shaped slot is fitted with an anti-slip pad.

[0010] Furthermore, metal guide plates are arranged parallel to each other on both sides of the conveyor belt to constrain the transport trajectory of the sample rack.

[0011] Furthermore, the patient identification module includes a barcode / QR code scanner fixed above the end of the automatic sample delivery module, and a photoelectric position sensor is provided below the scanning window of the scanner; Both the scanner and the photoelectric position sensor are electrically connected to the control module. When the photoelectric position sensor detects that the urine sample tube is in place, it triggers the scanner to work.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a card reader unit for verifying the administrator's identity, the card reader unit being signal-connected to the control module; The storage box has a drawer-type structure and is equipped with a main electronic lock, while each of the internal compartments is equipped with an independent sub-electronic lock. The signal input terminal of the control module is directly connected to the card reader unit and is used to acquire the administrator authentication signal transmitted by the card reader unit in real time. The signal output terminal of the control module outputs a control signal, which is used to control the opening and closing of the main electronic lock and the sub-electronic locks.

[0013] Furthermore, the control module includes a data storage module and is configured with a data export interface, which is a wired data interface and / or a wireless communication module.

[0014] Furthermore, the casing is provided with a portable handle on the side and anti-slip pads at the four corners of the bottom.

[0015] Furthermore, the device also includes a rechargeable power module for power supply, and the housing is provided with a charging port for connection to the rechargeable power module. In summary, the urine sample collection and processing device described in this application has at least the following technical effects: This application's portable casing integrates all functional units, achieving lightweight and portable equipment and overcoming the limitations of fixed equipment scenarios. When a urine sample tube with a barcode is placed into the sample rack at the beginning of the conveyor belt, the drive motor starts the conveying process. After the sample arrives at the identification station, the photoelectric position sensor triggers the barcode scanner to automatically read the patient information, replacing error-prone manual registration; the control module simultaneously generates an accurate "placement timestamp," solving the problem of inaccurate time recording. Subsequently, the control module assigns a specific compartment in the temporary storage management module to the sample, and only instructs the independent electronic lock of that compartment to unlock after the operator confirms the information via the touch screen. When authorized caregivers collect samples, they need to verify their identity at the card reader unit. After the control module verifies the identity, it unlocks the main lock of the storage box, realizing authorized access and preventing sample confusion and unauthorized contact. Throughout the entire process, the identities of all operators, timestamps, and sample information are automatically bound and stored by the control module and can be exported through the data interface, forming a complete electronic traceability chain. This fundamentally transforms the traditional process, which relies on manual labor and is prone to errors, into an automated, closed, and traceable intelligent management process.

[0016] Specifically as follows: 1. Achieve precise traceability throughout the entire process, eliminating human error. The device automatically acquires sample tube label information through a patient identification module (barcode / QR code scanner and photoelectric sensor), and simultaneously generates a transfer timestamp accurate to the second by the control module, completely replacing the traditional manual registration method. Combined with the information confirmation step on the touch screen, it ensures the uniqueness and accuracy of the "sample-patient-time" data binding, eliminating long-standing management loopholes such as handwriting errors, information omissions, and sample confusion at the source.

[0017] 2. Establish a permission-based secure temporary storage system to significantly reduce sample management risks. The temporary storage management module adopts a drawer-type storage box design, with internal partitions for physical isolation. Each partition is equipped with an independent electronic lock and is linked to the card reader unit. Only after authorized personnel (such as nurses) swipe their cards for verification will the control module instruct the corresponding main electronic lock and individual electronic lock to open. This "authorized access, one lock per partition" management mode effectively prevents samples from being mistakenly taken, lost, or accessed without authorization, greatly improving the physical and privacy security of the samples.

[0018] 3. Lightweight and flexible design, breaking through the limitations of usage scenarios. The device features a portable casing (ABS engineering plastic), making it lightweight and equipped with a convenient carrying handle and non-slip feet. Its dual-mode power supply design, combining a rechargeable power module and an AC plug, allows it to operate stably as a fixed device, or be easily moved to remote locations such as wards, emergency rooms, and mobile medical examination vehicles—areas inaccessible to traditional large equipment—significantly expanding the application scope of standardized sample management processes.

[0019] 4. The operation is intuitive and simple, improving overall work efficiency. Information is centrally displayed and confirmed via a touch screen, allowing operators to complete the core steps with just "place-check-confirm". All modules operate automatically and collaboratively under the control module's scheduling, achieving full automation from sample placement, identification, transportation to temporary storage and allocation. This significantly reduces manual intervention and operation time, and lowers the professional training requirements for operators.

[0020] 5. Supports seamless data exchange, facilitating the informatization of the inspection process. The control module has a built-in data storage unit that records a traceable electronic log throughout the entire process. The device is equipped with a USB wired interface and / or a 4G / 5G wireless communication module, which can export sample information, operation records, and timestamp data with one click or automatically upload them to the Hospital Information System (HIS) and Laboratory Information Management System (LIS), achieving interconnection with the hospital information platform and providing data support for standardized management and quality traceability of the testing process.

[0021] In summary, this device successfully constructs a precise, safe, efficient, flexible, and interconnected urine sample pretreatment management solution by integrating automatic identification, precise delivery, access control, and data traceability technologies into a portable platform. It has significant clinical practical value and promising prospects for widespread application. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a urine sample collection and processing device according to one embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the conveyor belt structure in one embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sample holder structure in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0024] This application provides a urine sample collection and processing device to solve the technical problem that urine sample collection is prone to errors in the prior art.

[0025] To better understand the above technical solutions, the following will provide a detailed explanation of the technical solutions in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, in one or more embodiments of this application, a urine sample collection and processing device is provided, including a portable housing 8. The housing 8 is a rectangular box structure made of ABS engineering plastic, weighing no more than 5 kg (e.g., 4.5 kg), and a portable handle is installed on the side of the housing 8 for easy movement. Anti-slip pads 9 are installed at the four corners of the bottom of the housing 8.

[0027] The top of the housing 8 integrates an automatic sample transport module, which includes a custom-designed medical-grade synchronous conveyor belt 12 powered by a low-noise, precisely speed-adjustable DC drive motor 11. Specifically, the output shaft of the drive motor 11 is coupled to the main drive shaft of the conveyor belt 12 via a synchronous belt or gear set. This design ensures smooth power transmission and synchronization accuracy, effectively preventing slippage or jamming. The drive motor 11 is connected to a control module, and its operation is entirely managed by the central control module. The control module can send precise speed, direction, and timing commands to the motor according to a preset program, thereby controlling the conveyor belt 12 to automatically and accurately transport the sample holder 13 carrying the samples to the target position in a set mode (such as intermittent motion or uniform motion).

[0028] like Figures 1-3As shown, multiple independent sample racks 13 are evenly spaced on the conveyor belt 12. Each sample rack 13 includes at least three (e.g., four) arc-shaped retaining plates 131 spaced apart and arranged in a circle. The radius of curvature of the retaining plates 131 matches the outer diameter of the standard urine sample tube, achieving non-destructive fitting and fixation. Furthermore, the inner wall of the retaining plates 131 is fully fitted with a medical silicone anti-slip pad. Through a dual mechanism of high-friction coefficient surface adsorption and physical restraint, it effectively prevents the sample tube from sliding, tipping, or liquid splashing during transportation due to equipment start-up and shutdown, path turning, or external vibration.

[0029] Each urine sample tube has a globally unique barcode or QR code label attached to its outer wall. This label is encrypted and linked to the patient's core information (including but not limited to name, gender, age, medical record number, and the test item), providing a data source for subsequent automated identification and traceability throughout the entire process.

[0030] The automated sample delivery module adopts a three-stage spatial layout of "receiving-identifying-temporarily storing" to achieve a seamless connection from sample placement to safe storage. Specifically, a window is provided on one side of the outer shell 8, and the beginning of the conveyor belt 12 extends to and is exposed through the window to form an open sample receiving station. This facilitates medical personnel to quickly and accurately place urine sample tubes while complying with biosafety regulations and avoiding contact contamination during operation. The end of the conveyor belt 12 is suspended directly above the temporary storage management module, allowing the conveyor belt 12 to automatically and accurately transport the sample rack 13 carrying the urine sample tubes to directly above the temporary storage management module (i.e., the target position).

[0031] The temporary storage management module is integrated inside the housing 8, forming the core unit for secure sample storage and authorized access. The main body of this module is a drawer-type intelligent storage box 5, whose precision guide rail mechanism is connected to the inner wall frame of the housing 8, enabling smooth and stable pull-out movement. To ensure the physical security and controlled access of samples, the intelligent storage box 5 is equipped with a master electronic lock 6. The interior of the intelligent storage box 5 is precisely divided into 6-12 independent sealed compartments by medical-grade stainless steel partitions. Each compartment's front door is equipped with an independent individual electronic lock 7. Both the master electronic lock 6 and the individual electronic locks 7 are electrically connected to the control module and are electromagnetically driven, possessing a power-off self-locking function. They can only be opened upon receiving encrypted electronic commands from the control module, ensuring the physical isolation and secure access of samples.

[0032] The temporary storage management module ensures sample storage security through a dual electronic locking mechanism. Specifically, the main electronic lock 6 and the independent sub-electronic locks 7 of each compartment in the intelligent storage box 5 are both controlled by the central control module. The working logic is as follows: In normal operation or when a locking command is received from the control module, the latches of the main electronic lock 6 and the sub-electronic locks 7 extend, forming a mechanical interlock, preventing the entire intelligent storage box 5 from being pulled out. The sub-electronic locks 7 of each compartment are also locked simultaneously, ensuring that their doors cannot be opened. When authorized personnel pass the identity verification (e.g., by swiping a card) and the control module's permission verification is successful, the system will open the main electronic lock 6 and the sub-electronic locks 7 according to the operation command, send an encrypted unlock signal, retract the latches, and release the mechanical constraints.

[0033] Above the end of conveyor belt 12, a patient identification module 2 is fixedly installed. This high-precision patient identification module 2 adopts an integrated embedded design, integrating an industrial-grade barcode / QR code scanner, high-performance decoding circuit, and redundant lighting system. A high-response photoelectric position sensor (not shown separately in the figure) is embedded directly below the scanner's optical window.

[0034] Both the patient identification module 2 and the photoelectric position sensor are connected to the control module. The high-precision patient identification module 2 is used to read the barcode or QR code label on the outer wall of the urine sample tube, and the photoelectric position sensor is used to identify the position of the sample rack 13. When the sample rack 13 arrives at the sensing area of ​​the photoelectric position sensor, the scanning and information entry process is automatically triggered.

[0035] Specifically, the received urine sample tube is placed into the slot 131 of the sample holder 13 located at the beginning of the conveyor belt 12. After the drive motor 11 is started, the drive motor 11 drives the conveyor belt 12 to move, allowing the urine sample tube on it to move to the storage box 5. When the urine sample tube arrives at the end identification point with the conveyor belt 12, the photoelectric position sensor instantly detects the position of the target urine sample tube and sends the position information to the control module. The control module triggers the scanner of the high-precision patient identification module 2 to quickly read the code on the label on the urine sample tube. The decoding circuit then converts the optical signal into digital information and accurately extracts the encrypted core patient data, including but not limited to: patient name, gender, age, unique medical record number, and preset test item set, providing a core data source for establishing a fully traceable electronic record.

[0036] The device further integrates an automated sample transfer mechanism, which, under the program control of the control module, automatically picks up the urine sample tube located at the end of conveyor belt 12 and accurately places it into a predetermined compartment within the intelligent storage box. This mechanism is the key execution unit for achieving a fully automated closed-loop process from "identification" to "placement."

[0037] This automated sample transfer mechanism mainly consists of an end effector, a motion mechanism, and a drive and sensing unit. The end effector typically employs an adaptive gripper 3 or a flexible clamp, its gripping portion specially designed to stably match the shape of a standard urine sample tube, ensuring reliable and damage-free gripping. The motion mechanism provides precise spatial movement capabilities, employing multi-axis robotic arms, XY-axis linear modules, or rotary lifting mechanisms to drive the end effector for precise positioning between the identification station at the end of the conveyor belt and the entrances to each compartment of the storage bin. The drive and sensing unit includes drive sources such as servo motors, stepper motors, or pneumatic components, and integrates sensors such as pressure sensors and visual positioning cameras for real-time monitoring of the gripper 3's status, confirmation of sample presence, and completion of position calibration.

[0038] The collaborative workflow between the control module 4 and the control module is as follows: First, after the identification module completes the sample information reading and the control module assigns the target compartment, the control module sends a collaborative command to the conveyor module and the transfer mechanism. Next, the control module precisely controls the conveyor belt to stop the sample holder 13 carrying the target urine sample tube at the preset gripping station at the end of the conveyor belt 12. Then, the transfer mechanism moves the gripper 3 above the urine sample tube, and after the sensor confirms the position, it performs the gripping. Then, the control module 4 plans the target compartment coordinates and the motion path, and the drive mechanism smoothly transfers the sample tube to the top of the corresponding compartment door. After the main electronic lock and the corresponding sub-electronic lock 7 are unlocked and the door is opened, the urine sample tube is vertically placed into the target compartment. Finally, the gripper 3 releases and resets, and sends a "placement complete" signal to the control module. The control module then records the storage position and instructs the electronic lock to relock.

[0039] On the front of the portable housing 8, adjacent to the operating area of ​​the storage box 5, a contactless card reader (RFID reader) is embedded. This card reader is directly connected to the signal input terminal of the control module and is used to collect and transmit the identity authentication signal of the administrator (authorized medical staff) in real time. The signal output terminal of the control module outputs a control signal, which is used to control the opening and closing of the main electronic lock 6 and the individual electronic locks 7.

[0040] When a caregiver needs to collect samples, they place their personal ID card (integrated with an RFID chip, storing encrypted employee ID, name, job title, department, and access level information) close to the card reader. The card reader of the card reader acquires the authentication signal from the ID card and uploads it to the control module. The control module compares the authentication signal transmitted by the card reader with a pre-stored whitelist access database. Upon successful matching, access verification is complete, and the control module sends a control signal to the electronic lock. This signal unlocks the main lock of storage box 5 and / or the individual electronic locks 7 of the internal compartments, authorizing the caregiver to perform the overall storage and retrieval operation. The caregiver pulls out the storage box, locates and retrieves the target urine sample tube according to the prompts on the interactive interface or the compartment labels. When storage box 5 is closed, the closure sensor on storage box 5 is triggered, and the control module automatically records a precise timestamp of retrieval. This timestamp, the corresponding sample number, and the caregiver's ID card are triple-bound to form an unalterable operation log.

[0041] All operation records are encrypted and stored in the non-volatile memory of the control module. They can be automatically or manually exported to the Hospital Information System (HIS) or Laboratory Information Management System (LIS) via the USB-C data interface on the side of the device or the built-in 4G / 5G wireless communication module, enabling electronic traceability and auditing of the entire sample transfer process.

[0042] This design achieves: (1) Access-based security management: only authorized personnel can open the storage box, eliminating non-contact access. (2) Automatic operation association: automatically binding personnel, samples, and time to clarify the responsibility chain. (3) Seamless data integration: simultaneously supporting wired and wireless data export to adapt to different hospital information environments. In one embodiment of this application, an interactive display module is installed at the top front of the housing 8, which is connected to the control module for human-computer interaction. The interactive display module includes a touch screen 14, which displays the patient information acquired by scanning, the sample placement time, and the target partition number for the operator to click and confirm. When the scan fails or the patient information does not match, the abnormality is reported through text prompts and a buzzer alarm for timely handling. The specific workflow is as follows: The nurse places the urine sample tube, labeled with a barcode or QR code, into the slot 131 of the sample holder 13, ensuring the label faces upwards for scanning. Then, the nurse presses the start command on the touchscreen display 14 on the front of the main unit. After receiving the instruction, the control module 4 starts the drive motor 11, which smoothly drives the medical-grade synchronous conveyor belt 12 through the synchronous belt to transport the sample holder 13 carrying the sample into the housing 8. The metal guide plates on both sides of the conveyor belt 12 ensure that the transport trajectory is accurate and without deviation. When the sample rack 13 arrives at the preset identification station at the end of the conveyor belt 12, the high-response photoelectric position sensor is triggered and immediately sends a position signal to the control module 4; the control module 4 then activates the patient identification module 2; the industrial-grade QR code scanner in the patient identification module 2 quickly reads the code on the label on the urine sample tube, and the high-performance decoding circuit deciphers the encrypted core patient information stored therein, such as: "Patient: Zhang San; Gender: Male; Age: 45 years old; Medical Record Number: 20231027001; Test Item: Urinalysis"; at the same time, the real-time clock chip of the control module 4 automatically generates and binds a precise "sample placement timestamp: 2023-10-27 08:30:25", and all the acquired data is immediately packaged and sent to the control module 4 for processing; After processing the information, control module 4 performs two core operations: First, it automatically assigns a currently available storage slot (e.g., slot 03); second, it clearly displays on the touchscreen display 14: "Please verify: Patient - Zhang San, Item - Urinalysis, Assigned Slot - 03." After the nurse verifies all the information on the screen and confirms it is correct, she clicks the "Confirm" button; control module 4 then sends an encrypted command to the temporary storage management module, unlocking only the independent electronic lock 7 of slot 03 in the smart storage box 5 (the other slots remain locked), and simultaneously releasing the main electronic lock 6 of the drawer of storage box 5; at this time, the indicator light on the door of slot 03 illuminates, indicating the target location. The nurse smoothly pulls out storage box 5, removes the sample tube from sample rack 13, places it into the illuminated slot 03, and then pushes the storage box back. The closure sensor is triggered, control module 4 records an operation log: "Sample ID-XXX stored in slot 03 at 08:30:25", and relocks all electronic locks; Approximately one hour later, the caregiver arrives to collect the samples. He swipes his authorized work badge on the RFID reader embedded in the front of the device. The control module 4 reads the encrypted identity information from the badge's chip and compares it in real-time with the pre-stored whitelist of permissions. Upon successful verification, it issues a command to simultaneously unlock the main electronic lock 6 of the storage box 5 and the individual electronic locks 7 of all compartments, authorizing overall access. The caregiver pulls out the storage box and, based on the list of samples to be collected on the re-lit touchscreen display 14 (or a list printed by the system network), accurately locates and retrieves the sample tube for "Zhang San" in compartment 03. When the caregiver closes the storage box 5, the closure sensor is triggered again. The control module 4 automatically generates and binds a precise "sample retrieval timestamp: 2023-10-27 09:35:10," and triple-links this time, the unique sample number, and the caregiver's work badge ID to form an unalterable closed-loop responsibility log. All operation records throughout the process (including patient information, timestamps, cell numbers, and operator IDs) are encrypted and stored in the non-volatile memory of control module 4. Hospital administrators can directly export data via the USB-C data interface on the side of the device, or automatically and securely upload data to the Hospital Information System (HIS) or Laboratory Information Management System (LIS) via the built-in 4G / 5G wireless communication module, achieving full electronic traceability and system-level archiving of sample transfer information.

[0043] In summary, the device and process described in this embodiment achieve closed-loop management of urine samples from the nurse's placement, automatic information binding, intelligent allocation and temporary storage, to authorized caregiver collection and automatic time recording. This process replaces the cumbersome steps of traditional manual registration, retrieval, and handover with automation and informatization, significantly improving work efficiency and accuracy. Furthermore, through electronic lock access control and end-to-end data traceability, it fundamentally ensures the physical and information security of samples, making it an effective solution for improving the standardization and intelligence of pre-laboratory processes in clinical testing. Furthermore, to ensure the accuracy of the sample's trajectory and the stability of its operation during transport, custom-made high-precision metal guide plates are installed parallel to both sides of the conveyor belt 12. These guide plates are typically made of corrosion-resistant, high-strength stainless steel, with a polished or specially coated surface, meeting both medical hygiene standards and ensuring long-term wear resistance. The guide plates extend along the entire effective travel of the conveyor belt 12, and their inner sides are precision-machined to form guide channels that maintain a small, constant gap with the contours of the sample holder 13. This design achieves multiple functions: Precise guidance and limiting: Through physical constraints, the sample rack 13 is forced to run strictly along a preset straight line or smooth curve trajectory, effectively preventing lateral deviation, swaying or deviation caused by inertia during start-up, stopping or high-speed operation.

[0044] Improved operational stability: The guide plate provides lateral support for the sample holder 13, which significantly reduces the shaking that may be caused by slight vibration of the conveyor belt or uneven load, ensuring that the urine sample tubes it carries are always in a stable state and preventing liquid from splashing due to shaking.

[0045] Assisted positioning and sensing coordination: At critical workstations (such as identity recognition workstations), the structure of the guide plate can be precisely matched with detection elements such as photoelectric position sensors to ensure that the sample holder 13 can stop at the exact same position every time, thereby ensuring a high degree of repeatability and accuracy of scanning or operation.

[0046] Maintenance and Safety: The robust metal guide plate also protects the internal structure of the conveyor belt, while its smooth surface is easy to clean and disinfect, meeting laboratory equipment maintenance standards. Furthermore, the device also includes a rechargeable power module, and the control module 4 and the drive motor 11 are both electrically connected to the rechargeable power module. The housing 8 is provided with a charging port 1 that is connected to the rechargeable power module.

[0047] Furthermore, the device also includes a standard power plug 10 located on the side of the main body for connecting to 220V / 50Hz mains power, providing a continuous and stable main power input for the entire device, and ensuring the reliability of the device during long-term operation at a fixed location. The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application in any form or substance. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and additions without departing from the method of this application, and these improvements and additions should also be considered within the scope of protection of this invention. Any modifications, alterations, and equivalent variations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this application, based on the disclosed technical content, are equivalent embodiments of this application. Furthermore, any modifications, alterations, and variations made to the above embodiments based on the essential technology of this application still fall within the scope of the technical solution of this application.

Claims

1. A urine sample collection and processing device, characterized in that, Includes: a portable housing, and integrated within the housing: The automatic sample delivery module is used to automatically deliver urine sample tubes placed on it to the target location; The patient identification module is used to automatically identify the identification information on the urine sample tube and generate the corresponding transfer timestamp; The temporary storage management module includes a storage box with multiple independent lockable compartments for storing or retrieving samples under authorized control. The control module is connected to the automatic sample delivery module, the patient identification module and the temporary storage management module respectively, and is used to receive the identification information and timestamp, control the delivery and distribution of urine sample tubes, and control the access permissions of the temporary storage management module based on the administrator authentication signal. The control module is configured to: after the urine sample tube is identified by the patient identification module, control the automatic sample delivery module to deliver the urine sample tube to the position corresponding to the temporary storage management module, and control the corresponding partition to unlock to complete the safe storage and retrieval of the sample, while generating a traceable electronic record containing sample information, operation time and operator identity.

2. The urine sample collection and processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic sample delivery module includes: The conveyor belt extends from the beginning to the outside of the housing to form a sample receiving station, and its end is located above the storage box of the temporary storage management module; A drive motor is used to drive the conveyor belt to operate; Multiple sample racks are arranged on the conveyor belt, and the sample racks are provided with slots for accommodating and fixing the urine sample tubes.

3. The urine sample collection and processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sample holder includes at least three arc-shaped slots arranged in a circle, the radius of curvature of which matches the outer diameter of the standard urine sample tube.

4. The urine sample collection and processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner wall of the arc-shaped slot is fitted with an anti-slip pad.

5. The urine sample collection and processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Metal guide plates are arranged parallel to each other on both sides of the conveyor belt to constrain the transport trajectory of the sample rack.

6. The urine sample collection and processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The patient identification module includes a barcode / QR code scanner fixed above the end of the automatic sample delivery module, and a photoelectric position sensor is provided below the scanning window of the scanner; Both the scanner and the photoelectric position sensor are electrically connected to the control module. When the photoelectric position sensor detects that the urine sample tube is in place, it triggers the scanner to work.

7. The urine sample collection and processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a card reader unit for verifying the administrator's identity, the card reader unit being signal-connected to the control module; The storage box has a drawer-type structure and is equipped with a main electronic lock, while each of the internal compartments is equipped with an independent sub-electronic lock. The signal input terminal of the control module is directly connected to the card reader unit and is used to acquire the administrator authentication signal transmitted by the card reader unit in real time. The signal output terminal of the control module outputs a control signal, which is used to control the opening and closing of the main electronic lock and the sub-electronic locks.

8. The urine sample collection and processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control module includes a data storage module and is configured with a data export interface, which is a wired data interface and / or a wireless communication module.

9. The urine sample collection and processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The casing has a portable handle on the side and anti-slip pads at the four corners of the bottom.

10. The urine sample collection and processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes a rechargeable power module for power supply, and the housing is provided with a charging port for connection to the rechargeable power module.