Integrated collection and packaging toilet device for clinical research fecal samples

Abstract

The utility model relates to a stool device is integrated with the collection and packaging of stool for clinical research. In order to improve the quality of collection and packaging, the stool frame is provided with a front opening supporting seat plate and a seat ring, a tray electronic scale connected with a main controller is arranged in the bottom frame stool area, a barrel type stool collecting plastic bag is sleeved on the tray electronic scale in the inner opening of the supporting seat plate, the stool collecting plastic bag is provided with an outward bag opening edge sleeved on the inner opening of the front opening supporting seat plate, a bag opening automatic binding mechanism connected with the main controller is arranged on the lower surface of the front opening supporting seat plate to vertically arrange the barrel type stool collecting plastic bag, and the stool collecting plastic bag is a seamless bag or is provided with a one-way exhaust valve on the upper middle part of the side surface. The utility model has the advantages that the stool sample can be accurately and completely collected, the stool sample can be automatically packaged and weighed in time, the urine can be conveniently received, the artificial load of collection and packaging is reduced, the collection and packaging volume can be greatly reduced, and systematic information management can be conducted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fecal sample collection and sealing device for research purposes, and more particularly to an integrated fecal sample collection and sealing toilet device for clinical research purposes. Background Technology

[0002] In research wards, the preservation of fecal samples has crucial scientific and clinical value. Feces are not only metabolic waste but also a vast "treasure trove of biological information," containing gut microbiota, human cells, viruses, and metabolites. Through metagenomics and metabolomics analyses, researchers can delve into the mechanisms linking the gut microbiota to various diseases, identify diagnostic biomarkers, assess drug efficacy and toxicity, and guide personalized treatment. Furthermore, it forms the basis for cutting-edge therapies such as fecal microbiota transplantation. Therefore, systematically preserving fecal samples is a key step in advancing precision medicine and developing novel treatment strategies. Currently, there is a lack of automated integrated fecal sample collection and packaging equipment on the market. Most systems rely on modified commode chairs for the elderly and disabled, and the specific processes of collection, packaging, weight-bearing, and recording remain manual, requiring nurses to perform each task manually.

[0003] To address this, the inventors have developed a research-grade urine and feces separation and collection sampler, document number CN112704424A. This device consists of a toilet seat with a hinged rear end, mounted on a toilet frame. A rear electronic balance and a front electronic balance are positioned below the central opening of the toilet seat. Each balance has a laterally removable and replaceable rear feces collection cup and front urine collection cup. The rear and front electronic balances are connected to a computer or smartphone via wired or wireless communication. The rear feces collection cup collects feces vertically, while the front urine collection cup collects urine without splashing. A seating sensor, perceptible to the user's buttocks, is positioned above the centerline between the rear feces collection cup and the front urine collection cup on the toilet seat. The rear electronic balance and the front electronic balance automatically transmit the weight data of the automatically weighed stool and urine to a computer or smartphone. The computer or smartphone automatically converts the received urine weight data into milliliters and performs statistical management together with the received stool weight data. The seat sensing object is a horizontal convex strip that can be felt by the user's skin to be squeezed upwards, or an infrared horizontal strip lamp that can be felt by the user to be heated horizontally, or a horizontal electric heating film that can be felt by the user to be heated horizontally. The rear electronic balance is equipped with a data conversion circuit that automatically converts the measured urine weight data into milliliters. Both the rear and front electronic balances automatically transmit the automatically converted stool (milliliters) and urine (weight) data to a computer or smartphone. The computer or smartphone then statistically manages the received urine (milliliters) and stool (weight) data. The seat sensor is either a horizontally protruding strip that can be felt by the user's skin, an infrared horizontal light that emits horizontal heat radiation, or a horizontally heated film that emits horizontal heat radiation. The rear and front electronic balances are electrically connected to a delayed-start / off switch that automatically shuts off after a delayed start when the user gets up from the toilet. This delayed-start / off switch is located on the toilet seat, toilet lid, or toilet seat ring. The infrared horizontal light is an infrared horizontal light installed in a recess under a transparent glass cover on the toilet seat ring. This infrared horizontal light is electrically connected to a normally closed switch controlled by the toilet lid. Each of the rear and front electronic balances is equipped with a pressure switch or micro switch that activates when the delayed start / stop switch is closed, and closes when the rear and front urine collection cups are removed. The pressure switch or micro switch also activates a buzzer or voice reminder to promptly remove the rear and front urine collection cups. The rear urine collection cup has a vertical handle with its center facing upwards, and a cylindrical container with a flat opening is fixed to the upper end of the handle. The front urine collection cup has a vertical handle with its center facing upwards, and a rear-angled conical hopper with a slanted opening is fixed to the upper end of the handle.The rear-sloping conical bucket is fixed to the bottom end of the upper-opening conical barrel at the top of the vertical handle. The front and side walls of the upper-opening conical barrel extend obliquely backward to form a rear-sloping circular opening with the rear wall. The toilet seat consists of a top frame fixed to the upper ends of four legs, on which the toilet seat ring is mounted; a base frame is fixed to the lower parts of the four legs, on which a rear electronic balance and a front electronic balance are mounted; the rear feces collection cup and the front urine collection cup are polished stainless steel. The base frame and the top frame are a top ring beam fixedly connected by a rear crossbeam and a forward U-shaped beam. The upper ends of two of the four rear legs are fixed to the two rear corners of the top ring beam, and the upper ends of two of the four front legs are fixed to the front sides of the forward U-shaped beam, respectively. The rear and front electronic balances mounted on the base frame are located behind and in front of the two front legs, respectively; vibration damping pads are installed at the bottom of the four legs. After conversion, it was found that the stool collection cup was in an open state after collection, which would emit odors into the surrounding environment and pose a risk of infection if it carried pathogens. In addition, there was a lot of extra space between the stool collection cup and the toilet seat, which could not completely prevent stool from falling out. Even if the stool collection cup was sealed, it still took up a lot of space and was inconvenient to collect. In addition, the toilet seat could not accurately receive urine. In particular, the removal of the seal had to be done manually by nurses, which was very labor-intensive and dangerous, and needed to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned defects of the prior art and provide an integrated fecal sample collection and packaging toilet device for clinical research that can ensure accurate and complete collection of fecal samples, and can automatically seal and weigh the collected fecal samples in a timely manner, making it more convenient and barrier-free to receive urine accurately.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this novel integrated fecal sample collection and packaging toilet device for clinical research is characterized by a toilet stand with armrests on both sides. An electronic scale connected to the main controller is mounted on the bottom frame's waste disposal area. A front-opening seat plate is mounted on the upper frame's waste disposal area. A reclining, front-fastening seat ring is hinged to the rear of the front-opening seat plate. An upper-opening, vertically oriented waste collection plastic bag, with its bottom resting on the electronic scale, is fitted inside the front-opening seat plate. The vertically oriented waste collection plastic bag has an outwardly flared opening that fits over the inner opening of the front-opening seat plate. The front-fastening seat ring and the front-opening seat plate clamp the outwardly flared opening. An automatic bag-sealing mechanism, electrically connected to the main controller, is located below the front-opening seat plate. The vertically oriented waste collection plastic bag is either seamless or has a one-way exhaust valve on its upper side. The armrests on both sides facilitate adjustment of the sitting position to ensure that waste accurately falls to the center of the bottom of the vertically oriented waste collection plastic bag. This front-opening seat design, with its front-opening seat ring, allows for easy collection of urine using a urine collection container such as a urine bag or urinal. An electronic scale connected to the main controller is mounted on the bottom frame's waste disposal area to weigh the waste collected in the vertical bucket-type waste collection bag. The front-opening seat plate on the upper frame's waste disposal area provides upper support for the vertical bucket-type waste collection bag. A hinged, backward-leaning, forward-fastening front-opening seat ring at the rear of the seat plate provides both convenience and easy access to the vertical bucket-type waste collection bag. The front-opening seat plate is fitted with a non-supporting, soft upper neck that rests on the electronic scale, with a height greater than the distance between the seat plate and the scale. This design prevents the collected waste from sagging and causing the weight of the bag to be distributed too much, resulting in a lower weighing result than the actual weight of the waste. The vertical bucket-type waste collection plastic bag features an outwardly flared bag opening that fits onto the inner opening of the front-opening support plate, and a front-fastening seat ring that clamps the outwardly flared bag opening with the front-opening support plate. This ensures that the vertical bucket-type waste collection plastic bag always maintains a large open position after installation, guaranteeing that waste falls to the bottom of the vertical bucket-type waste collection plastic bag, preventing waste from sticking to the inner wall of the vertical bucket-type waste collection plastic bag, and further ensuring that waste does not spill out after sealing, thus effectively guaranteeing the quality of collection and sealing. Below the front-opening support plate is an automatic bag-mouth binding mechanism electrically connected to the main controller, used to automatically bind and seal the vertical bucket-type waste collection plastic bag after collection. When the vertical bucket-type waste collection plastic bag is seamless, binding the upper neck of the vertical bucket-type waste collection plastic bag can retain air inside the bag, maintaining the bag shape after binding, which is beneficial for maintaining the shape of the waste after sealing and is more conducive to visual inspection. In particular, compared to the prior art where fecal samples are collected by a collection cup spaced below the toilet seat, this method ensures that the fecal sample falls absolutely into the vertical bucket-type waste collection plastic bag. When the vertical bucket-type waste collection plastic bag is equipped with a one-way vent valve on the upper side, excess air inside the bag can be squeezed out after binding, significantly reducing the volume of the sealed vertical bucket-type waste collection plastic bag and making it more convenient for transfer and storage.The process involves first placing the outer edge of the vertical bucket-type waste collection plastic bag onto the front-opening support plate. Then, the front-opening seat ring is fastened to the outer edge of the bag and the front-opening support plate and held in place. The person being collected sits on the front-opening seat ring and urinates into the vertical bucket-type waste collection plastic bag, ensuring no urine spills out. A handheld urine collection container is positioned below and in front of the front-opening seat ring and support plate to collect the urine flow. The urine flow can be clearly observed and adjusted through the front opening to ensure no spillage. After standing up, the urine collection container is properly placed, and the front-opening seat ring is lifted to release the outer edge of the bag. Finally, the automatic bag-sealing machine is activated. The vertical bucket-shaped plastic bag for collecting feces is tied and sealed. During the tying and sealing process, the outward-facing bag opening is tightened and sunk until it finally detaches from the front opening support plate, after which it is weighed. Alternatively, the continuous cable ties can be cut by an automatic bag-tying mechanism or manually disconnected before weighing. After weighing, the vertical bucket-shaped plastic bag containing the sealed bottom is removed. If the volume of the vertical bucket-shaped plastic bag containing the sealed bottom is too large, an innovative type of vertical bucket-shaped plastic bag with a one-way exhaust valve on the upper middle part of the side can be used. After the bottom is sealed, appropriate compression is applied to expel excess air through the one-way exhaust valve, thereby reducing the volume. Since fecal samples should not enter the collection bag, male subjects are required to collect urine samples, while female subjects are required to empty their bladders before collecting fecal samples. This avoids the difficulties and risks associated with the development of urine and feces separation, and is explained here. It has the advantages of ensuring accurate and complete collection of fecal samples, automatic sealing and timely weighing after collection, more convenient and unobstructed accurate urine reception, and in particular, it can significantly reduce the manual workload of collection and sealing, and can also greatly reduce the collection and sealing volume as needed.

[0006] As an optimization, the thickness and hardness of the outer plastic bag opening edge are greater than the thickness and hardness of the lower vertical barrel-shaped plastic bag body, making it easier to fit onto the inner opening of the front-opening seat plate; the upper front-opening seat ring of the front buckle and the lower front-opening seat plate press and hold the outer bag opening edge in the middle, so as to maintain the fitting state when sitting on the toilet.

[0007] As an optimization, the front opening seat ring is provided with multiple or more sets of circumferentially spaced lower tie heads, and the front opening support plate is provided with matching through holes. The lower tie heads of the front opening seat ring on the upper part of the front buckle pierce through the outer edge of the bag opening and are inserted into the through holes to secure the outer edge of the bag opening, which is more conducive to maintaining the fitted state and the open state of the vertical bucket-type plastic bag.

[0008] As an optimization, multiple vertical bucket-type plastic bags are stored together in a vertical bucket shape for easy storage; when in use, a single vertical bucket-type plastic bag is placed in a bucket shape between the electronic scale tray, the front-opening support plate, and the front-opening seat ring to ensure that the stool does not touch and soil the inner wall of the vertical bucket-type plastic bag.

[0009] As an optimization, the thickness and hardness of the lower part of the vertical bucket-shaped plastic bag are greater than the thickness and hardness of its upper neck, making it easier to tie; more preferably, the upper neck is made of non-supporting soft material, making it even easier to tie.

[0010] As an optimization, the lower part of the vertical bucket-type plastic bag used to hold the feces is spherically cut or truncated cone-shaped, with a higher hardness than the rest of the bag. The tray electronic scale is equipped with a concave support that matches and complements the lower part of the vertical bucket-type plastic bag, which makes it easy for the feces to accumulate in the middle of the bottom of the vertical bucket-type plastic bag, making it convenient for collection and sealing, and preventing the lower part of the vertical bucket-type plastic bag from deforming due to the feces.

[0011] As an optimization, the upper part of the vertical bucket-style plastic bag is a truncated cone shape that is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom, which helps to maintain the overall bucket shape when the bags are assembled.

[0012] As an optimization, the neck of the vertical bucket-type waste collection bag is made of non-supporting soft material, making it easier to tie. The height of the vertical bucket-type waste collection bag is greater than the distance between the top of the front-opening support plate and the inner bottom of the concave support, so that the bottom of the vertical bucket-type waste collection bag does not exert a downward pull on the bag opening after waste is collected, facilitating accurate weighing immediately after collection and before tying. The height of the vertical bucket-type waste collection bag is 10-15% greater than the distance between the top of the front-opening support plate and the inner bottom of the concave support, which does not affect weighing or the normal flow of waste to the bottom of the bag.

[0013] As an optimization, an upward-extending industrial control column for the main controller is provided on one side of the toilet seat for easy adjustment; the automatic bag-tying mechanism includes a strapping machine located under the front opening seat plate at the rear of the toilet seat, a strapping reel providing strapping tape to the strapping machine located on one side of the rear of the toilet seat, and a strapping guide frame providing a strapping path to the strapping machine around the neck of the vertical bucket-type urine-receiving plastic bag under the front opening seat plate, which can minimize the impact on urine reception; the strapping machine is electrically connected to the main controller, and the toilet seat is located on the front side of the front bottom frame or on the support... A human body sensor, electrically connected to the main controller, is installed on the front of the electronic scale to detect the feet of people using the toilet, facilitating automatic control. Specifically, when the sensor initially detects a human body signal, the main controller puts the strapping machine and the electronic scale into standby mode. When the sensor loses the signal for a certain period, the strapping machine starts, completes the strapping, and then the electronic scale starts weighing; alternatively, the sensor loses the signal for a certain period, starts weighing, completes the weighing, and then the strapping machine starts strapping. The foot-based sensor helps avoid false readings.

[0014] As an optimization, the upper part of the industrial control column is equipped with a touchscreen industrial control computer that integrates the main controller and a card reader. The upper end of the industrial control column is equipped with a three-color indicator and a voice prompt device electrically connected to the main controller. The three-color indicator and voice prompt device can indicate if a disposable bag is missing, a strapping strap is missing, or the subject has not entered personal information after defecating. The card reader is an NCR card reader. This facilitates easy human-computer interaction and full-process information management for the collection and packaging of individual subject samples.

[0015] In summary, the main components are a ring-shaped binding mechanism and a weighing mechanism arranged sequentially below the front-opening support seat. Disposable stool bags with exhaust one-way valves of self-designed size are used to collect fecal samples from the subjects. The stool bags are sealed by the binding mechanism, and the fecal samples are weighed by the weighing mechanism. Combined with the control system, the entire process is automated and the data is managed in an information-based manner.

[0016] The main technical components are as follows: 1. It is a multi-functional automated device for research wards, featuring functions such as toilet seating, fecal sample collection, packaging, weighing, alarm, and information management. The main body includes a front-opening seat plate, a strapping mechanism, a weighing mechanism, and an automatic control system. Consumables include disposable stool bags and strapping straps. 2. The front-opening seat plate has a perforated opening at the front for collecting urine, preventing contamination of fecal samples. 3. The toilet seat frame is equipped with a front-opening seat plate and a front-opening seat ring. The front-opening seat plate is fixed, while the front-opening seat ring is rotatable. A gap exists between the two to clamp the outer edge of the upper opening of a disposable stool bag. Both the front-opening seat plate and the front-opening seat ring have a front-opening, perforated structure. 4. A strapping mechanism is installed below the front-opening seat plate. Its guide groove is horizontally arranged and coaxial with the center of the front-opening seat plate. Strapping straps are used to tighten and seal the opening of the disposable stool bag. The straps are fixed by hot-melt welding. The strapping mechanism is tightly fitted to the underside of the front-opening seat plate, ensuring that the disposable toilet bag's folded edge detaches from between the front-opening seat plate and the front-opening seat ring during strapping, thus ensuring the accuracy of subsequent weighing. 5. The strapping tape is coiled and suspended on the side of the toilet seat frame, fed via a guide groove. 6. The weighing mechanism is located below the guide groove of the strapping mechanism, using a high-precision electronic scale with communication capabilities, and has guards around it to prevent the disposable toilet bag from tilting out. Its installation height matches the height of the disposable toilet bag, and the distance from the front-opening seat ring is slightly less than the height of the disposable toilet bag (excluding the folded edge), so the impact force of fecal sample defecation is borne by the electronic scale, not by the folded edge of the toilet bag. 7. A one-way exhaust valve is located below the strapping position of the disposable toilet bag, allowing internal air to be expelled after strapping. 8. The toilet seat frame is equipped with a human presence detection sensor; its descending edge signal from when someone is present to when no one is present is used to activate automated processes such as strapping and weighing. 8. The device features a three-color alarm to indicate missing disposable bedpan bags, missing straps, or that the subject has not entered their personal information. 9. The device includes a touchscreen industrial control computer as the operating and control host computer, installed on the side of the toilet seat at a standing operating height. It has an NFC card reader for easy user login and connects to the research ward database. 10. The accompanying storage cabinet has two levels of access control: doctor and subject.

[0017] More specifically, the biggest difference between this toilet and a regular toilet is that it doesn't require a flushing system; instead, it collects waste directly through a waste bag. Therefore, in addition to the normal squatting position, the toilet also needs to accommodate disposable waste bags. Furthermore, the securing and weighing of the waste bags must also be done inside the toilet. Finally, as the main frame of the device, the toilet needs to support and encapsulate the control system.

[0018] Based on this, a frame structure supports the toilet seat, ergonomically designed with an inner diameter of 260mm and a distance of 430mm from the ground. The toilet seat can be flipped up for cleaning the seat and interior, as well as for inserting new disposable toilet bags from top to bottom. When the toilet seat is lowered, there is a slight gap between it and the seat, allowing for a gentle clamping of the disposable toilet bag for simple fixation. The front of the frame structure is open for removing the disposable toilet bag, while the sides and back are fitted with outer shells to protect the interior. The toilet seat is housed within the back shell, and its internal space is used to install the strapping, weighing, and control systems. The main structure of the device measures 580 (L) * 580 (W) * 430 (H) mm, with overall dimensions of 700 (L) * 580 (W) * 1600 (H) mm.

[0019] The strapping mechanism is located directly below the toilet seat, equipped with a frame-type guide structure. Its envelope is larger than the inner circle of the toilet seat. It utilizes mature strapping technology, employing cable ties and heat sealing to secure the disposable toilet bags. The strapping force can reach 50N, sufficient to seal the bags. The cable ties are attached to the side and rear of the toilet bowl in bundles and are automatically conveyed; one bundle can meet the needs of at least 500 strapping operations. The weighing mechanism uses an electronic scale located below the strapping mechanism, at a height that perfectly supports an empty disposable toilet bag. A barrier above the scale prevents fecal samples from entering the bag and being dislodged from the weighing range due to impact.

[0020] After the subject defecates, the fecal sample enters a disposable stool bag. Because the electronic scale is set at a height that can bear the weight, the disposable stool bag will not fall off the toilet seat. The sensor detects that the subject gets up, and the binding mechanism works. While tightening to achieve a seal, its dragging action causes the upper part of the disposable stool bag to fall off the toilet seat. After binding is completed, it falls to the weighing mechanism to complete the weighing and recording of the tare weight. Then it can be removed, the air is released, and it is stored.

[0021] The disposable toilet bags have a relatively simple function, requiring only crimping with toilet seats and toilet seat covers, air venting, and specific dimensions for use with the equipment. Since the disposable toilet bags need to be replaced after each use, as consumables, strict control over mass production costs is necessary. The disposable toilet bags we selected have a diameter of 260mm when opened, matching the inner diameter of the toilet seat. After necessary folding, their length is 300mm, just touching the electronic scale when fitted. A one-way air vent valve is located in the upper part of the bag to expel excess air and reduce storage space.

[0022] The system integrates the functions of the control system and the information-based interactive management system. To ensure convenient information management and human-computer interaction, the automatic sealing toilet uses an industrial control tablet computer as the host computer, aiming for an easy-to-understand and familiar user experience, reducing reliance on training for users. The computer is mounted on the side of the automatic sealing toilet, raised to a suitable height for standing operation using a support. Due to the limited number of control options, and considering cost and support column load, a 7-inch capacitive screen is used. The computer connects to electrical components such as human body sensors, a strapping control module, an electronic scale, an NFC card reader, and a three-color alarm light. Through self-developed application software, it realizes human-computer interaction and command transmission, and establishes a database and various levels of operational management permissions.

[0023] Its control system consists of an industrial tablet PC with a built-in main controller. The main controller's human body sensor detects when the subject sits down and stands up. The main controller's strapping machine's strapping controller performs strapping, heat sealing, cutting, and parameter setting functions. The main controller's electronic scale on the control unit performs weighing and tare functions. The main controller's NCR card reader logs personnel information. The main controller's tri-color indicator and voice prompts provide alerts and alarms. The control system's workflow includes: Subject flow: Subject swipes card - Subject defecates - Subject stands up - Automatic strapping or alarm after card swipe failure - Re-swipe - Automatic strapping; - Weighing record or strapping tape shortage alarm - Inform medical staff to replace the strapping tape reel - Weighing record; - Removal of colostomy bag - Placement of new colostomy bag - End or - Alarm after no new colostomy tape - Notification to medical staff to replenish the bag - End. Medical staff flow: Medical staff swipe card - View records - Export to USB drive - End.

[0024] After adopting the above technical solution, this novel integrated fecal sample collection and packaging toilet device for clinical research has the advantages of ensuring accurate and complete collection of fecal samples, automatic packaging and timely weighing after collection, more convenient and barrier-free accurate urine reception, significantly reducing the manual workload of collection and sealing, greatly reducing the collection and sealing volume as needed, and enabling systematic information management. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a frontal three-dimensional structural diagram of the first embodiment of the integrated fecal sample collection and packaging toilet device for clinical research of this utility model. Figure 2 This is a front-view three-dimensional structural diagram of the automatic bag-tying mechanism of the first embodiment of the integrated fecal sample collection and packaging toilet device for clinical research of this utility model. Figure 3 This is a front-view three-dimensional structural diagram of the first embodiment of the integrated fecal sample collection and packaging toilet device for clinical research of this utility model, which uses a disposable vertical bucket-type fecal collection plastic bag. Figure 4This is a front-view three-dimensional structural diagram of the second embodiment of the integrated fecal sample collection and packaging toilet device for clinical research of this utility model, which uses a disposable vertical bucket-type fecal collection plastic bag. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the control system of the integrated fecal sample collection and packaging toilet device for clinical research of this utility model. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the control system usage of the integrated fecal sample collection and packaging toilet device for clinical research of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Example 1, as Figure 1-3As shown, the integrated fecal sample collection and packaging toilet device for clinical research of this utility model has a toilet frame 1 with armrests 11 on both sides. A tray electronic scale 2 connected to the main controller is supported in the defecation area of ​​the bottom frame. A front-opening seat plate 3 is supported in the defecation area of ​​the upper frame. A backward-leaning and forward-fastening front-opening seat ring 4 is hinged to the rear of the front-opening seat plate 3. An upper-opening vertical bucket-type stool collection plastic bag 5 with its bottom resting on the tray electronic scale 2 is fitted inside the front-opening seat plate 3. The vertical bucket-type stool collection plastic bag 5 has an outwardly flared bag opening edge 50 that fits on the inner opening of the front-opening seat plate 3. The forward-fastening front-opening seat ring 4 and the front-opening seat plate 3 clamp the outwardly flared bag opening edge 50. An automatic bag opening binding mechanism electrically connected to the main controller is provided below the front-opening seat plate 3 for the vertical bucket-type stool collection plastic bag 5. The vertical bucket-type stool collection plastic bag 5 has a one-way exhaust valve 51 on the upper middle part of its side, or it can be a seamless bag. The armrests on both sides allow for easy adjustment of the seating area to ensure that waste falls accurately into the center of the vertical bucket-type waste collection bag. This front-opening seat support and seat ring design allows for easy collection of urine using a urine collection container, such as a urine bag or urinal, located below the front opening. An electronic scale connected to the main controller is mounted on the tray in the bottom frame's waste collection area to weigh the waste collected in the vertical bucket-type waste collection bag. The front-opening seat support in the upper frame's waste collection area provides upper support for the vertical bucket-type waste collection bag. A hinged, backward-leaning, forward-fastening front-opening seat ring at the rear of the front-opening seat support provides both convenient seating and easy access to the vertical bucket-type waste collection bag. The upper neck of the front-opening support plate, which rests on the electronic scale, is made of a non-supporting, soft material with a height greater than the distance between the front-opening support plate and the electronic scale. This design solves the problem of collected waste falling into the vertical bucket-type collection bag, causing the weight of the bag, supported by the front-opening support plate, to be shared by the bag's open edge, resulting in a weighing result lower than the actual weight of the waste. The vertical bucket-type collection bag has an open edge that fits onto the inner opening of the front-opening support plate, and a front-opening seat ring that clamps the open edge of the bag. This ensures that the vertical bucket-type collection bag remains fully open after installation, guaranteeing that waste falls to the bottom of the bag, preventing it from sticking to the inner wall of the bag, and ensuring that no waste spills out after sealing, thus guaranteeing efficient collection and sealing. An automatic bag-tying mechanism connected to the main controller is installed below the front-opening seat plate to a vertical bucket-type waste collection plastic bag. This mechanism automatically ties and seals the bag after waste collection. When the vertical bucket-type waste collection plastic bag is seamless, tying the neck of the bag retains air inside, maintaining the bag's shape after tying. This helps maintain the shape of the waste after sealing and facilitates visual inspection. In particular, compared to the prior art where waste is collected by a fecal sample collection cup spaced below the toilet seat, this ensures that the fecal sample falls absolutely into the vertical bucket-type waste collection plastic bag.When a one-way exhaust valve is installed on the upper middle part of the side of the vertical bucket-type waste collection plastic bag, excess air can be squeezed out after binding, significantly reducing the volume of the sealed vertical bucket-type waste collection plastic bag and making it easier to transfer and store. The usage process is as follows: First, place the outer edge of the vertical bucket-type waste collection plastic bag onto the front opening support plate. Then, fasten the front opening seat ring onto the outer edge of the outer bag and the front opening support plate and hold it in place. The person being collected sits on the front opening seat ring and defecates into the vertical bucket-type waste collection plastic bag, ensuring no leakage. A urine collection container is held below and in front of the front opening seat ring and the front opening support plate to receive the urine flow. The urine flow can be clearly observed and adjusted through the front opening to ensure no spillage. After standing up, properly place the urine collection container and lift the front opening seat ring to release the outer edge of the outer bag. Then, start the automatic bag-tying machine. The vertical bucket-shaped plastic bag for collecting feces is tied and sealed. During the tying and sealing process, the outward-facing bag opening is tightened and sunk until it finally detaches from the front opening support plate, after which it is weighed. Alternatively, the continuous cable ties can be cut by an automatic bag-tying mechanism or manually disconnected before weighing. After weighing, the vertical bucket-shaped plastic bag containing the sealed bottom is removed. If the volume of the vertical bucket-shaped plastic bag containing the sealed bottom is too large, an innovative type of vertical bucket-shaped plastic bag with a one-way exhaust valve on the upper middle part of the side can be used. After the bottom is sealed, appropriate compression is applied to expel excess air through the one-way exhaust valve, thereby reducing the volume. Since fecal samples should not enter the collection bag, male subjects are required to collect urine samples, while female subjects are required to empty their bladders before collecting fecal samples. This avoids the difficulties and risks associated with the development of urine and feces separation, and is explained here. It has the advantages of ensuring accurate and complete collection of fecal samples, automatic sealing and timely weighing after collection, more convenient and unobstructed accurate urine reception, and in particular, it can significantly reduce the manual workload of collection and sealing, and can also greatly reduce the collection and sealing volume as needed.

[0027] Specifically, the thickness and hardness of the outer plastic bag opening edge 50 are greater than the thickness and hardness of the vertical cylindrical receiving plastic bag 5 body below the outer plastic bag opening edge 50. The upper front opening seat ring 4 of the front buckle and the lower front opening support plate 3 press and hold the outer plastic bag opening edge 50 in the middle. Preferably, the lower part of the front opening seat ring is provided with multiple or more sets of circumferentially spaced lower binding heads, and the front opening support plate is provided with corresponding through holes. The lower binding heads of the upper front opening seat ring of the front buckle pierce downward through the outer plastic bag opening edge and insert into the through holes to secure the outer plastic bag opening edge.

[0028] More specifically, multiple vertical bucket-shaped plastic bags 5 are stored together in a vertical bucket shape. When in use, a single vertical bucket-shaped plastic bag 5 is placed in a bucket shape between the electronic scale 2, the front-opening support plate 3, and the front-opening seat ring 4. Further specifically, the thickness and hardness of the lower part of the vertical bucket-shaped plastic bag 5 are greater than the thickness and hardness of its upper neck. Preferably, the upper neck is made of a non-supporting soft material.

[0029] Specifically, the lower part of the vertical bucket-type plastic bag 5, used to hold the waste, is a spherical shape with a larger top and smaller bottom, and its rigidity is greater than the rest of the bag. It can also be a frustum-shaped cone. The tray electronic scale 2 is equipped with a concave support 20 that matches and supports the lower part of the vertical bucket-type plastic bag 5. More specifically, the upper part of the vertical bucket-type plastic bag 5 is a frustum-shaped tube with a larger top and smaller bottom.

[0030] Specifically, a control column 6 extending upwards and connected to the main controller is provided on the left outer rear part of the toilet seat 1. The automatic bag-tying mechanism includes a strapping machine 7 located below the front opening seat plate 3 at the rear of the toilet seat 1, a strapping tape reel 71 located on one side of the rear of the toilet seat 1 to provide strapping tape to the strapping machine, and a strapping tape guide frame 70 located below the front opening seat plate 3, surrounding the neck of the vertical bucket-type plastic bag 5, to provide a strapping path to the strapping machine. The strapping machine 7 is electrically connected to the main controller. A human body sensor 8, electrically connected to the main controller and used to sense the feet of the person using the toilet, is provided on the front side of the front bottom frame or the front side of the tray electronic scale of the toilet seat 1. More specifically, a touch screen industrial control computer 9 with the main controller and a card reader is provided on the upper part of the control column 6. A three-color light 61 and a voice prompt 60 electrically connected to the main controller are provided on the upper end of the control column 6.

[0031] Example 2, as Figure 4 As shown, the difference between this utility model's integrated fecal sample collection and packaging toilet device for clinical research and the above-mentioned embodiment 1 is only that the upper neck 52 of the vertical bucket-type fecal collection plastic bag 5 is a non-supporting soft material, and the height of the vertical bucket-type fecal collection plastic bag 5 is greater than the distance between the top of the front-opening seat plate 3 and the inner bottom of the concave support 20. Preferably, the height of the vertical bucket-type fecal collection plastic bag 5 is 10-15% greater than the distance between the top of the front-opening seat plate 3 and the inner bottom of the concave support 20.

[0032] In detail, the biggest difference between this toilet and a regular toilet is that it doesn't require a flushing system; instead, it collects waste directly through a waste bag. Therefore, in addition to the normal squatting position, the toilet also needs to accommodate disposable waste bags. Furthermore, the securing and weighing of the waste bags must also be done inside the toilet. Finally, as the main frame of the device, the toilet needs to support and encapsulate the control system.

[0033] Based on this, a frame structure supports the toilet seat, ergonomically designed with an inner diameter of 260mm and a distance of 430mm from the ground. The toilet seat can be flipped up for cleaning the seat and interior, as well as for inserting new disposable toilet bags from top to bottom. When the toilet seat is lowered, there is a slight gap between it and the seat, allowing for a gentle clamping of the disposable toilet bag for simple fixation. The front of the frame structure is open for removing the disposable toilet bag, while the sides and back are fitted with outer shells to protect the interior. The toilet seat is housed within the back shell, and its internal space is used to install the strapping, weighing, and control systems. The main structure of the device measures 580 (L) * 580 (W) * 430 (H) mm, with overall dimensions of 700 (L) * 580 (W) * 1600 (H) mm.

[0034] The strapping mechanism is located directly below the toilet seat, equipped with a frame-type guide structure. Its envelope is larger than the inner circle of the toilet seat. It utilizes mature strapping technology, employing cable ties and heat sealing to secure the disposable toilet bags. The strapping force can reach 50N, sufficient to seal the bags. The cable ties are attached to the side and rear of the toilet bowl in bundles and are automatically conveyed; one bundle can meet the needs of at least 500 strapping operations. The weighing mechanism uses an electronic scale located below the strapping mechanism, at a height that perfectly supports an empty disposable toilet bag. A barrier above the scale prevents fecal samples from entering the bag and being dislodged from the weighing range due to impact.

[0035] After the subject defecates, the fecal sample enters a disposable stool bag. Because the electronic scale is set at a height that can bear the weight, the disposable stool bag will not fall off the toilet seat. The sensor detects that the subject gets up, and the binding mechanism works. While tightening to achieve a seal, its dragging action causes the upper part of the disposable stool bag to fall off the toilet seat. After binding is completed, it falls to the weighing mechanism to complete the weighing and recording of the tare weight. Then it can be removed, the air is released, and it is stored.

[0036] The disposable toilet bags have a relatively simple function, requiring only crimping with toilet seats and toilet seat covers, air venting, and specific dimensions for use with the equipment. Since the disposable toilet bags need to be replaced after each use, as consumables, strict control over mass production costs is necessary. The disposable toilet bags we selected have a diameter of 260mm when opened, matching the inner diameter of the toilet seat. After necessary folding, their length is 300mm, just touching the electronic scale when fitted. A one-way air vent valve is located in the upper part of the bag to expel excess air and reduce storage space.

[0037] The system integrates the functions of the control system and the information-based interactive management system. To ensure convenient information management and human-computer interaction, the automatic sealing toilet uses an industrial control tablet computer as the host computer, aiming for an easy-to-understand and familiar user experience, reducing reliance on training for users. The computer is mounted on the side of the automatic sealing toilet, raised to a suitable height for standing operation using a support. Due to the limited number of control options, and considering cost and support column load, a 7-inch capacitive screen is used. The computer connects to electrical components such as human body sensors, a strapping control module, an electronic scale, an NFC card reader, and a three-color alarm light. Through self-developed application software, it realizes human-computer interaction and command transmission, and establishes a database and various levels of operational management permissions.

[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, its control system consists of an industrial tablet PC with a built-in main controller. The main controller's human body sensor detects when a subject sits down or stands up. The main controller's strapping machine's strapping controller performs strapping, heat sealing, cutting, and parameter setting functions. The main controller's electronic scale performs weighing and tare functions. The main controller's NCR card reader logs personnel information. The main controller's tri-color indicator and voice prompts provide alerts and alarms. Figure 6 As shown, the workflow of its control system includes: Subject process: Subject swipes card - Subject defecates - Subject stands up - Automatic strapping or alarm after card not swiped - Re-swipe - Automatic strapping; - Weighing and recording or alarm for insufficient strapping tape - Inform medical staff to replace the strapping tape reel - Weighing and recording; - Removing the colostomy bag - Putting in a new colostomy bag - End or - Alarm for not putting in a new colostomy tape - Notify medical staff to replenish the bag - End. Medical staff process: Medical staff swipes card - Views records - Exports to USB drive - End.

[0039] In summary, this novel integrated fecal sample collection and packaging toilet device for clinical research has the advantages of ensuring accurate and complete collection of fecal samples, automatic packaging and timely weighing after collection, more convenient and barrier-free accurate urine reception, significantly reducing the manual workload of collection and packaging, greatly reducing the collection and packaging volume as needed, and enabling systematic information management.

Claims

1. A toilet device for integrated collection and packaging of fecal samples for clinical research, characterized in that... A toilet seat with armrests on both sides has a tray electronic scale connected to the main controller mounted on the bottom frame's toilet area. A front-opening seat plate is mounted on the upper frame's toilet area. A front-opening seat ring with a backward-leaning and forward-fastening design is hinged to the rear of the front-opening seat plate. An upper-opening vertical bucket-type waste collection plastic bag with its bottom resting on the tray electronic scale is fitted inside the front-opening seat plate. The vertical bucket-type waste collection plastic bag has an outward-flaring bag opening edge that fits onto the inner opening of the front-opening seat plate. The front-fastening front-opening seat ring and the front-opening seat plate clamp the outward-flaring bag opening edge. An automatic bag-closing mechanism for the vertical bucket-type waste collection plastic bag, electrically connected to the main controller, is located below the front-opening seat plate. The vertical bucket-type waste collection plastic bag is either a seamless bag or has a one-way exhaust valve on the upper middle part of its side.

2. The integrated fecal sample collection and packaging toilet device for clinical research according to claim 1, characterized in that... The thickness and hardness of the outer edge of the bag opening are greater than the thickness and hardness of the plastic bag body below the vertical barrel-shaped outer edge of the bag opening. The upper front opening seat ring and the lower front opening support plate of the front buckle are pressed and held in the middle of the outer edge of the bag opening.

3. The integrated fecal sample collection and packaging toilet device for clinical research according to claim 2, characterized in that... The front-opening seat ring has multiple or more sets of circumferentially spaced lower tie heads. The front-opening support plate has a matching through hole. The lower tie head of the front-opening seat ring on the upper part of the front buckle pierces downward through the outer edge of the bag opening and is inserted into the through hole to secure the outer edge of the bag opening.

4. The integrated fecal sample collection and packaging toilet device for clinical research according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that... Multiple vertical bucket-type plastic bags are stored together in a vertical bucket shape. When in use, a single vertical bucket-type plastic bag is placed in a bucket shape between the electronic scale tray, the front-opening support plate, and the front-opening seat ring.

5. The integrated fecal sample collection and packaging toilet device for clinical research according to claim 4, characterized in that... The thickness and hardness of the lower part of the vertical bucket-type plastic bag are greater than the thickness and hardness of its upper neck.

6. The integrated fecal sample collection and packaging toilet device for clinical research according to claim 1, characterized in that... The bottom part of the vertical bucket-type plastic bag used to collect feces is spherical or truncated cone-shaped, with a higher hardness than the rest of the bag. The tray electronic scale is equipped with a concave support that matches and complements the bottom part of the vertical bucket-type plastic bag.

7. The integrated fecal sample collection and packaging toilet device for clinical research according to claim 6, characterized in that... The upper part of the vertical bucket-style plastic bag is a truncated cone shape, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom.

8. The integrated fecal sample collection and packaging toilet device for clinical research according to claim 6, characterized in that... The neck of the vertical bucket-type plastic bag is made of non-supporting soft material, and the height of the vertical bucket-type plastic bag is greater than the distance between the top of the front opening support plate and the inner bottom of the concave support. The height of the vertical bucket-type plastic bag is 10-15% greater than the distance between the top of the front opening support plate and the inner bottom of the concave support.

9. The integrated fecal sample collection and packaging toilet device for clinical research according to claim 1, characterized in that... An industrial control column with a main controller extending upwards is provided on one side of the toilet seat. The automatic bag-tying mechanism includes a strapping machine located below the front opening seat plate at the rear of the toilet seat, a strapping reel located on one side of the rear of the toilet seat that provides strapping tape to the strapping machine, and a strapping guide frame that surrounds the neck of the vertical bucket-type plastic bag below the front opening seat plate and provides a strapping path to the strapping machine. The strapping machine is electrically connected to the main controller. A human body sensor electrically connected to the main controller is provided on the front side of the front bottom frame or the front side of the tray electronic scale of the toilet seat for sensing the feet of the person using the toilet.

10. The integrated fecal sample collection and packaging toilet device for clinical research according to claim 9, characterized in that... The upper part of the industrial control column is equipped with a touch screen industrial control computer with the main controller and card reader built in. The upper end of the industrial control column is equipped with a three-color light and a voice prompt device that are electrically connected to the main controller.

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