Fluid circuit with injector-sampler for urine analyzer

Abstract

This description relates to a urine analysis station (200) comprising a housing, configured to be placed entirely within a toilet bowl and to receive a stream of urine, the housing being configured to contain at least one analysis region suitable for receiving urine for analysis, a urine reservoir (524), configured to receive urine from a user's voiding, a fluid circuit (600, 900, 1000, 1100) within the housing for circulating urine within the station from the urine reservoir to an analysis region, and an analyzer (230), mounted within the housing (204), and configured to obtain information relating to the urine in the analysis region (508). Figure 12

Description

Title of the invention: Fluidic circuit with injector-sampler for urine analyzer

[0001] The present invention relates to the urine analysis device and in particular to urine analysis devices comprising a housing configured to be placed entirely in a toilet bowl. State of the art

[0002] Many biological parameters can be identified in an individual's urine. For example, health problems such as a urinary tract infection, diabetes, or kidney failure can be detected from a urine sample. A urine sample can also reflect the quality of a diet, identify a period of fertility or pregnancy, and detect drug or tobacco use. Therefore, it is worthwhile to periodically monitor various biological parameters.

[0003] Document WO2021 / 175909 describes a device for urine analysis. The device is housed in the toilet and collects a urine sample before performing an optical analysis. The device comprises a station and a cartridge, also called a rotating holder, which can be removed from and replaced on the station. The cartridge contains urine test strips, i.e., strips coated or impregnated with a reagent that reacts with urine.

[0004] One difficulty related to the devices is the contamination of the urine by various components, particularly urine unrelated to the voiding preceding the analysis (urine from another person or urine from a previous voiding, which has a different composition and no longer allows for a relevant analysis). This is referred to as cross-contamination (a common anglicism, which can be translated into French as contamination croisée). Summary of the invention

[0005] The present description therefore proposes a urine analysis station that allows for limiting the effects of cross-contamination.

[0006] Several solutions for limiting the effects of cross-contamination will be presented. These solutions are not mutually exclusive and can be combined.

[0007] According to one aspect, referred to as the "injector-sampler", the description relates to a urine analysis station comprising: - a casing configured to be placed entirely inside a toilet bowl and to receive a stream of urine, the casing being configured to contain at least one analysis region suitable for receiving urine for analysis, - a urine reservoir, configured to receive urine from a user's urination, - a fluidic circuit inside the housing for circulating urine within the station from the urine reservoir to an analysis region, wherein the fluidic circuit comprises an injection end configured to inject urine into an analysis region and a sampling end configured to draw urine from the reservoir and introduce it into the fluidic circuit, - an analyzer, mounted inside the casing, and configured to obtain information relating to the urine in the analysis area,

[0008] According to this "injector-collector" aspect, the injection tip is used as a collection tip. In this way, the injection tip is rinsed with the user's urine before injection.

[0009] In one embodiment, the injection end is mobile between, in particular, an injection position, during which the injection end injects urine into the analysis region, and a sampling position, during which the injection end samples urine from the reservoir.

[0010] In one embodiment, the reservoir and at least one analysis region are arranged close together in the station, for example in alignment with a translation axis of the injection end, which is therefore mobile.

[0011] In one embodiment, the injection end is a syringe.

[0012] In one embodiment, the station includes a pump configured to do The urine circulates through the fluid circuit in one direction during the urine collection step from the collection end to the reservoir, and in the opposite direction during the urine injection step into the analysis area from the injection end. Specifically, the pump can be configured to reverse its direction of operation.

[0013] In one embodiment, the fluidic circuit is linear, therefore without branching or derivation.

[0014] In one embodiment, the fluidic circuit forms a loop between the injection end and the sampling end.

[0015] In one embodiment, the station is configured to sacrifice the first volumes of urine collected from the reservoir by the sampling end, so that the urine station does not inject the first volumes of urine collected into the analysis region.

[0016] In one embodiment, the fluidic circuit includes a section for changing the direction of urine flow, inside which urine changes direction of flow, that is to say within which an anterior front of a volume of urine becomes the posterior front of that volume of urine.

[0017] In one embodiment, the logic of the fluidic circuit is in “last in - first out”, LIFO, so that the last volumes of urine drawn from the collection end into the reservoir are the first volumes of urine injected into the analysis region from the injection end.

[0018] In one embodiment, the station includes a housing positioned inside the casing, configured to receive at least partially a cartridge comprising at least one analysis region.

[0019] In one embodiment, the reservoir is accessible through the sampling end via a septum configured to be traversed by the sampling end.

[0020] This aspect also relates to a device comprising a station as described above and a removable cartridge of the station, in which at least one analysis region is mounted on the cartridge.

[0021] This aspect also relates to a method of urine analysis using a station or device as described above, the method comprising: - a step involving the collection of urine from the reservoir via the collection end, - a step of injecting urine into the analysis area through the injection tip.

[0022] In one embodiment, the method includes, between the sampling step and the injection step, a preloading step, during which some of the collected urine is returned to the reservoir through the sampling end.

[0023] According to one aspect, referred to as "sacrificial", the description relates to a urine analysis station comprising: - a casing configured to be placed entirely inside a toilet bowl and to receive a stream of urine, the casing being configured to contain at least one analysis region suitable for receiving urine for analysis, - a urine reservoir, configured to receive urine from a user's urination, - a fluidic circuit inside the housing for circulating urine within the station from the urine reservoir to an analysis region, wherein the fluidic circuit comprises an injection end configured to inject urine into an analysis region and a sampling end configured to draw urine from the reservoir and introduce it into the fluidic circuit, - an analyzer, mounted inside the case, and configured to obtain information relating to the urine in the analysis area.

[0024] According to this aspect, the station is configured to sacrifice the first volumes of urine drawn from the reservoir by the sampling end, so that station The urine analysis system does not inject the first volumes of urine collected into the analysis area.

[0025] In one embodiment, the station further comprises a purge end, the station being configured such that: - in a purging position, the injection end discharges urine from the purging end, then, - in an injection position, the injection tip injects urine into the analysis area.

[0026] In one embodiment, the fluidic circuit is linear, the purge end being opposite the sampling end.

[0027] In one embodiment, the fluidic circuit is configured to circulate the urine in a unidirectional direction of movement, from the sampling end to the injection end.

[0028] In one embodiment, the injection end is used as a sampling end, through which urine enters the fluidic circuit, so that the injection end is rinsed with the user's urine before injection.

[0029] In one embodiment, the fluid circuit is arranged so that the injection end is traversed by urine in one direction during collection and in the other direction during injection.

[0030] In one embodiment, the sacrificial volumes are purged from the fluidic circuit after the injection step.

[0031] In one embodiment, the first injected volumes are the last volumes of urine collected or intermediate volumes of urine collected.

[0032] In one embodiment, the fluidic circuit includes a section for changing the direction of urine movement, within which urine changes the direction of circulation, within which a front front of a volume of urine becomes the rear front of that volume of urine.

[0033] In one embodiment, the station includes a housing positioned inside the casing, configured to receive at least partially a cartridge comprising at least one analysis region.

[0034] This aspect also relates to a device comprising a station as described above and a removable cartridge of the station, in which at least one analysis region is mounted on the cartridge.

[0035] This aspect also relates to a method of urine analysis using a station or device as described above, the method comprising: - a step of collecting urine from the reservoir via the collection end, the collection including initial volumes drawn, - a step of injecting urine into the analysis area through the injection tip, the injection not including the first volumes collected (i.e. including the last volumes of urine collected or intermediate volumes of urine collected).

[0036] In one embodiment, the method includes, between the sampling step and the injection step, a sacrifice step, during which the first volumes sampled are poured into a purge end, in particular through the injection end.

[0037] In one embodiment, the method includes, after the injection step, a purging step during which the first volumes taken are sent to the purging end.

[0038] According to one aspect, referred to as "double-sense", the description relates to a urine analysis station comprising: - a casing configured to be placed entirely inside a toilet bowl and to receive a stream of urine, the casing being configured to contain at least one analysis region suitable for receiving urine for analysis, - a fluid circuit, inside the housing, for the circulation of urine within the station towards an analysis area, - an analyzer, mounted inside the case, and configured to obtain information relating to the urine in the analysis area.

[0039] According to this aspect, the fluidic circuit includes a section for changing the direction of movement of the urine, within which the urine changes the direction of circulation, within which a front front of a volume of urine becomes a rear front of that volume of urine.

[0040] In this regard, the station may include a pump configured to change the direction of the fluid in the urine flow reversal section. This change can be achieved by reversing the direction of operation of the pump.

[0041] In one embodiment, the station includes a urine reservoir, configured to receive urine from a user's urination, and the fluidic circuit is for the circulation of urine in the station from the urine reservoir to an analysis region.

[0042] In one embodiment, the fluidic circuit includes an injection end configured to inject urine into an analysis region and a sampling end configured to sample urine from the reservoir and draw it into the fluidic circuit.

[0043] In one embodiment, the logic of the fluidic circuit is "last in - first out", LIFO, so that the last volumes of urine drawn from the collection end in the reservoir are the first volumes of urine injected in the analysis area by the injection tip, so that the last urine entered is the cleanest and that is injected.

[0044] In one embodiment, the injection end is used as the sampling end.

[0045] In one embodiment, the section for changing the direction of the urine includes the injection end, so that the injection end is rinsed with the user's urine before injection.

[0046] In one embodiment, the station includes two fluid presence sensors disposed at two locations along the fluidic circuit, in which the urine displacement change section includes the portion of the fluidic circuit between the two fluid presence sensors.

[0047] In one embodiment, the station is configured to sacrifice the first volumes of urine collected from the reservoir by the sampling end, so that the station does not inject the first volumes of urine collected into the analysis region.

[0048] In one embodiment, the reservoir and at least one analysis region are arranged in close proximity in the station.

[0049] In one embodiment, the station includes a housing positioned inside the casing, configured to receive at least partially a cartridge comprising at least one analysis region.

[0050] This aspect also relates to a device comprising a station as described above and a removable cartridge of the station, in which at least one analysis region is mounted on the cartridge.

[0051] This aspect also relates to a method of urine analysis using a station or device as described above, the method comprising: - a step of collecting urine from the reservoir by the collection end, - a step of injecting urine into the analysis area by the injection end, in which between the collection step and the injection step, the urine changes direction of flow in the section of change of direction of urine movement.

[0052] In one embodiment, the station includes a pump, and the direction of pump operation is reversed between the sampling step and the injection step.

[0053] In one embodiment, the method includes, between the sampling step and the injection step, a preloading step, during which some of the collected urine is returned to the reservoir through the sampling end.

[0054] All these solutions are particularly implementable with the characteristics presented below, unless the description specifies otherwise.

[0055] The fluidic circuit has characteristic dimensions such that capillary forces are greater than gravitational forces. Consequently, in the absence of an external force other than gravity, urine does not circulate in the fluidic circuit.

[0056] In one embodiment, the station includes a housing positioned inside the casing, configured to at least partially receive a cartridge comprising at least one analysis region. The cartridge may include a plurality of analysis regions, each configured to be selectively positioned with respect to the injection tip.

[0057] In one variant, the housing comprises an annular shape and the cartridge is mobile in rotation within the station.

[0058] The description also relates to a device comprising a station as described herein, and a cartridge, in which at least one analysis region is mounted on a removable cartridge of the station.

[0059] The station may include a collection port positioned on the housing and the sampling end draws from the reservoir via the collection port.

[0060] The reservoir may be formed in part by the housing. In one embodiment, the reservoir is located outside the housing in order to receive urine flowing over the housing. In this respect, the reservoir is either a buffer reservoir (urine passes through it and is collected via the sampling end) or a storage reservoir where the urine accumulates.

[0061] In one embodiment, the reservoir is accessible through the sampling end via a septum configured to be traversed by the sampling end.

[0062] The station typically includes a pump configured to circulate the fluid in the fluidic circuit, for example, to circulate it in one direction or the other. The pump may be a peristaltic pump, which keeps the urine within the piping.

[0063] In one embodiment, the sampling end includes a needle. The needle may be beveled, in particular for piercing the septum and for piercing the chamber of the cartridges.

[0064] In one embodiment, the injection tip is mobile inside the housing, for example in translation, by means of a motor.

[0065] In one embodiment, the reservoir and at least one analysis region are arranged in close proximity (when said analysis region is positioned for the injection step), for example, in alignment with the translation axis of the injection tip. Alternatively, the purge tip and at least one analysis region are arranged in close proximity (when said analysis region is positioned for the injection step), for example, in alignment with the translation axis of the injection tip.

[0066] In one embodiment, the purge end is fluidly opposite the injection end.

[0067] In one embodiment, the fluidic circuit is linear, that is to say without branching or offshoot.

[0068] In one embodiment, the injection tip is movable between, in particular, an injection position, during which the injection tip injects urine into the analysis region, and a sampling position, during which the injection tip draws urine from the reservoir. In other variations, the injection tip may be movable between an injection position and a purging position, during which the injection tip discharges urine towards a purging end.

[0069] In one embodiment, the station is configured to implement a pre-charge step, between the sampling step and the injection step, during which the last volumes of urine collected are reinjected into the reservoir. The pre-charge step can be implemented in response to a determination that a reference section between the two fluid presence sensors has indicated that the reference section contains only urine.

[0070] The station includes control circuitry, with a processor and memory capable of storing a program that the processor can execute. The control circuitry is specifically configured to control the position of the injection tip (between different positions), to control the pump, and to control the position of at least one analysis region within the housing.

[0071] The analyzer typically includes an optical analyzer, for example a CCD sensor or a camera.

[0072] In one embodiment, the station includes a housing positioned inside the casing, configured to receive at least partially a cartridge comprising at least one analysis region. The housing may have an annular shape. The cartridge is typically rotatable.

[0073] The description may also refer to a urine analysis device comprising a station as described above and a cartridge as described above.

[0074] Presentation of the figures

[0075] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the detailed description below, and from analyzing the accompanying drawings, in which: - [Fig. 1]: [Fig. 1] presents a schematic and simplified representation of a urine analysis device installed in a toilet bowl, - [Fig.2]: [Fig.2] presents an exploded view of the urine analysis device, in which the station and the cartridge are visible. - [Fig.3]: [Fig.3] presents a detailed view of a cartridge according to one embodiment, - [Fig.4]: [Fig.4] shows a cross-sectional view of a cartridge and a station according to one embodiment, at the location of an optical analyzer of the station, - [Fig.5]: [Fig.5] shows two embodiments of a cross-sectional view of the device (station and cartridge) at the injection tip, - [Fig.6]: [Fig.6] presents schematic views of the fluidic circuit of a measurement station conforming to a so-called "sacrificial" embodiment, - [Fig.7]: [Fig.7] presents a more realistic view of a fluidic circuit similar to that of [Fig.6], - [Fig.8]: [Fig.8] presents schematic views of the fluidic circuit of a measurement station conforming to an embodiment known as "injector-sampler", - [Fig.9]: [Fig.9] presents schematic views of the fluidic circuit of a measurement station conforming to so-called "sacrificial" and "injector-sampler" embodiments. - [Fig. 10]: [Fig. 10] presents schematic views of the fluidic circuit of a measuring station conforming to a so-called "double-direction" embodiment (and suitable for the "sacrificial" embodiment), - [Fig. 11]: [Fig. 11] presents schematic views of the fluidic circuit of a measuring station conforming to the embodiments known as "injector-sampler", "two-way" and suitable for the "sacrificial" embodiment), - [Fig. 12]: [Fig. 12] presents a more realistic view of a fluidic circuit similar to that of [Fig. 11], - [Fig.13]: [Fig.13] presents a simplified view of the fluidic circuit of [Fig.12], in a sampling step, - [Fig. 14]: [Fig. 14] presents a simplified view of the fluidic circuit of [Fig. 12], in an injection stage, - [Fig.15]: [Fig.15] presents a simplified view of the fluidic circuit of [Fig.12], during a purging step, - [Fig. 16]: [Fig. 16] presents a schematic architecture of a measurement station and its ecosystem. Detailed description

[0076] This description presents different fluidic circuit architectures of a urine analysis device comprising a housing sized to be mounted on the wall of a toilet bowl. The following documents describe an example of such an analysis device: WO2021175909 and WO2021175944, WO2023036805, WO2023036806, WO2023036808, WO2023036809. We will subsequently refer to them as WO documents in general.

[0077] The fluidic circuit has the function of conveying urine collected by the housing to an analysis region, which typically includes a reagent, positioned inside the housing, and in particular to a removable cartridge received in the housing.

[0078] Several embodiments and variants of fluidic circuits will be presented in relation to a device conforming to the aforementioned WO documents by way of example. Orientation

[0079] In the following description, the notions of "up" and "down", "upper" and "lower", etc. are defined with respect to a direction Z, as defined in [Fig.2]. Up along the Z direction is defined in a normal operating position of the urine analysis device fixed in the toilet bowl. General shape of the case

[0080] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an analysis device 100 (also referred to hereafter as "device 100") for urine analysis installed in the toilet 102. The toilet 102 generally comprises a water tank 104, a bowl 106, a seat 108, and a seat cover 110. The analysis device 100 is configured to be placed entirely within the toilet bowl. "Within the bowl" means "placed within the internal volume defined by the bowl." The analysis device 100 is removably positioned within the toilet 102. For example, the analysis device 100 can be easily removed from the toilet to replace a cartridge and then replaced in the toilet 102. The analysis device 100 is placed on a wall 112 of the toilet bowl 106.The analysis device 100 is positioned so that it is generally under the stream of urine of a user, so that when a user urinates (usually in a seated position), the urine comes into contact with the analysis device 100. The analysis device 100 can communicate remotely with a remote entity, such as a smartphone 114 or a server 116.

[0081] As illustrated in more detail in [Fig. 2], the analysis device 100 may include a urine analysis station 200 (also referred to hereafter as "station 200") and a cartridge 202, removably mounted on the station 200. The cartridge 202 contains a reagent capable of reacting with urine (referred to as "urine reagent"). In an embodiment without a cartridge 202, the analysis device 100 and the analysis station 200 are combined.

[0082] Alternatively, the station 200 includes urine reagent directly without any removable parts. Alternatively, the station 200 can be recharged by pouring in liquid reagent.

[0083] Alternatively, urine analysis can be performed without reagents. Optical analyses, such as spectroscopy, are examples of this.

[0084] The station 200 may include a housing 204 which may comprise two shells, in particular a front shell 206 and a rear shell 208. The front shell 206 and the rear shell 208 may cooperate with each other via a fastening mechanism 216, in a plane normal to the X-axis. The front shell 206 and the rear shell 208 may be assembled reversibly, for example by screwing or clipping. In one embodiment, the front shell 206 and the rear shell 208 may be assembled permanently, for example by gluing, clipping, magnetizing, or ultrasonic welding. Other fastening means may be used to assemble the two shells.

[0085] The housing 204 is watertight. Only a collection port and a purge port allow urine to pass between the inside and the outside. These ports will be described in more detail later.

[0086] As can be seen in the figures, the housing 204 can have an overall external shape of a circular pebble. In other words, the housing 204 has a spheroidal shape. The X-axis is the central line of the housing. Advantageously, the front shell 206 can be substantially rotationally symmetrical, which gives the device an aerodynamic appearance once installed. The housing 204 serves as a urine collector.

[0087] The housing 204 comprises a front face 220 for receiving a stream of urine directly from a user urinating on the toilet and a rear face 222 opposite the front face 220. As illustrated in [Fig. 2], the front face 220 can be arranged on the front shell 206 and the rear face 222 can be arranged on the rear shell 208. The front face 220 is oriented towards the interior of the bowl 106. The front face 220 is therefore intended to receive the urine when the user urinates while sitting on the toilet 102. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the rear face 222 faces the inner wall 112 of the bowl 106. In the following description, an object facing the wall of the bowl is understood to mean an object facing the wall of the bowl nearest to the object in question. and not the wall of the bowl opposite the other side of the internal volume of the bowl.

[0088] The front face 220 and the rear face 222 each have a curved edge 210. The respective curved edges 210 of the front and rear faces meet at an equatorial junction zone. Thus, the outer surface of the housing 204, consisting of the front face 220 and the rear face 222, is defined by curved lines and forms a generally convex object.

[0089] The outer surface of the housing 204 can also be white or light-colored. The color of the outer surface can be similar to that of the toilet, which increases the discretion of the device.

[0090] The housing 204 can have a diameter, measured in the direction orthogonal to the X-axis, of between 50 mm and 150 mm. The housing 204 can have a thickness, measured in the direction of the X-axis, of between 15 mm and 50 mm. Thus, the housing 204 is compact enough to be entirely housed in the toilet bowl. The urine analysis device 100 is discreet. Furthermore, the housing 204 is large enough to consistently come into contact with the urine collected in the bowl. The user can then urinate in the toilet without worrying about the urine analysis device, or alternatively, aim briefly.

[0091] According to another aspect, in one embodiment, the housing 204 has a general form factor such that the ratio between the thickness and the diameter is between 0.2 and 0.5, and even preferably between 0.3 and 0.4. Such proportions are reminiscent of a natural pebble and give the device a soothing appearance.

[0092] Preferably, the housing 204 is made of a hydrophilic material. For example, the material of the housing 204 may be: a ceramic, a polyamide (PA), a silicone, or a hydrophilic polymer. The external surface of the housing 204 may also be treated with a hydrophilic surface treatment, for example, Aculon's acuWet®, a hydrophilic polymer, or Arkema's Pebax®.

[0093] The station 200 includes a collection port 218, located for example on the rear shell 208. As will be explained in more detail below, the collection port 218 is configured to collect the urine flowing onto the surface of the housing 204. The station 200 also includes a drain, the drain port 219 of which is visible in particular in Figures 4 B) and 5 A), configured to drain the liquid out of the device 100.

[0094] Cartridge housing

[0095] The station 200 typically comprises an annular compartment 212, located inside the housing 204, arranged around a rotation axis X. The annular compartment 212 is configured to receive at least partially the cartridge 202, which is rotatably mounted around the rotation axis X (once in position within the annular compartment 212). The cartridge comprises a plurality of analysis regions.

[0096] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the cartridge 202 contains urine reagent, in particular by means of a plurality of test supports, each of which includes at least one urine reagent, for example, a dry reagent. In the illustrated example, the plurality of test supports are arranged along a circle or an arc of a circle around the axis of rotation X and form the plurality of analysis regions. In one embodiment, the test supports are test strips. The test supports can be enclosed, for example, individually, in a sealed chamber.

[0097] Alternatively, the cartridge 202 comprises chambers serving as independent volumes for receiving urine to undergo direct optical urine analysis. The chambers then form the plurality of analysis regions.

[0098] The annular compartment 212 typically extends over 360° and forms a groove configured to receive at least partially the cartridge 202.

[0099] Document EP4338839 describes a method for obtaining sealed chambers in a cartridge.

[0100] In one embodiment, all the analysis regions are located in the same place within the housing to receive urine and / or be analyzed (as illustrated, with a rotation of the cartridge). Alternatively (not illustrated), the analysis regions may be in different locations within the housing to receive urine and / or be analyzed.

[0101] Test set

[0102] A test set is arranged inside the housing 204 and configured to perform an analysis on urine collected through the collection port.

[0103] The test assembly includes, in particular, a fluidic circuit configured to convey urine from a urine reservoir to at least one analysis region. The urine reservoir is typically formed by the housing. The urine then enters through the collection port into the fluidic circuit. In an embodiment to be described later, the collection port is obstructed by a septum through which a needle can pass. The fluidic circuit includes an injection tip (also called an injector) and the collection port. The station further includes a pump (or pump system) to move the fluid within the fluidic circuit. The pump may be a peristaltic pump, which keeps the urine contained within the tubing (more convenient for cleaning and to prevent cross-contamination).

[0104] The test assembly further includes an analyzer 230. The pump draws urine through the collection port 218, and then the injection tip injects the urine into an analysis area, for example, onto urine reagent or into a chamber. The injection tip is thus configured to deposit the urine into the analysis area. In one embodiment, the analysis area can be brought, for example, by rotating the cartridge, into position opposite the analyzer 230 to perform the analysis. Finally, the analyzer measures certain property values ​​(for example, physical / chemical properties, such as color) of the reagent after it has come into contact with the urine, or of the urine directly. In one case, the analyzer is an optical analyzer (for example, a camera) configured to analyze the optical properties of the reagent. In other embodiments, the optical analyzer can be configured to perform spectroscopy of the urine.Therefore, the analyzer is configured for . to obtain information relating to the urine in the analysis area, whether information obtained directly from the urine or information obtained indirectly from the urine (via the reagent).

[0105] The injection tip and the cartridge can move relative to each other, in particular to allow selection of an analysis area (e.g., a reagent) to receive urine from the injection tip and to allow the injection tip to open (e.g., pierce) the chamber, for example, using a needle or a needle-like device. The previously cited WO documents detail the movement of the injection tip (referred to as the injector or syringe in the WO documents).

[0106] Station 202 includes a control circuitry 1600, illustrated in [Fig.16], capable of controlling the various components of device 100, such as the position of the injection end or the activation of the pump or, where applicable, of the valve.

[0107] Cartridge

[0108] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a cartridge 202. The cartridge 202 comprises at least one analysis region, for example at least one test support 301, in particular several reaction zones (in particular several test supports 301) configured to receive urine from the injector. In one embodiment, each test support 301 contains a urine reagent that reacts specifically upon contact with urine.

[0109] The cartridge 202 includes a rotating support 300, configured to be driven in rotation by the station 200, for example by a motor (reference 702 in [Fig. 7]). In normal use of the cartridge 202 and the device 100, the reaction zones (the test supports 301) remain fixed to the rotating support and do not move relative to it.

[0110] In one embodiment, the rotating support 300 has a right circular cylinder shape, at least 80% of which is a hollow cylinder shape extending annularly around an axis which, when the cartridge 202 is mounted in the station 200, is the axis of rotation X. Each test support 301 can be a test strip. The rotating support 300 can comprise an annular portion 302 and a cylindrical portion 304, which extends from an outer radial end of the annular portion 302. The cylindrical portion 304, when in use, is housed inside the annular compartment 212. The test supports 301 are positioned along the cylindrical portion 304 so as to be able to pass selectively and / or successively past the injector and the analyzer. For example, the test supports 301 are part of a support 308, which includes several chambers 310, separated from each other along a perimeter around the X axis.At least one test strip is received in room 310.

[0111] The chambers 310 are arranged side by side in the form of a right circular cylinder with a circumference of at least 80% of the circle. To allow light to pass through, the support 308 includes at least one opening 312 per chamber 310 (shown in the upper left zoom where the rotating support is shown as transparent). The chambers 310 are all equidistant from the axis of rotation X, so that the injector can selectively inject urine once the desired chamber is positioned at the desired location facing the injector. The injector can move toward the chamber 310, for example by means of a motor (referenced 704 in [Fig. 7]), and pierce a cover closing the chamber 310 (visible in [Fig. 4]). A purge opening 314 is provided in the rotating support 300 to allow the urine from the injector to be evacuated into the purge circuit, and therefore out of the device 100, via the purge orifice 219 located on the housing 204.

[0112] The annular part 302 of the rotating support 300 remains outside the annular compartment 212 to reinforce the cylindrical part and / or drive the cartridge 202 in rotation. For this purpose, the annular part 302 may include a mechanical coupling 306, which cooperates with a shaft of the station 200.

[0113] The dimensions of the cartridge 202 are disclosed in the aforementioned documents. The maximum dimension of the device 100 transversely to the axis of rotation X is less than 15 cm, or even less than 10 cm. The maximum dimension of the device along the axis of rotation X is less than 5 cm.

[0114] Collection orifice

[0115] The collection orifice 218 is configured to receive the urine which flows by gravity onto the outer surface of the housing 204. The urine is collected directly on the front face 220 and the rear face 222 of the housing 204.

[0116] The collection orifice 218 is an opening configured to collect the liquid, allowing the liquid to enter the urine analysis device. The collection orifice 218 is generally circular, with a diameter preferably between 0.3 mm and 2 mm. The diameter of the collection orifice can be chosen to maximize the volume of urine collected on the outer surface of the housing 204.

[0117] As can be seen in the figures, the collection port 218 is located on the rear face 222. Thus, the collection port 218 faces the inner wall 112 of the toilet when the urine analysis device 100 is positioned in the toilet. This position allows the collection port 218 to be hidden from the user's view by the front face 220 of the housing. The front face 220 visible to the user resembles a simple, uniform pebble, as already mentioned, without any singular points or holes. It should also be noted that this position prevents the introduction of contaminants or elements that could obstruct the fluid circuit.

[0118] The collection orifice 218 is located on a lower portion of the rear face 222. "On a lower portion of the rear face" means "on the last quarter of the face along the Z direction from the lower end of the housing 204." The lower end faces the bottom of the basin 106 when the housing 204 is positioned in the basin. The lower end is located opposite the apex 550. This position corresponds to a normal operating position. This position allows urine to be collected by gravity over most of the outer surface of the housing 204.

[0119] Figure 4 illustrates two variants of the rear face 222 with the collection orifice 218. According to a first variant shown in Figure 4A, which is described in detail in document WO2021175944, the rear face 222 is smooth with a specific geometry for collecting urine, including a recess in the lower part of the housing. According to a second variant shown in Figure 4B, which is described in detail in document EP23192264 (filing number), the rear face 222 has a network of ribs that direct urine flows towards the collection orifice 218.

[0120] In particular, the distance separating the collection orifice 218 from a lower edge of the housing 204 is less than 40 mm, preferably less than 20 mm. As illustrated, according to a particular embodiment, the collection orifice 218 is located a few millimeters above the lower edge of the housing 204. Alternatively, the collection orifice 218 may be located on the lower edge (the lower edge being defined when the device 100 is positioned for use in the toilet).

[0121] The collection orifice 218 can be covered by a mesh filter. The mesh filter is, for example, oblong in shape and covers the collection orifice 218. The average mesh size of the filter is, for example, 20 microns. The mesh filter prevents the introduction of contaminants or elements that could obstruct the fluid circuit and filters the urine received in the collection orifice 218. The filter mesh can be made of metal.

[0122] Attachment

[0123] The housing 204 can be held in position in the bowl by means of a fastener, of which [Fig. 4] B) shows a part with a protruding stud 404 configured to cooperate with an arm that attaches to the rim of the bowl. Alternatively, a magnetic or other connection is possible.

[0124] The analyzer

[0125] Figure 5, which shows two cross-sectional views of two different embodiments A) and B) (scale between the two embodiments not respected), illustrates in particular the interaction between cartridge 202 and station 200 at the level of analyzer 500, with two embodiments of the analyzer. The architecture fluidics is also different between embodiments A) and B), but this is independent of the analyzer.

[0126] The analyzer 500 of [Fig. 5] A) comprises a light source 502 (for example, two light sources) and at least one optical sensor 504, here in the form of a CCD sensor (Charge Couple Device). Light travels from the light source 502 to the optical sensor 504 through the cartridge 202 and, in particular, the cylindrical portion 304, the opening 312 of the support 308, the test support 301, and thus the urine reagent on the test support 301.

[0127] In one embodiment, the analyzer 500 is configured to measure the absorbance of a portion of the test media 301 (in particular the test line and / or the control line of a strip, as will be explained later). The absorbance is detected by the light source (for example, an LED) which can pass light through the strip, and the optical sensor which receives the spectrum with approximately ten wavelengths.

[0128] The analyzer 500 of [Fig. 5] B) includes an optical sensor in the form of a camera 506 capable of detecting a color change, in particular a change in the color intensity of the reagent, and therefore here of a portion of the test supports 301 (in particular the test line and / or the control line of a strip). The camera can detect a color in RGB values, for example. A light source can be provided to enable the camera 406 to better identify colors.

[0129] Figure 5 B illustrates, in particular, the reservoir mentioned previously and referenced as 524. The reservoir 524 is formed here by the housing 204: the opening 218 is elongated to create a storage volume, which is the reservoir. The collection orifice 208, at the end of the reservoir 522 on the inner side of the housing, is closed by a septum 522. A grid (not visible) can be positioned at the inlet of the reservoir to filter debris.

[0130] The reservoir is outside the housing 204, so that it can freely collect the urine flowing over the housing. The reservoir therefore communicates with the outside of the station, and selectively with the inside (via the collection port).

[0131] The injection tip

[0132] Figure 5 also illustrates an injection end 510 on Figure 5 A) and an injection end 520 on Figure 5 B). Different numerical references are used because the associated fluidic circuits may be different. This will be described in detail later.

[0133] The injection tip 510, 520 may include a needle, in particular a beveled one, for example to be able to pierce the sealed chambers and / or cross the septum

[0134] The injection end 510, 520 can be moved between several positions. In particular, a neutral position is distinguished during which the injection end does not cooperate with the reservoir, the purge circuit, or the analysis region (therefore, in particular, it does not pass through the housing 212), an injection position during which the injection end enters the housing 212 to inject urine onto an analysis region 508, and a third position, the function of which depends on the fluid circuit and which will be described later: the third position can be a sampling position, a purge position, or a sacrifice position (this position being identical to the purge position).

[0135] In the neutral position, the injection end 510, 520 is, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, located radially inside the housing 212. This makes it possible to maximize the radius of the annular compartment while minimizing the size of the station 200.

[0136] Fluidic circuit

[0137] To convey the urine that runs off the housing 204 to the analysis region 508, the urine analysis station includes a fluidic circuit, several embodiments or variants of which are shown in Figures 6 to 15. In particular, two specific embodiments are illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 (the cartridges 202 are not shown to simplify the figures) and other embodiments are illustrated in [Fig.8] to 15. Different numerical references are used because the fluidic circuits are different.

[0138] The fluidic circuits shown all comprise a reservoir, a sampling end, which draws urine from the reservoir through the collection port 218, tubing, an injection end 510, 520, and a purge end, which includes the purge port 219. The purge end typically includes tubing connected to the purge port. The purge end serves to divert fluid away from the fluidic circuit, in particular to prevent it from being injected into the analysis region. The diverted fluid has no particular function. Due to the different fluidic architectures, so-called "purged" fluid may not yet have passed through the purge port 219 (but may pass through it subsequently, once the injection is complete or once a cleaning sequence has been initiated).

[0139] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate schematically and more realistically respectively a fluidic circuit 600 which is structurally similar to that of documents WO2023036805, WO2023036806, WO2023036808, WO2023036809.

[0140] Figures 8 to 15 schematically and more realistically illustrate different embodiments and variants of fluidic circuits.

[0141] Fluid presence sensor

[0142] As illustrated in the example in [Fig. 12] (but not visible in [Fig. 7]), the station 200 can include at least one fluid presence sensor 1202, 1204 along the fluid circuit. In one embodiment, the station 200 includes two fluid presence sensors 1202, 1204 spaced along the fluid circuit, thus defining a reference section Sref (whose predetermined volume is known by the control circuitry 1600), which ensures that a minimum volume of urine (the predetermined volume) has been collected. For example, the predetermined volume is between 40 and 50 microliters (particularly around 40 microliters). By measuring the fluid travel time between the two fluid presence sensors 1202, 1204, the control circuitry 1600 can calculate the pump flow rate.

[0143] The fluid presence sensor(s) 1202, 1204 may include electrodes or optical probes. Document WO2022184984 describes such sensors (in particular the optical sensor) in detail.

[0144] Any fluidic circuit described in this document may include at least two fluid presence sensors 1202, 1204.

[0145] Fluidic circuits, embodiments and variants

[0146] Several other embodiments and variants of the fluid circuit will now be described.

[0147] Definitions

[0148] The term "sampling" means the introduction of urine into the fluid circuit through the sampling end, from the reservoir, notably via the sampling port. The total volume of urine collected per voiding can be between 100 and 500 microlitres, for example around 200 microlitres.

[0149] The term "injection" means the introduction of urine into the analysis area through the injection tip, i.e., in particular, bringing urine into contact with a reagent (injection step). The injection takes place during an injection step, when the injection tip is in the injection position.

[0150] The term "purge" means the removal of fluid from the hydraulic circuit so that the fluid can no longer be injected into the analysis area (purge step). The purge may include urine remaining temporarily in the fluid circuit before being removed later. The purge takes place during a purge step.

[0151] The expression "first volumes of urine collected" refers to the first volumes of urine that enter the fluidic circuit through the collection port 218. Typically, the first volumes of urine collected are between 50 and 150 microlitres.

[0152] The expression "last volumes of urine collected" refers to the last volumes of urine that enter the fluidic circuit through the collection port 218. Typically, the last volumes of urine collected are between 50 and 150 microlitres.

[0153] The expression "intermediate volumes of urine collected" refers to the intermediate volumes of urine that enter the fluid circuit through the collection port 218, i.e., neither the first volumes collected nor the last volumes collected. Typically, the intermediate volumes of urine collected are between 50 and 150 microlitres.

[0154] The term "injected urine volumes" refers to the volumes of urine that are introduced into the reaction zone through the injection tip, i.e., that is, in particular, into contact with the urinary reagent. The volume of urine injected (in one or more doses onto the same area of ​​analysis) can be between 10 and 50 microlitres.

[0155] In figures 6 and 8 to 10, hollow arrows schematically symbolize the presence of urine and the direction of fluid flow, and solid arrows symbolize movement of the injection tip or cartridge.

[0156] Thanks to the fluid presence sensors 1202 and 1204, the control circuit 1600 can measure the pump flow rate. Furthermore, the control circuit 1600 knows the various internal volumes of the fluid circuit (distance and / or cross-section of the fluid circuit components), which are predetermined. For example, the volume between the fluid presence sensor 1202 closest to the sampling end and the sampling end is between 50 and 80 microliters (for example, approximately 70 microliters). Thus, the control circuit 1600 knows the urine flow rate in the fluid circuit, as well as the position of the urine in the fluid circuit relative to the fluid presence sensors (at the first sensor, between the two sensors, at the second sensor, after the second sensor; the relative terms).

[0157] The hydraulic circuits described herein operate in microfluidics, where capillary forces are greater than gravity. Consequently, when the pump is not running, the liquid remains stationary in the fluidic circuit. Furthermore, the collected urine volumes do not spontaneously mix as they move within the fluidic circuit. Particle displacements within the urine are considered negligible compared to the movement of the urine itself.

[0158] General description of embodiments

[0159] In a so-called "sacrificial" embodiment, the fluid circuit is configured to sacrifice the first volumes of urine drawn from the reservoir via the sampling end. In other words, the urine device 100 does not inject the first volumes of urine drawn into the analysis region; these volumes are then purged.

[0160] In another embodiment called "injector-sampler", which can be complementary to the sacrificial embodiment of the fluidic circuit, the injection end is used as a sampling end, through which urine enters the fluidic circuit.

[0161] In another embodiment called "double-direction", which can be complementary to the sacrificial and injector-collector embodiments, the fluidic circuit includes a section for changing the direction of urine movement, within which the collected urine changes the direction of circulation: a front front of a volume of urine in the section for changing the direction of urine movement becomes a rear front of that same volume of urine (and conversely, the rear front becomes the front front).

[0162] Various examples of fluidic circuits satisfying at least one of the embodiments will be presented. Figures 8 to 11 are schematic and should be considered in light of the more precise architecture provided in [Fig.6] or [Fig.7].

[0163] Sacrificial embodiment

[0164] A fluidic circuit 600 conforming to the sacrificial embodiment (this embodiment is neither injector-sampler nor double-direction) will now be described.

[0165] The fluid circuit 600 of Figures 6 and 7 comprises, in series, the collection port 218, a sampling end 602 connected to piping 604 leading to the pump 606, and then to piping 608 connected to an injection end 510. The fluid circuit 600 also includes a purge end 610, into which the injection end 510 can discharge fluid to purge the circuit. The purge end 610 is thus located opposite the sampling end 602 along the fluid circuit 600.

[0166] In the fluidic circuit 600, the fluid flows in a single direction, from the collection port 218 to the injection end 510. Depending on the position of the injection end 510 (which is translationally movable), the fluid in the fluidic circuit 600 can be discharged into the analysis region 580 (in the injection position with the cartridge 200 in a suitable position) or into the purge end 610 (in the purge position). The pump 606 can therefore operate in only one direction of fluid flow, from the collection end to the purge end, via the injection end. This is referred to as a unidirectional flow direction, from the collection end 602 to the injection end 510.

[0167] A septum 512 may be provided to seal the collection port 218 against ambient moisture. The septum 512 may be traversed by the injection end 510 in the urine collection position.

[0168] The 600 fluidic circuit is linear, in that there is no bifurcation or fluidic junction, which makes it particularly simple, sealed, and easy to use.

[0169] The management of the pump 606 and the position of the injection end 610 is done by the control circuitry 1600.

[0170] In this fluidic circuit 600, the analysis region 508 and the purge end 610 are arranged in close proximity so that the injection end 510 can then selectively discharge fluid into them. In particular, when the injection end 510 is translationally movable, the injection end 510, the analysis region 508, and the purge end 610 are aligned along the direction of translation.

[0171] As illustrated in [Fig. 6] a), during a sampling step, the pump 606 is activated and urine enters through the collection port 218 into the sampling end 602, then via the tubing 602, 606, to the injection end 510 ([Fig. 6] a). The injection end can be in the standby position or in the priming position.

[0172] The first volumes collected pass through the fluidic circuit 600 first. As such, they may be contaminated by urine residues from a previous collection. It is therefore preferable not to inject these first volumes of urine onto the urine reagent.

[0173] To this end, as illustrated in [Fig.6] b), during a sacrifice step, the control circuitry 1600 puts or maintains the injection end 510 in the purge position, so that the injection end 510 communicates with the purge end 610. The control circuitry 1600 actuates the pump to evacuate the first volumes of urine collected towards the purge end 610.

[0174] The fluid presence sensors 1202, 1204, which allow the flow rate of the pump to be known, allow the volume evacuated to be known (the control circuitry 1600 can store the value of the volume of the fluidic circuit between a fluid presence sensor 1202, 1204 and the injection end).

[0175] Then, as illustrated in [Fig.6] c), during a transition step, the control circuitry 1600 puts the injection end 510 into the neutral position and positions the cartridge so that the desired analysis region 508 is in position to receive urine through the injection end 510.

[0176] Finally, as illustrated in [Fig.6] d), during an injection step, the control circuitry 1600 reactivates the pump 606 and the injection end 510 injects volumes of collected urine, which correspond to intermediate volumes of collected urine, into the analysis region 508. Thus, the first collected volumes, and potentially contaminated, are sacrificed in the purge end and are not used for urine analysis.

[0177] Finally, as illustrated in [Fig. 6] e), during a purging step, the control circuitry 1600 positions the injection end in the purging position to allow purging of the fluid circuit 1600. The injection end 510 thus discharges the fluid into the purging end 610. In a prior transition step, the circuitry Control 1600 can put the injection end 520 in the neutral position for the purge step. In this purge step, the first volumes drawn are already in the purge end (or already purged via the purge port).

[0178] The 600 fluidic circuit is particularly simple to make.

[0179] Injector-sampler embodiment

[0180] The fluidic circuit 800 conforms to the injector-sampler embodiment.

[0181] In this embodiment, the injection end is used as the sampling end; that is, urine flows through the sampling end in one direction for sampling and then flows through the sampling end for injection, and the first volumes of urine collected remain on the first front. Therefore, there is no section where the direction of urine flow changes direction (with the front and rear fronts being reversed, as described previously).

[0182] The fluidic circuit 800 includes in series the collection port 218, the sampling end 802 (which is the injection end 520) which of the piping 804 connects to a valve 806, which is itself connected to piping 808 connected to a pump 810, which is connected to piping 812 connected to the valve 806, connected to a purge end 814 connected to the purge port 219.

[0183] The valve 806 is configured to reverse the connections between on one side the pipes 804, 808 and on the other side the pipe 812 and the purge end 814.

[0184] The 806 valve may be a so-called "4-way, 2-position" valve, with 2 pairs of ports that are selectively connected to each other. The 806 valve may comprise a set of fluidly and functionally equivalent hydraulic elements.

[0185] The fluidic circuit 800 forms a loop between the sampling end 802 and the injection end 520.

[0186] In the fluidic circuit 800, the sampling end 802 is confused with the injection end 520, in the sense that the fluid sampling from the collection orifice 218 is carried out by the injection end 520. In other words, the injection end 520, configured to inject urine into the analysis region 508, serves as the sampling end 802.

[0187] In this fluidic circuit 800, the analysis region 508 and the reservoir 524 are arranged in close proximity so that the injection end 510 (which is also the sampling end 802) can selectively deposit or withdraw urine from it. In particular, when the injection end 520 is translationally movable, the injection end 520, the analysis region 508, and the reservoir 524 are aligned along the direction of translation.

[0188] As the fluid circuit is sometimes disconnected from the collection port 218, the latter is sealed from inside the housing by the septum 524 (visible in [Fig. 5] B), which the injection end 520 (here the sampling end 802) can pass through in the urine collection position. For this purpose, the injection end may include a needle, and in particular a beveled needle.

[0189] The urine presence sensors 1202, 1204 are typically located at the level of the piping 808 (beyond the valve 806).

[0190] As illustrated in [Fig.8] a), during a sampling step, the control circuitry 1600 puts the injection end 520 in the sampling position and the pump 808 aspirates so that the urine enters the fluidic circuit 800. The piping 804, 808, 812 is long enough to store enough of the urine collected (including the portion between the two fluid presence sensors 1202, 1204).

[0191] Then, as illustrated in [Fig.8] b), during a transition step, the control circuitry 1600 puts the injection end 520 into the injection position, once the analysis region 508 is positioned in front of the injection end 520. The control circuitry 1600 also drives the valve 806 to reverse the positions and connect the piping 812 to the piping 804 via the valve 806.

[0192] In [Fig. 8] c), during an injection step, the control circuitry 1600 reactivates the pump 810 and the urine continues to flow in the same direction. Due to the reversal of the valve 806, the collected urine is redirected to the injection end 520, which then injects onto the analysis region 508.

[0193] Finally, as illustrated in position 8 d), during a purge step, the control circuitry 1600 drives the valve 806 to reverse the positions and thus allow the remaining urine in the injection end 520 and the piping 804, 808, 812 to be purged to the purge 219. The control circuitry 1600 can also put the injection end 510 in the neutral position (in particular to allow air to enter the circuit).

[0194] The hydraulic circuit 800 is compact since the injection end 520 and the sampling end 802 are a single piece. Furthermore, the injection end 520 is cleaned during sampling by the first volumes drawn.

[0195] In this variant, the first volumes withdrawn are the first volumes injected.

[0196] Injector-sampler and sacrificial embodiment

[0197] Figure 9 illustrates a variant 900 of the fluidic circuit 800 which also conforms to the sacrificial embodiment. The numerical references are identical to those of the fluidic circuit 800, but the activation logic of the valve and / or pump changes.

[0198] To further limit cross-contamination and avoid injecting the first volumes drawn, in a sacrifice step, the control circuit 1600 can activate the position of valve 806 of [Fig.9] b) only once the first volumes of urine collected have passed through valve 806 to reach the purge end 814, as represented by the arrow in the purge end of [Fig.9] a). In this way, the first volumes of urine collected are sacrificed and the volumes of urine injected are the intermediate volumes of urine collected.

[0199] During the injection step ([Fig.9] c), the first volumes of urine are therefore in the purge end 814 and can then be recirculated in the piping 808, via the valve 806, to finally be purged, as described in position of [Fig.9] d). Thus, in the purge step ([Fig.9] d), the first volumes collected are already in the purge end (or already purged via the purge orifice).

[0200] Two-way embodiment

[0201] The fluidic circuit 1000 of [Fig. 10] conforms to the two-way embodiment, and optionally conforms to the sacrificial embodiment (in particular in that it is structurally designed for a natural implementation of the sacrificial embodiment).

[0202] In this embodiment, the fluidic circuit 1000 includes a urine flow reversal section, within which the collected urine changes its direction of flow; that is, within the urine flow reversal section, a leading edge of a urine volume becomes the trailing edge of that urine volume. The advantage of such a change of direction will be explained later.

[0203] The fluidic circuit 1000 includes in series the collection port 218 connected to the sampling end 1002 which of the piping 1004 connects to a valve 1006, which is itself connected to piping 1008 connected to a pump 1010, which is connected to a purge end 1012. In addition, in parallel, the valve 1006 is also connected to the injection end 520 via piping 1014.

[0204] Valve 1006 is configured to selectively connect piping 1008 to piping 1004 (towards the sampling end 1002) or piping 1014 (towards the injection end 520).

[0205] Valve 1002 can be a so-called "2-way 2-position" valve, with two inlets selectively connected to one output.

[0206] In this embodiment, the pump 1010 is configured to move the fluid in the fluidic circuit 1000 selectively in one direction or the other.

[0207] The fluid presence sensors 1202, 1204 are typically located at the level of the piping 1008 (beyond the valve 1006).

[0208] As illustrated in [Fig. 10] a), in a sampling step, the control circuitry 1600 sets (or holds) the valve 1006 in the position connecting the sampling end 1002 to the piping 1008 and activates the pump 1010, so that The sampling end 1002 draws liquid from the reservoir 524. The drawn volumes enter the piping 1008.

[0209] Once a sufficient quantity has been taken, as illustrated in [Fig. 10] b), in a transition step, the control circuitry 1600 puts the injection end 520 into the injection position, once the analysis region 508 is positioned in front of the injection end 520.

[0210] Then, as illustrated in [Fig. 10] c), in an injection step, the control circuitry 1600 reverses the direction of operation of the pump 1010, so that the urine changes direction within the piping 1008, to pass back through the valve 1006 and join the piping 1014 and the injection end 520.

[0211] The change of direction means that the first volumes of urine collected, which were at the front of the urine front in the fluidic circuit, end up at the rear, and the last volumes of urine collected, which were at the rear of the urine front in the fluidic circuit, end up at the front.

[0212] Thus, the last volumes collected or the intermediate volumes of urine collected, which are less susceptible to cross-contamination, end up being the first volumes injected into the analysis region 508. We can thus speak of LIFO logic ("last in - first out" in English, or dernier entré - premier sorti in French) in the first case.

[0213] In [Fig. 10] d), during a purging step, the control circuitry 1600 again reverses the direction of operation of the pump 1010 so that any urine still present in the fluid circuit 1000 is purged to the purge port 219. The control circuitry 1600 can also change the position of the valve 1006 to purge the entire circuit. In a preliminary transition step, the control circuitry 1600 can place the injection end 520 in the neutral position for the purging step.

[0214] In this purging step, the first volumes taken pass into the purging end.

[0215] In one embodiment, the position of [Fig. 10] c) is implemented while some of the collected urine is still in the collection end 1002 and / or the tubing 1004 (these are the last volumes collected). In this case, the injected urine volumes correspond to intermediate volumes of collected urine. This urine has a quality similar to the last volumes of collected urine.

[0216] The fluidic circuit 1000 thus includes a urine flow reversal section 1014, within which the fronts of a volume of urine reverse: the front becomes the rear front and vice versa. The urine flow reversal section is here a portion of the piping 1008.

[0217] The fluidic circuit 1000 can thus have a linear section (without a junction) of change of direction, within which the fluid reverses its direction of flow: the fluid therefore flows in the opposite direction (this is to be distinguished from a situation where a loop allows the fluid to flow in the opposite direction but the fluid does not change direction in the portion, the loop not being a linear portion since a junction is required - see for example the pipe 804 in [Fig. 8], which carries urine in both directions but the urine makes a loop through the valve 806 and the pipe 808, 812). By direction of fluid flow, it is understood that the direction in which the flow rate is positive, that is to say, the direction in which the constituent elements of the fluid flow predominantly.

[0218] In the embodiment of [Fig. 10], the sampling end 1002 and the injection end 520 are two separate parts.

[0219] When two fluid presence sensors 1202, 1204 are arranged along the fluid circuit, the urine displacement reversal section can include the portion of the fluid circuit between the two fluid presence sensors 1202, 1204. This is because the reversal of direction can be performed once both fluid presence sensors 1202, 1204 have detected urine, so that the control circuitry knows that a sufficient volume of urine has been collected.

[0220] Two-way sacrificial embodiment

[0221] The fluidic circuit 1000 of [Fig. 10] can also conform to the sacrificial embodiment.

[0222] In this respect, it is sufficient that the injection step of [Fig. 10] c) stops before the first volumes of urine collected are injected into the analysis area 508. The purging then takes place in accordance with [Fig. 10] c).

[0223] Injector-sampler embodiment, bidirectional and typically sacrificial

[0224] A fluidic circuit 1100 conforming to the injector-sampler embodiment, bidirectional and, optionally, sacrificial (in particular in that it is structurally designed for a natural implementation of the sacrificial embodiment) will be described.

[0225] This 1100 fluidic circuit has many advantages: cross-contamination is minimized since the injected urine volumes only pass through portions of the fluidic circuit that have been rinsed by the first volumes collected.

[0226] [Fig. 11] schematically illustrates the fluidic circuit 1100; [Fig. 12] illustrates an implementation version in device 100 of the fluidic circuit 1100 (with the relative positioning of the components) and figures 13 to 15 represent a simplified version of [Fig.12] with the steps of [Fig.11].

[0227] The fluidic circuit 1100 comprises in series the collection port 218 (with here the septum 522 and the reservoir 524 described in relation to [Fig. 8]), connected to the end of sampling 1102 which is also the injection end 520, itself connected to piping 1104 which leads to the pump 1106, then a purge end 1108 which connects to the purge port 219.

[0228] The pump 1106 is configured to move the fluid in the fluidic circuit 1100 selectively in one direction or the other

[0229] The 1100 fluidic circuit is linear, in that there is no bifurcation or fluidic junction, which makes it particularly simple, sealed, and easy to use.

[0230] In this fluidic circuit 1100, the analysis region 508 and the reservoir 524 are arranged in close proximity so that the injection end 520 (which is also the sampling end 802) can selectively deposit urine into or withdraw urine from it. In particular, when the injection end 520 is translationally movable, the injection end 520, the analysis region 508, and the reservoir 524 are aligned along the direction of translation.

[0231] The two fluid presence sensors 1202, 1204 are typically located at the level of the piping 1104 or 1108.

[0232] As illustrated in Figures 11(a) and 13, in a sampling step, the control circuitry 1600 moves or holds the injection end 520 in the sampling position and activates the pump 1106 so that urine is drawn from the collection port 218 to the injection end 520 and then into the tubing 1104. The collected urine volumes are thus in the tubing 1104. Typically, sampling continues until the fluid presence sensor 1202, 1204 detects urine. This ensures that the volume of tubing between the two urine sensors is filled with urine.

[0233] Then, as illustrated in [Fig.1 1] b), in a transition step, the control circuitry 1600 puts the injection end 520 into the injection position, once the analysis region 508 is disposed in front of the injection end 520.

[0234] Then, as illustrated in [Fig. 11] c) and 14, in an injection step, the control circuitry 1600 activates the pump 1106 so that the collected urine changes its direction of flow within the piping 1104. This results in a urine reversal section 1110, which includes at least a portion of the piping 1104 (and may even include the injection end 520). In this case, section 1110 includes, in particular, the portion of the fluid circuit (here, of the piping 1104) between the two fluid presence sensors. The injection end 520 is therefore traversed by urine in one direction during collection (the first volumes collected being at the front edge) and in the other direction during injection (the last volumes of urine collected being at the front edge).

[0235] The injection is typically controlled so that not all of the collected urine is injected into the analysis area 508. In particular, the control circuitry 1600 stops the pump 704 before the first collected volumes are injected. In this case, the fluid circuit conforms to the sacrificial embodiment.

[0236] Finally, as illustrated in [Fig. 11] d) and 15, in a purge step, the control circuitry 1600 changes the direction of operation of the pump 704 to purge the fluidic circuit 1100 by directing the remaining urine towards the purge port 219. In a prior transition step, the control circuitry 1600 can put the injection end 520 in the neutral position for the purge step.

[0237] Thanks to this change of direction, the last or intermediate urine volumes collected (which are the cleanest because the first urine volumes collected have cleaned the fluidic circuit 1100) become the injected urine volumes. Furthermore, because the injection end 520 is the sampling end 1102 and because of the bidirectional fluidic circuit 1100, the path traveled in the fluidic circuit 1100 by the injected urine volumes has been cleaned by the first urine volumes collected.

[0238] Finally, by stopping the injection before the first volumes of urine collected are injected, it is ensured that the first volumes of urine collected are sacrificed.

[0239] This fluidic circuit 1100 offers numerous advantages, which will be detailed later. In particular, this fluidic circuit 1100 significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination for three reasons: the fluidic circuit used for injection has been cleaned during sampling (since the injection end serves as the sampling end). Finally, this fluidic circuit 1100 allows the injection of the most recently collected urine into the analysis region 508, meaning urine that has already passed through a completely cleaned fluidic circuit.

[0240] The first volumes of injected urine correspond to the last volumes of urine collected or to the intermediate volumes of urine collected, and the portion of the fluid circuit traversed by the injected volumes has been entirely traversed by the first volumes of urine collected (in particular the injection end 520). The details of this circuit will be explained later, including variations.

[0241] In the described embodiments, the analysis region 508 can be positioned by rotating the cartridge 202 in the housing 212.

[0242] Preload

[0243] For the embodiments described above, with the exception of that shown in Figures 6 and 7, a variant with pre-charging can be implemented. During sampling, a mixture of air and urine may be drawn, particularly due to the irregular flow of urine into the reservoir. Consequently, the fluid circuit may alternate between urine and air. For injection, it is preferable to expel only urine.

[0244] Thanks to the two fluid presence sensors 1202, 1204, the sampling step can stop when the reference section Sref between the two fluid presence sensors 1202, 1204 is filled with urine (without the presence of an air front). The preload consists of purging urine from the sampling end 510, 520, so that the urine present in the reference section Sref is brought to the level of the sampling end. The preload can thus include the removal of 80 microliters of urine. This volume is determined based on the volumes mentioned above in the description. The injected volumes are therefore intermediate volumes of urine collected.

[0245] In the embodiment of [Fig. 8] or 9, the preload step occurs before the transition step of [Fig. 8] b) or 9 b). In this case, the control circuitry 1600 leaves the injection end 520 in the sampling position but switches the valve 806 to reverse the positions relative to the positions during the sampling step. The pump 810 is then reactivated to empty a volume of urine as described previously. Thus, the first volumes collected (for the embodiment of [Fig. 8]) or intermediate volumes of urine collected (for the embodiment of [Fig. 9]) are discharged into the reservoir 524. Then, the transition step of [Fig. 8] b) is carried out (except that the valve 806 is already in place).

[0246] In the embodiment of [Fig. 10], for which a purge end such as that shown in Figures 8, 9, and 11 is further provided, the preload step takes place before the transition step of [Fig. 10] b). In this case, the control circuitry 1600 places the injection end 520 in a purge position (not visible in [Fig. 10], as the purge end is not directly accessible from the injection end) and switches the valve 1006 to reverse the positions relative to the positions during the sampling step. The pump 1010 is then activated in reverse to empty a volume of urine as described above from the purge end. Thus, the last volumes collected (for the embodiment of [Fig.9]) or intermediate volumes of urine collected (for the variant not shown where urine is in the pipe 1004) are discharged into the reservoir 524. Then, the transition step of [Fig.10] b) is implemented (except that valve 1006 is already in place).

[0247] In the embodiment of [Fig. 11], the preload step occurs before the transition step of [Fig. 11] b). In this case, the control circuitry 1600 leaves the injection end 520 in the sampling position. The pump 1106 is then activated in reverse to empty a volume of urine as described above into the reservoir 524. Thus, the last volumes drawn are discharged into the reservoir 524. Then, the transition step of [Fig. 10] b) is carried out (except that the valve 1006 is already in place).

[0248] Architecture and control circuitry

[0249] Figure 16 schematically illustrates a station 200 with control circuitry 1600. The control circuitry 1600 comprises a processor 1602, a memory 1604 (RAM or ROM, for example permanent) and an I / O (“in / out”) interface 1606 for exchanging data. The control circuitry 1600 etc. etc.

[0250] Memory 1604 can store programs executable by processor 1602.

[0251] Station 200 further includes a battery 1608 configured to supply power to the electrical or electronic components of station 200.

[0252] The control circuitry 1600 can in particular control the pump 1510 (referenced 606, 810, 1010, 1106), the motor 702 to move the cartridge 202 in the station 200, the motor 704 to move the injection end 510, 520. The control circuitry 1600 can in particular exchange information with the fluid presence sensor(s) 1202, 1204.

[0253] Station 200 may further include a wireless communication module 1612 (for example, a Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Emission module), connected to the control circuitry 1600. Module 1612 allows the exchange of information (transmission and reception) via a communication network 1614 with a mobile terminal 1616 (for example, a smartphone) and / or a remote server 1618. The communication network 1614 may be wireless and / or wired and / or a combination of both. Urine data can thus be sent to the server 1618 and then transmitted to the mobile terminal 1616 (or communicated directly to the mobile terminal 1616, which then transmits it to the server). Conversely, station 200 can receive updates from the remote server 1618 or the mobile terminal 1616.

[0254] Generalization

[0255] The fluidic circuit described in this description applies in the same way in a device whose cartridge does not move in rotation but for example in translation.

[0256] The injection end, described as being mobile in translation, can be mobile in another way, for example in rotation.

[0257] As described, urine analysis can be performed via a reagent or on the urine directly.

Claims

Demands

1. A urine analysis station (200) comprising: - a housing (204), configured to be placed entirely within a toilet bowl (106) (102) and to receive a stream of urine, the housing being configured to contain at least one analysis region suitable for receiving urine for analysis, - a urine reservoir (524), configured to receive urine from a user's urination, - a fluid circuit (800, 900, 1000, 1100) within the housing (204) for circulating urine within the station from the urine reservoir (524) to an analysis region (508), wherein the fluid circuit comprises an injection end (520) configured to inject urine into an analysis region (508) and a sampling end (802) configured to collect urine from the reservoir (524) and introduce it into the fluidic circuit, - an analyzer (230), mounted inside the housing (204),and configured to obtain urine-related information in the analysis region (508), in which the injection end (520) is used as the sampling end (802).

2. Station according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir and at least one analysis region are arranged in close proximity in the station.

3. Station according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the injection end is movable between, in particular, an injection position, during which the injection end injects urine into the analysis region, and a sampling position, during which the injection end samples urine from the reservoir.

4. Station according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a pump (810, 1010, 1106) configured to circulate urine in the fluidic circuit in one direction during a urine collection step in the reservoir by the collection end and in the other direction during a urine injection step in the analysis region by the injection end.

5. Station according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluidic circuit is linear.

6. Station according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to sacrifice the first volumes of urine drawn from the reservoir by the sampling end, so that the urine station does not inject the first volumes of urine drawn into the analysis region (508).

7. Station (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluidic circuit includes a urine direction change section, within which urine changes direction of flow, within which a front front of a volume of urine becomes the rear front of that volume of urine.

8. Station according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the logic of the fluidic circuit is "last in - first out", LIFO, such that the last volumes of urine drawn from the collection end into the reservoir (524) are the first volumes of urine injected into the analysis region from the injection end.

9. Station according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a housing positioned inside the housing, configured to receive at least partially a cartridge (202) comprising at least one analysis region.

10. Station according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir is accessible through the sampling end via a septum configured to be traversed by the sampling end.

11. Device comprising a station according to any one of the preceding claims, and a removable cartridge of the station, wherein at least one analysis region is mounted on the cartridge.

12. Method of urine analysis using a station according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or a device according to claim 11, comprising: - a step of collecting urine from the reservoir by the collection end, - a step of injecting urine into the analysis region by the injection end.

13. A method according to claim 12, comprising, between the sampling step and the injection step, a pre-charging step, during from which the collected urine is returned to the reservoir through the collection end.

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