System and method for automated urine output monitoring

Abstract

The automated urine output monitoring system includes a urine collection bag in fluid communication with a urinary catheter and an automated urine output monitoring device. The automated urine output monitoring device includes a load cell assembly coupled to a stationary surface and in communication with a console. The load cell assembly is configured to detect one or more load values ​​when the urine collection bag is coupled to the automated urine output monitoring device. The automated urine output monitoring device further includes a coupling system configured to removably couple the urine collection bag to the automated urine output monitoring device. The coupling system includes a slide track configured to slidably receive a spine and a locking mechanism configured to transition between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] A urinary output monitoring system may be used to monitor a patient's urinary output. Some current systems use a weight-based approach to monitor urine volume and collection rate. However, docking systems that removably couple a urine collection bag to a monitoring device can be bulky and impede a clinician's ability to perform necessary tasks. Additionally, patient data, including patient identification, may be stored on the docking system requiring that the docking system and urine collection bag travel with the patient. It would be beneficial for clinicians and patients to have an automated urinary output monitoring system that has a compact docking system that stores patient information and allows the urine collection bag and docking system to travel more efficiently with the patient. Disclosed herein is an automated urinary output monitoring system and method of use that addresses the above. Summary of the Invention

[0002] According to some embodiments, an automated urine output monitoring system is disclosed herein, the automated urine output monitoring system including: (i) a urine collection bag configured to collect urine excreted by a patient via a urinary catheter; and (ii) an automated urine output monitoring device. The automated urine output monitoring device includes a load cell assembly operatively coupled to the urine collection bag, the load cell assembly configured to measure a load defined by urine collected in the urine collection bag. The automated urine output monitoring device includes a console coupled to the load cell assembly, the console including a processor and a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon logic that, when executed by the processor, performs operations including determining a volume of urine collected with the urine collection bag based on the load. The automated urine output monitoring system further includes a coupling system configured to removably couple a urine collection bag to the automated urine output monitoring device, the coupling system including: (i) a rail attached to one of the urine collection bag or the automated urine output monitoring device; and (ii) a channel attached to the other of the urine collection bag or the automated urine output monitoring device. The channel is configured (i) to longitudinally slidably receive the rail, and (ii) to prevent lateral separation of the rail from the channel.

[0003] In some embodiments, the channel is attached to the front of the automated urine output monitoring device and the rail is attached to the rear of the urine collection bag. In some embodiments, the rail extends laterally across a portion of the width of the urine collection bag, and in some embodiments, the channel extends laterally across the front side of the automated urinary output monitoring device.

[0004] In some embodiments, the channel includes an open end and a closed end, and in some embodiments, the channel includes a bumper at the closed end configured to abut the rail when the rail is received within the channel.

[0005] In some embodiments, the coupling system includes a locking mechanism configured to transition between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, the locking mechanism configured such that (i) when the locking mechanism transitions to the locked configuration, longitudinal displacement of the rail relative to the channel is restricted, and (ii) when the locking mechanism transitions to the unlocked configuration, longitudinal displacement of the rail relative to the channel is permitted.

[0006] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a deflectable protrusion coupled to the channel and a recess in the rail, the recess configured to receive the protrusion when the locking mechanism transitions to the locked configuration, thereby limiting longitudinal displacement of the rail relative to the channel.

[0007] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes an electromechanical actuator operably coupled between the deflectable protrusion and the console, and operations further include (i) actuating the electromechanical actuator to transition the locking mechanism from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, and (ii) transitioning the locking mechanism from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.

[0008] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a latch member rotatably coupled to the channel at the open end. In such embodiments, the latch member is rotated to extend across the open end when the locking mechanism transitions to the locked configuration, and the latch member is rotated to extend away from the open end when the locking mechanism transitions to the unlocked configuration. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes an electromechanical actuator operably coupled between the latch member and the console, and operations further include actuating the electromechanical actuator to (i) transition the locking mechanism from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, and (ii) transition the locking mechanism from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.

[0009] In some embodiments, the rail includes a patient identification device coupled to the rail, the patient identification device having a patient stored in a memory of the patient identification device. In some embodiments, the patient identification device includes a printed circuit board including a plurality of electrical contacts disposed along the rail, and the channel includes a console connector coupled to the console, the console connector including a plurality of connector contacts disposed along the channel, in such embodiments, the electrical contacts and the connector contacts are configured to correspondingly mate with one another when the urine collection bag is coupled to the automated urine output monitoring device to enable data exchange between the console and the patient identification device.

[0010] In some embodiments, the system further includes a display coupled to the console, and an operation further includes depicting on the display a volume of urine collected using the urine collection bag.

[0011] Also disclosed herein, according to some embodiments, is a method of monitoring urine output, the method including: (i) coupling a urine collection bag to an automated urine output monitoring device; (ii) transitioning a locking mechanism from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration, the locking mechanism being configured to prevent separation of the urine collection bag from the automated urine output monitoring device in the locked configuration; (iii) determining a volume of urine collected in the urine collection bag; (iv) transitioning the locking mechanism from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration; and (v) separating the urine collection bag from the automated urine output monitoring device.

[0012] In some embodiments of the method, coupling the urine collection bag to the automated urine output monitoring device includes longitudinally slidably advancing a rail attached to the urine collection bag within a channel attached to the automated urine output monitoring device, the channel configured to prevent lateral separation of the rail from the channel.

[0013] In some embodiments of the method, the channel is attached to a front side of the automated urine output monitoring device and the rail is attached to a rear side of the urine collection bag. In some embodiments of the method, the locking mechanism is configured to (i) limit longitudinal displacement of the rail within the channel when the locking mechanism transitions to the locked configuration, and (ii) allow longitudinal displacement of the rail within the channel when the locking mechanism transitions to the unlocked configuration.

[0014] In some embodiments of the method, the locking mechanism includes a deflectable protrusion coupled to the channel and a recess in the rail, the recess configured to receive the protrusion when the locking mechanism transitions to the locked configuration, thereby limiting longitudinal displacement of the rail within the channel.

[0015] In some embodiments of the method, the locking mechanism includes a latch member rotatably coupled to the channel at an open end of the channel opposite a closed end of the channel, and in such embodiments, (i) the latch member is rotated to block the open end when the locking mechanism is transitioned to the locked configuration, thereby securing the rail within the channel, and (ii) the latch member is rotated to extend away from the open end when the locking mechanism is transitioned to the unlocked configuration, thereby allowing withdrawal of the rail from the channel via the open end.

[0016] In some embodiments of the method, the urine collection bag includes a patient identification device having a printed circuit board including a plurality of electrical contacts disposed along the rail, and the automated urine output monitoring device includes a console coupled to a console connector having a plurality of connector contacts disposed along the channel, in such embodiments, the electrical contacts and the connector contacts are configured to correspondingly mate with one another when the urine collection bag is coupled to the automated urine output monitoring device to enable data exchange between the console and the patient identification device, and the method includes obtaining patient data from the patient identification device.

[0017] In some embodiments of the method, the automated urine output monitoring device further includes a display coupled to the console, and the method further includes depicting on the display a volume of urine collected using the urine collection bag.

[0018] These and other features of the concepts provided herein will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the accompanying drawings and following description, which describe in more detail certain embodiments of such concepts.

[0019] A more particular description of the present disclosure will be made by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and should not be considered as limiting its scope. Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an automated urine output monitoring system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2A] 2 shows a plan view of the back side of a urine collection bag including a first portion of the coupling system of the system of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments. [Figure 2B]2 shows a plan view of the front of an automated urine output monitoring device including a corresponding second portion of the coupling of the system of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments. [Figure 3A] 2 is a plan view of the system of FIG. 1 illustrating an exemplary method for removably coupling a urine collection bag to an automated urine output monitoring device according to some embodiments. [Figure 3B] 2 is a plan view of the system of FIG. 1 illustrating an exemplary method for removably coupling a urine collection bag to an automated urine output monitoring device according to some embodiments. [Figure 3C] 2 is a plan view of the system of FIG. 1 showing an exemplary method for removably coupling a urine collection bag to an automated urine output monitoring device according to some embodiments. [Figure 3D] 2 is a plan view of the system of FIG. 1 showing an exemplary method for removably coupling a urine collection bag to an automated urine output monitoring device according to some embodiments. [Figure 4A] 2A-2B, illustrating a cross-sectional plan view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 2A transitioning between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4B] 2A-2B, illustrating a cross-sectional plan view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 2A transitioning between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4C] 2A-2B, illustrating a cross-sectional plan view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 2A transitioning between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4D] 2A-2B, illustrating a cross-sectional plan view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 2A transitioning between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5A] 1 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a coupling system including another embodiment of a locking mechanism transitioning from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5B] 1 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a coupling system including another embodiment of a locking mechanism transitioning from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5C]1 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a coupling system including another embodiment of a locking mechanism transitioning from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6] 3 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method for monitoring urine output, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Before some specific embodiments are disclosed in more detail, it should be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. It should also be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein can have features that can be easily separated from the specific embodiment and, optionally, combined with or substituted for features of any of the other numerous embodiments disclosed herein.

[0022] With regard to the terms used herein, it should also be understood that the terms are intended to describe some particular embodiments, and that the terms do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are generally used to distinguish or identify different features or steps within a group of features or steps, and do not provide sequential or numerical limitations. For example, the "first", "second", and "third" features or steps do not necessarily have to appear in that order, and a particular embodiment including such features or steps is not necessarily limited to three features or steps. Labels such as "left", "right", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", etc. are used for convenience and do not imply, for example, a particular fixed position, orientation, or direction. Instead, such designations are used to reflect, for example, a relative position, orientation, or direction. The singular forms "one", "one", and "said" also include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The phrases "connected," "coupled," and "in communication" refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including, but not limited to, mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interaction. Two components may be coupled to one another even if they are not in direct contact with one another. For example, two components may be coupled to one another through an intermediate component.

[0024] The term "logic" may refer to hardware, firmware, or software configured to perform one or more functions. As hardware, the term logic may refer to or include circuitry having data processing and / or storage capabilities. Examples of such circuitry include, but are not limited to, hardware processors (e.g., microprocessors, one or more processor cores, digital signal processors, programmable gate arrays, microcontrollers, application specific integrated circuits "ASICs," etc.), semiconductor memory, or combinational elements.

[0025] Any method disclosed herein includes one or more steps or acts of carrying out the described method. The steps and / or acts of the method may be interchanged with one another. In other words, the order and / or use of certain steps and / or acts may be modified unless a certain order of steps or acts is required for proper operation of an embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an automatic urine output monitoring system 100, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the automatic urine output monitoring system (system) 100 includes a urine collection bag (bag) 102 having a drainage tube 103 configured to fluidly connect the bag 102 with a urinary catheter 106. In some embodiments, the system 100 can include a urinary catheter 106. The bag 102 is removably coupled to an automatic urine output monitoring device (device) 110, which defines a frame 111. In some embodiments, the frame 111 can include attachment members 111A (e.g., hooks or clamps) configured to secure the device 110 to a support structure 108 (e.g., a hospital bed, an IV stand, or equivalent). The bag 102 is configured to receive and collect urine excreted from a patient via the urinary catheter 106. The device 110 includes a load cell assembly 112 configured to measure a load defined by the weight of urine collected in the bag 102. The load cell assembly 112 is operably coupled to a console 114 configured to receive load measurements from the load cell assembly 112. In some embodiments, the device may include (or be coupled to) a display 116.

[0027] The console 114 may include a microprocessor and logic stored in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium (memory). The console 114 is configured to receive load measurements from the load cell assembly 112, and the logic is configured to calculate a volume of urine collected in the bag 102 based on the load measurements. In some embodiments, the logic may calculate a urine flow rate based on a plurality of load measurements. The console 114 is communicatively coupled to a display 116, and the logic is configured to plot a volume of urine collected in the bag 102 on the display 116. In some embodiments, the display 116 may be removably coupled to the device 110. In some embodiments, the display 116 may include an external computing device, such as a tablet or an electronic medical record system.

[0028] The bag 102 is attached to the device 110 via a coupling system 120. In some embodiments, the coupling system 120 may be configured to suspend the bag from the device 110. The coupling system 120 is configured to allow for removal of the bag 102 from the device 110. The coupling system 120 is configured to operably couple the bag 102 to the load cell assembly 112 such that the load cell assembly 112 can accurately measure the weight of the bag 102 containing collected urine.

[0029] The coupling system 120 includes a bag coupling member 122 disposed on the rear side 104 of the bag 102 and a corresponding device coupling member 130 disposed on the front side of the device 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the bag coupling member 122 defines a longitudinal rail or spine 123 including a pair of rail flanges 123A extending laterally outward from opposite sides of the rail 123. In the illustrated embodiment, the device coupling member 130 defines a longitudinal channel or slide track 133 including a pair of channel flanges 133A extending laterally inward from opposite sides of the channel 133. The rail 123 including the rail flanges 123 and the channel 133 including the channel flanges 133A are configured to laterally restrain the rail 123 within the channel 133. Thus, the rail 123 may be separated from the channel 133 via longitudinal displacement of the rail 123 relative to the channel 133, but lateral separation of the rail from the channel 133 is prevented.

[0030] 2A-2B show more detailed views of system 100 including additional components of coupling system 120. FIG. 2A is a rear view of a portion of bag 102 including bag coupling member 122 of coupling system 120. FIG. 2B is a corresponding front view of device 110 including device coupling member 130 of coupling system 120. In the illustrated embodiment, coupling system 120 including bag coupling member 122 and device coupling member 130 is oriented horizontally (i.e., left to right). In other embodiments, coupling system 120 may be oriented vertically (i.e., top to bottom).

[0031] 2A, the bag coupling member 122 may include a first length 224 and a first width 226. The bag coupling member 122 may extend laterally across a portion (or the entire width) of the urine collection bag 102. The bag coupling member 122 may be constructed from any suitable material, such as, for example, hard plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel. Similarly, the bag coupling member 122 may be attached to the bag 102 via any suitable attachment mechanism (e.g., adhesive bonding, solvent bonding, radio frequency welding, ultrasonic welding, or heat welding). In some embodiments, the bag 102 including the bag coupling member 122 may be configured for one or more uses by a patient, or for a single use.

[0032] 2B, in some embodiments, the device coupling member 130 (i.e., channel 133) may be open at one end (e.g., the right end as shown) and closed at the other end (e.g., the left end as shown). In other embodiments, the device coupling member 130 may be open at both ends. In the illustrated embodiment, the device coupling member 130 defines a first opening 234.

[0033] 2A and 2B, according to some embodiments, the coupling system 120 may include a locking mechanism 240. The locking mechanism 240 is generally configured to prevent separation (i.e., decoupling) of the bag coupling member 122 from the device coupling member 130 in the absence of determined action by a clinician or the system 100. More specifically, the locking mechanism 240 may prevent or limit longitudinal displacement of the bag coupling member 122 relative to the DeBeers coupling member 130 when the bag coupling member 122 is coupled to the device coupling member 130.

[0034] The locking mechanism 240 may include a first locking portion 242 coupled to or incorporated into the bag coupling member 122 and a second locking portion 248 coupled to or incorporated into the device coupling member 130. In some embodiments, the first locking portion 242 may include a recess 122A of the bag coupling member 242. Similarly, the second locking portion 248 may include a protrusion 248A of the device coupling member 130. Thus, the recess 242A may be configured to prevent longitudinal displacement of the bag coupling member 122 relative to the device coupling member 130 by receiving the protrusion 248A. It should be understood that the first locking portion 242 may be coupled to or incorporated into the device coupling member 130 and the second locking portion 248 may be coupled to or incorporated into the bag coupling member 122.

[0035] In some embodiments, the second locking portion 248 may be deflectable between a protruding state (i.e., undeflected state) corresponding to placement of the protrusion 248A in the recess 242A and a non-protruding state (i.e., deflected state) corresponding to withdrawal of the protrusion 248A from the recess 242A. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 240 may define a snap fit in which the second locking portion 248 self-biases away from the non-protruding state to engage with (i.e., protrude into) the recess 242A. In some embodiments, the second locking portion 248 may include or be coupled to an actuator 238 configured to transition the protrusion 248A between the protruding state and the non-protruding state. In some embodiments, the actuator 238 may include a button depressible by a clinician, such that the clinician may depress the button to transition the protrusion 248A from the protruding state to the non-protruding state.

[0036] In some embodiments, the actuator 238 may include an electromechanical actuator 238A coupled to the console 114 where logic in the console may automatically activate the actuator 238 to transition the locking mechanism 240 between the locked and unlocked configurations.

[0037] 2A and 2B, the bag coupling member 122 may include an electronic patient identification device (ID device) 244 configured to store patient data. In some embodiments, the patient data may include a patient ID, urine collection history data, urine output data, etc. In some embodiments, the ID device 244 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) that includes a memory and several (e.g., two, three, four, or more) electrical contacts 244A, which are exposed to the outside.

[0038] The device coupling member 130 may include a console connector 236 electrically coupled with the console 114. In some embodiments, the console connector 236 may include connector contacts (i.e., electrical contacts) 236A disposed along the channel 133. The connector contacts 236A are configured (e.g., positioned and / or sized) to correspond and connect with the electrical contacts 244A when the bag coupling member 122 is coupled with the device coupling member 130. Thus, the console 114 may exchange data with the ID device 244. In some embodiments, the console connector 236 and the locking mechanism 240 may be separated by a first distance 246.

[0039] 3A-3D show front views of the system 100 in various coupled states. FIG. 3A shows the bag 102 and device 110 in a separated state. FIG. 3B shows the bag 102 and device 110 in a partially coupled state. FIG. 3C shows the bag 102 and device 110 in a fully coupled state, and FIG. 3D shows the bag 102 and device 110 in a partially separated state. As shown in FIG. 3A, the bag coupling member 122 may be aligned with the device coupling member 130. With the bag coupling member 122 aligned with the device coupling member 130, the bag 102 may be displaced relative to the device 110 to begin transitioning the coupling system 120 from the separated state to the coupled state. In some embodiments, the bag 102 may be coupled to the urinary catheter 106.

[0040] 3B, the bag coupling member 122 may engage the device coupling member 130 as the bag 120 is displaced relative to the device 110. More specifically, the rail 123 may be inserted into the channel 133 (see FIG. 1).

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3C, the bag coupling member 122 can be advanced along the device coupling member 130 until the bag 102 is fully coupled with the device 110, i.e., until the coupling system 120 is fully transitioned to the coupled state. As also shown in FIG. 3C, the locking mechanism 240 (see FIGS. 2A, 2B) is transitioned to a locked configuration. More specifically, the first locking portion 242 is positioned adjacent to the second locking portion 248 such that the protrusion 248A is disposed within the recess 242A to prevent longitudinal displacement of the bag coupling member 122 along the device coupling member 130. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 240 can be configured to provide tactile or audible confirmation feedback (e.g., a click) to the clinician when the locking mechanism 240 is fully transitioned to the locked configuration. With the bag coupling member 122 and the device coupling portion 130 fully coupled to one another, the connector contacts 236A may be fully coupled to the electrical contacts 244A such that the console 114 may exchange data with the ID device 244.

[0042] With the locking mechanism fully transitioned to the locked configuration, the connector contacts 236A may be prevented from separating from the electrical contacts 244A such that data exchange between the console 114 and the ID device 244 may remain uninterrupted. In some embodiments, logic in the console 114 may monitor data exchange with the ID device 244, and the logic may be configured to generate an alert when the data exchange is interrupted. Similarly, the logic may enable activation of the load cell assembly 112 when the logic determines that data exchange with the ID device 244 has been established.

[0043] Similarly, with the locking mechanism fully transitioned to the locked configuration, active separation of the load cell assembly 112 from the bag 102 can be prevented, thereby allowing accurate weight measurement of the bag 102 by the load cell assembly 112. In some embodiments, logic in the console 114 may monitor the load measurements by the load cell assembly 112, and the logic may be configured to generate an alert if the load measurements are interrupted.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3D, transitioning the locking mechanism 240 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration may include actuating the actuator 238 (e.g., pressing a button) to withdraw the protrusion 248A from the recess 242A (see FIGS. 2A, 2B). With the locking mechanism transitioned to the unlocked configuration, the bag coupling member 122 (including the bag 102) may be displaced relative to the device coupling member 130 (including the device 110). An initial longitudinal displacement of the bag coupling member 122 toward the uncoupled state relative to the device coupling member 130 may cause separation of the connector contacts 236A from the electrical contacts 244A, thereby separating the console 114 from the ID device 244. Continued longitudinal movement of the bag coupling member 122 relative to the device coupling member 130 completely separates the bag 102 from the device 110 by withdrawing the rail 123 from the channel 133 (see FIG. 1).

[0045] 4A-4D show planar cross sections of the locking mechanism 240 transitioning between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. The bag coupling member 122 is coupled to the back surface 104 of the bag 102, and the device coupling member 130 is coupled to the device 110 having the load cell assembly 112. The bag coupling member 122 includes an ID device 244 and a recess 242A, as shown in FIG. 4A. The bag coupling member 122 may slide longitudinally along the device coupling member 130 until the bag coupling member 122 engages the angled surface 448 of the protrusion 248A, as shown in FIG. 4B. Continued advancement of the bag coupling member 122 along the device coupling member 130 applies a biasing force 449 to the protrusion 248A by sliding the bag coupling member 122 along the angled surface 448. The biasing force 449 biases the protrusion 248A toward a non-protruding state, as shown in FIG. 4C. The bag coupling member 122 may continue to slide along the device coupling member 130 until the protrusion 248A is positioned adjacent the recess 242A, after which the protrusion 248A self-deflects into the recess 242A to fully transition the locking mechanism 240 to the locked configuration. With the locking mechanism 240 in the locked configuration, the electrical contacts 244A are coupled with the connector contacts 236A, such that the ID device 244 is coupled to the console 114.

[0046] 5A-5C illustrate another embodiment of a locking mechanism 540 that may be somewhat similar in components and function to locking mechanism 240. Figure 5A illustrates the locking mechanism 540 in an unlocked configuration in which the bag coupling member 122 is separated from the device coupling member 130. The locking mechanism 540 includes a latch member (e.g., a door or gate) 554 coupled to the device coupling member 130 by a hinge 556.

[0047] 5B illustrates the locking mechanism 540 in an unlocked configuration, with the bag coupling member 122 fully coupled to the device coupling member 130. In some embodiments, the device coupling member 130 may include a bumper 560 configured to prevent further movement of the bag coupling member 122 in a direction away from the first opening 234.

[0048] 5C illustrates the locking mechanism 540 in a locked configuration with the bag coupling member 122 fully coupled to the device coupling member 130. The latch 554 is configured to transition between (i) an unlocked position, which corresponds to the locking mechanism 540 being disposed in the unlocked configuration, and (ii) a locked position, which corresponds to the locking mechanism 540 being disposed in the locked configuration. As illustrated, the latch member 554 is configured to prevent the bag coupling member 122 from longitudinally displacing away from the fully coupled to the device coupling member 130 when the latch member 554 is disposed in the locked position. In some embodiments, the latch member 554 may extend away from the first opening 234 (e.g., may be oriented parallel to the channel 133) in the unlocked position. Similarly, the latch member 554 may extend across the first opening 234 (e.g., may be oriented perpendicular to the channel 133) in the unlocked position.

[0049] In some embodiments, the latch 554 may be manually transitioned from the unlocked position to the locked position. In other embodiments, the latch 554 may include an electromechanical actuator 554A. In some embodiments, the electromechanical actuator 554A may be a rotary actuator coupled to or integrated into the hinge 556. The electromechanical actuator 554A may be coupled to the console 114 such that logic in the console can automatically activate the actuator 554A to transition the latch member 554 between the locked and unlocked positions.

[0050] In some embodiments, logic of the console 114 may automatically transition the latch member 554 from the unlocked position to the locked position when it determines that the ID device 244 is coupled to the console 114. In some embodiments, the latch 554 may be manually transitioned from the unlocked position to the locked position. In one embodiment, the logic may transition the latch 554 from the locked position to the unlocked position when the logic determines that the bag 102 has collected a volume of urine. In some embodiments, the latch 154 may include a locking mechanism (not shown) for locking the latch member 554 to the device coupling member 130 in the locked position.

[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 600 for monitoring urine output, which may include all or any subset of the following steps, actions, or processes, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the method 600 may include coupling the urine collection bag 102 to the automated urine output monitoring device 110 using the coupling system 120 (block 602). In some embodiments, coupling the urine collection bag 102 to the automated urine output monitoring device 110 using the coupling system 120 includes a device coupling member 130 coupled to the automated urine output monitoring device 110 slidably receiving a bag coupling member 122 coupled to the urine collection bag 102. In some embodiments, releasably coupling the urine collection bag 102 to the automated urine output monitoring device 110 includes the urine collection bag 102 being in fluid communication with the urinary catheter 106. In some embodiments, coupling the urine collection bag to the automated urine output monitoring device 110 includes slidably advancing the rail 123 within the channel 133.

[0052] The method 600 may further include transitioning the locking mechanism 240 from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration (block 604). In some embodiments, transitioning the locking mechanism 240 from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration includes the protrusion 248A being received by the recess 242A to prevent further movement of the bag coupling member 122 within the device coupling member 130. In some embodiments, the protrusion 248A protrudes away from the device coupling member 130 and the recess 242 is located on the bag coupling member 122. In some embodiments, transitioning the locking mechanism 240 from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration includes the protrusion 248A self-deflecting into the recess 242. In some embodiments, in the locked configuration, the ID device 244 is coupled to the console 114.

[0053] The method 600 may further include determining a volume of urine collected in the bag 102 (block 606). In some embodiments, determining the volume of urine includes detecting (measuring) a load defined by a weight of the urine collection bag 102. In some embodiments, detecting the load of the urine collection bag 102 includes obtaining a load value as the urine collection bag 102 receives urine therein. In some embodiments, detecting the load includes transmitting the load data to the console 114. In some embodiments, the load corresponds to a volume of urine collected in the urine collection bag 102. In some embodiments, detecting the load includes obtaining multiple load values ​​according to a user-defined time interval (e.g., every 15 minutes, every hour, etc.).

[0054] The method 600 may further include transitioning the locking mechanism 240 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration (block 608). In some embodiments, transitioning the locking mechanism 240 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration includes using the actuator 138 to transition the locking mechanism 240 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. In some embodiments, transitioning the locking mechanism 240 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration includes removing the protrusion 248A from the recess 242A to allow the bag coupling member 122 to slide out of the device coupling member 130. The method 600 may further include decoupling the bag 102 from the device 110 (block 610).

[0055] The method 600 may further include acquiring the patient data from the patient identification device 244 (block 612). In some embodiments, an electrical connection is established between the console 114 and a printed circuit board including a plurality of electrical contacts 244A disposed along the rail 123 via a console connector 236 having a plurality of connector contacts 236A disposed along the channel 133 to acquire the patient data. Once connected, logic in the console 114 can acquire the patient data from the patient identification device 144.

[0056] The method 600 may further include depicting the volume of urine collected in the bag 102 on the display 116 (block 614). In such an embodiment, logic of the console may depict the volume of urine on the display 116.

[0057] Although some specific embodiments have been disclosed herein, and those specific embodiments have been disclosed in some detail, those specific embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Further adaptations and / or modifications may become apparent to those skilled in the art, and are likewise encompassed in the broader aspects. Thus, departures from the specific embodiments disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope of the concepts provided herein.

Claims

1. 1. An automated urine output monitoring system comprising: a urine collection bag configured to collect urine excreted by the patient via the urinary catheter; 1. An automated urine output monitoring device comprising: a load cell assembly operably coupled to the urine collection bag, the load cell assembly configured to measure a load defined by urine collected in the urine collection bag; a console coupled to the load cell assembly, the console including a processor and a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon logic that, when executed by the processor, performs operations including determining a volume of urine collected using the urine collection bag based on the load; an automated urine output monitoring device including: a coupling system configured to removably couple the urine collection bag to the automated urine output monitoring device, a rail attached to one of the urine collection bag or the automated urine output monitoring device; a channel attached to the other of the urine collection bag or the automatic urine output monitoring device, the channel configured to (i) longitudinally slidably receive the rail and (ii) prevent lateral separation of the rail from the channel; a coupled system including 1. An automated urine output monitoring system comprising:

2. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the channel is attached to a front side of the automatic urine output monitoring device and the rail is attached to a rear side of the urine collection bag.

3. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the rail extends laterally across a portion of the width of the urine collection bag.

4. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the channel extends laterally across the front side of the automatic urine output monitoring device.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the channel includes an open end and a closed end.

6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the channel includes a bumper at the closed end, the bumper configured to abut the rail when the rail is received within the channel.

7. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the coupling system includes a locking mechanism configured to transition between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, the locking mechanism comprising: When the locking mechanism is in a locked configuration, longitudinal displacement of the rail relative to the channel is limited; The system is configured such that, when the locking mechanism is transitioned to an unlocked configuration, longitudinal displacement of the rail relative to the channel is permitted.

8. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism includes a deflectable protrusion coupled to the channel and a recess in the rail, the recess configured to receive the protrusion when the locking mechanism is transitioned to the locked configuration, thereby limiting longitudinal displacement of the rail relative to the channel.

9. 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the locking mechanism includes an electromechanical actuator operatively coupled between the deflectable protrusion and the console, and wherein operation comprises: to transition the locking mechanism from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration; and activating the electromechanical actuator to transition the locking mechanism from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.

10. 8. The system of claim 7, the locking mechanism includes a latch member rotatably coupled to the channel at the open end; the latch member is rotated to extend across the open end when the locking mechanism is moved to the locked configuration; The latch member is rotated to extend away from the open end when the locking mechanism is moved to the unlocked configuration.

11. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism includes an electromechanical actuator operatively coupled between the latch member and the console, and wherein operation comprises: to transition the locking mechanism from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration; and activating the electromechanical actuator to transition the locking mechanism from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.

12. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the rail includes a patient identification device coupled to the rail, the patient identification device having patient data stored in a memory of the patient identification device.

13. 13. The system of claim 12, the patient identification device includes a printed circuit board including a plurality of electrical contacts disposed along the rail; the channel includes a console connector coupled to the console, the console connector including a plurality of connector contacts disposed along the channel; wherein the electrical contacts and the connector contacts are configured to correspondingly mate with each other when the urine collection bag is coupled to the automated urine output monitoring device to enable data exchange between the console and the patient identification device.

14. 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a display coupled to the console, and wherein an operation further comprises depicting on the display a volume of urine collected using the urine collection bag.

15. 1. A method for monitoring urine output, comprising: coupling a urine collection bag to an automated urine output monitoring device; transitioning a locking mechanism from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration, the locking mechanism being configured to prevent separation of a urine collection bag from the automatic urine output monitoring device in the locked configuration; determining a volume of urine collected in the urine collection bag; transitioning the locking mechanism from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration; Separating the urine collection bag from the automatic urine output monitoring device; A method comprising:

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein coupling the urine collection bag to the automated urine output monitoring device comprises longitudinally slidably advancing a rail attached to the urine collection bag within a channel attached to the automated urine output monitoring device, the channel configured to prevent lateral separation of the rail from the channel.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the channel is attached to the front side of the automatic urine output monitoring device and the rail is attached to the rear side of the urine collection bag.

18. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the locking mechanism comprises: limiting longitudinal displacement of the rail within the channel when the locking mechanism is in the locked configuration; The method, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to allow longitudinal displacement of the rail within the channel when transitioned to the unlocked configuration.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the locking mechanism includes a deflectable protrusion coupled to the channel and a recess in the rail, the recess configured to receive the protrusion when the locking mechanism is transitioned to the locked configuration, thereby limiting longitudinal displacement of the rail within the channel.

20. 19. The method of any one of claims 16 to 18, the locking mechanism includes a latch member rotatably coupled to the channel at an open end of the channel opposite a closed end of the channel; the latch member is rotated to block the open end when the locking mechanism is moved to the locked configuration, thereby securing the rail within the channel; wherein the latch member is rotated to extend away from the open end when the locking mechanism transitions to the unlocked configuration, thereby enabling removal of the rail from the channel through the open end.

21. 19. The method of any one of claims 16 to 18, the urine collection bag includes a patient identification device having a printed circuit board including a plurality of electrical contacts disposed along the rail; the automated urine output monitoring device includes a console coupled to a console connector having a plurality of connector contacts disposed along the channel; the electrical contacts and the connector contacts are configured to mate with each other when the urine collection bag is mated with the automated urine output monitoring device to enable data exchange between the console and the patient identification device; The method further includes obtaining patient data from the patient identification device.

22. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the automated urine output monitoring device further includes a display coupled to the console, the method further including depicting on the display a volume of urine collected using the urine collection bag.

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