Method and apparatus for observing the urination process, container, and use thereof.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for observing the urination process in a urine collection container and / or urine receiving container having a container wall, wherein the temperature and / or temperature change on the urine trickle film formed on the container wall and / or temperature change on the container wall of the container are detected for the purpose of observing the urination process.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for observing the human urination process using a urinary catheter and / or urine collection container. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a device for observing the human urination process using a urinary catheter and / or urine collection container. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a container for temporarily collecting excrement, and more particularly to toilet facilities. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of the container wall of a container. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional techniques analyze urine and / or stool samples to obtain initial findings about the health status of an organism, particularly a human, based on the results.

[0003] However, to obtain sufficiently meaningful analytical results, it is generally necessary to place urine and / or fecal samples collected in toilets into transport containers and send these containers along with the samples to an analytical facility. This procedure is not only cumbersome but often time-consuming, and it can take several days to obtain relevant analytical results. On the other hand, a particular disadvantage is that, due to the considerable effort required, close monitoring through continuous preventive screenings is generally not carried out. Therefore, the development of methods to facilitate the analysis of excrement is desired.

[0004] Furthermore, rapid tests for self-analysis of urine samples using urine test strips are already well known, allowing for the measurement of at least some of the components in the urine sample. In particular, this allows for the measurement of parameters related to components such as blood / red blood cells / hemoglobin, glucose, ketone bodies, ascorbic acid, protein, white blood cells, nitrite, specific gravity, pH value, bilirubin, and urobilinogen. This allows for at least initial conclusions to be drawn about various conditions and their severity.

[0005] For example, International Publication No. 2019 / 096340 describes an apparatus for analyzing excrement on-site, and samples can be collected using this apparatus and directly analyzed on-site.

[0006] European Patent Application Publication No. 4212096A1 discloses a urine flow measuring device. The inner container and the outer container have the shape of a frustum of a pyramid or a pyramid having at least three sides. The inner container is arranged such that the inner container and the outer container may be separate parts or may be integrally connected in the above-mentioned shape. The outer container has an elongated neck and a base. The base functions to hold the inner container, whereby the inner container terminates in an inner base designed to collect urine, and thereby the inner base is provided with electronic equipment for operating the device. At least three, preferably two capacitive electrodes are arranged on at least three, preferably each outer surface of the side of the inner container. The electrodes can detect the liquid level of each side surface, and at least one sensor for detecting the movement and tilt of the device, as well as at least one temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of urine, and optionally, an acoustic sensor and / or a spectrophotometric device are provided. In this approach, the proposed solution collects a range of data for diagnostic use. U.S. Patent No. 5,062,304 also describes a monitoring device for a urine collection device with a temperature detection function.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention is intended to provide an improvement or alternative to the prior art.

[0009] According to the first aspect, the presented method involves inducing a process for observing the urination process of a human in a urinary catheter and / or urine collection container having a container wall, and in order to observe the urination process, temperature and / or temperature changes are detected on the container wall and / or on a trickle film of urine formed on the container wall of the container.

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention includes three variations: observing trickle flow, observing the container wall, and observing both simultaneously. Ideally, it should be possible to obtain at least the initial findings regarding the health status of living organisms, especially not only humans but also animals, as easily as possible. In particular, it is important to detect various diseases, such as obstructive urinary dysfunction and similar conditions, at the earliest possible stage. For this purpose, it is advantageous that relevant observations can be incorporated into the normal daily routine without additional effort, preferably in a home environment, especially daily or at any other reasonable interval.

[0011] The proposed method allows such information regarding everyday urination behavior in the toilet to be obtained particularly easily and discreetly, preferably by detecting the temperature and / or temperature changes of the container wall associated with a person's urination. Even simply detecting the temperature and / or temperature changes of the trickle film can provide useful information about urination behavior and the urination process. Similarly, information regarding urination behavior or the urination process can be advantageously obtained using only the detected temperature and / or temperature changes related to the container wall. The urination process can be determined more reliably by combining the detected temperature of the trickle film with the detected temperature of the container wall, particularly the wall surface, and / or its changes, thereby obtaining information about temperature and temperature changes.

[0012] In other words, the present invention also relates to a method for detecting the temperature and / or temperature change on the trickle film and / or container wall of a toilet facility in response to urination. Based on the observed urination process or behavior, this may indicate, for example, an increase in urine volume at the start of urination or a decrease in urine volume towards the end of urination. To name just a few possible observations, interruptions during urination, fluctuations in urine volume, or similar occurrences can also be reliably detected.

[0013] In the context of this invention, the terms “detect” and “determine” refer to information relating to human urination behavior, specifically absolute and / or relative values, or related information, in particular the determination of physical quantities. Such values ​​or information can be measured directly or determined indirectly using mathematical operations, algorithms, or similar methods.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, the term "trickle film" refers to a "layer" or "film" of urine formed on a container or the wall of a container.

[0015] For the purposes of this invention, the term “container” refers to a device designed to enable the use of a toilet, particularly the discharge or collection of urine. Such containers can be placed, for example, within or in a sanitary toilet facility, particularly inside toilet containers such as toilets and urinals. Such containers may preferably be designed in the shape of a toilet or urinal.

[0016] In the context of the present invention, the term “container wall” refers in particular to a wall that defines the space of a toilet bowl for guiding and / or receiving excrement, and the container wall has at least one surface intended to come into contact with excrement, particularly urine, during urination.

[0017] Generally speaking, the surface is the inside of the container, or more precisely, the inside of the toilet bowl. For the purposes of this invention, the term "on the container wall" encompasses detection on the surface of the container wall, particularly at the interface between the trickle film and the surface of the container wall, and / or detection inside the container wall, particularly in the material forming the container wall.

[0018] The container walls may be solid or hollow, and hollow container walls are particularly suitable for housing technical components of devices for performing processes, such as sensor elements. Hollow container walls can be easily realized, for example, by a double-wall structure.

[0019] Furthermore, the following terms apply: It should be clearly noted that within the scope of this patent application, indefinite articles and indefinite numbers such as "one..." and "two..." should generally be understood as minimum values, i.e., "at least one...", "at least two...", etc., unless it is clear from the context of a particular clause or a particular sentence that they mean only "exactly one...", "exactly two...", etc. Furthermore, all numerical expressions, as well as expressions for process parameters and / or device parameters, should be understood in a technical sense, i.e., with normal tolerances. In addition, by explicitly indicating limitations such as "at least" or "minimum," the assumption that the simple use of "one" without such indications is that it means "exactly one" should not be made.

[0020] Nevertheless, by detecting temperature changes in the container wall according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain early findings regarding human health indicators or health status in an advantageous manner. If the temperature and / or temperature change of the container wall is detected in the trickle film region, combined detection becomes particularly easy.

[0021] When urination volume and / or urination amount are determined by the temperature and / or temperature change at which they are detected, this is particularly advantageous because it allows for particularly accurate conclusions to be drawn about a person's health status.

[0022] Such comprehensive monitoring enables more accurate insights into human health. In particular, obstructive urinary dysfunction can be detected early in the home environment. The term "urinary flow rate" refers to the amount (volume) of urine per unit time, for example, "ml / s". For example, this can be used to determine the strength of urination with great accuracy.

[0023] The term "urine volume" refers to the total amount of urine expelled during urination, expressed in units such as "ml".

[0024] Observing urination behavior may be advantageous if the temperature of the urine can be detected when the urine jet enters the container environment and / or comes into contact with the container walls. This has the advantage of being able to determine the actual temperature of the urine in order to set the starting temperature of the urine, and in particular, it can be correlated with the temperature change of the trickle film. When urine temperature is measured immediately after it enters the environment, the initial temperature has not yet been affected by the transfer of heat energy to the surrounding air. If the temperature of the urine is measured at the moment it hits the container wall, the heat energy transfer from the urine to the ambient air is usually negligible because the distance from entry into the environment to contact with the container is short, so the initial temperature can be measured instead. The starting temperature can be measured cumulatively at two points, which is particularly reliable.

[0025] Furthermore, it can reliably detect the onset of urination. Temperature changes related to the container wall can be determined more accurately if a reference temperature is detected at the container wall at the start of temperature and / or temperature change detection. Furthermore, it is advantageous to detect the actual temperature of the container wall before detecting temperature changes, and to be able to determine the current starting temperature present on the container wall cumulatively or alternatively. The detection of such a reference temperature or starting temperature can be performed on the container wall before, during, and / or after urination begins. Conclusions regarding urination behavior can be further refined by continuing to observe the temperature and / or temperature changes of the trickle film and / or container wall after urination is complete. It should be understood that the end of urination can be detected in various ways, for example, based on information about the detected urination process. The end of urination can also be determined simply by demonstrating that the previously detected urination jet is no longer present and / or that the previously detected trickle film has dissipated or begun to dissipate. The end of urination can also be determined cumulatively or alternatively based on information regarding the temperature change of the container wall, for example, when the container wall reaches or exceeds its highest temperature.

[0026] If temperature and / or temperature changes on the trickle film and / or container wall are detected for a period of 1 minute or more, preferably 3 minutes or more, or particularly preferably 5 minutes or more, then temperature and / or temperature changes on the trickle film and / or container wall related to urination, especially after urination is completed, can be reliably observed. Temperature change refers specifically to the initial temperature of the urine detected here, or the reference temperature detected here on the container wall.

[0027] Since urination is usually completed within this timeframe, a detection time of 1-2 minutes is usually sufficient. For example, over time periods longer than 3, 5, or 6 minutes, a particularly large amount of information can be measured regarding temperature and / or temperature changes. Since the trickle film dissolves relatively quickly on the container wall after urination, the detection time is generally shorter for the trickle film than for the container wall. The determination of information regarding temperature changes can be advantageously limited to cases where the temperature and / or temperature changes on the trickle film and / or container wall are detected over a period of 10 minutes or less, preferably 8 minutes or less, and particularly preferably 6 minutes or less.

[0028] If the start of temperature detection on the container wall and / or temperature change is determined when a temperature rise of 0.5°C or more, preferably 1°C or more, or particularly preferably 1.5°C or more is measured on or inside the container wall, the start of the detection time for temperature change on the container wall can be advantageously determined.

[0029] If the detection of the temperature and / or temperature change of the container wall is initiated when, for example, a temperature rise of 3°C or less, preferably 2.5°C or less, and particularly preferably 2°C or less is measured on or within the container wall, then in this method, inaccurate measurements caused by other causes of temperature changes in the container wall can be detected and avoided more effectively. This can prevent, or at least significantly minimize, the risk of detection unrelated to urination.

[0030] Temperature and / or temperature changes can be detected more accurately if they are detected by the trickle film and / or container wall, depending on the material of the container wall. This information can be understood more accurately by considering material parameters when detecting temperature and / or temperature changes.

[0031] Depending on the shape of the container wall, if temperature and / or temperature changes are detected on the trickle film and / or the container wall, information regarding temperature and / or temperature changes can be determined more favorably. Furthermore, detecting temperature distributions on the trickle film and / or container walls is particularly useful.

[0032] The detected temperature distribution can also be used to draw useful conclusions about the urination process, for example, by comparing the temperature at the center of the trickle film with the temperature at the edges. In particular, the temperature distribution can also be determined as a function of the material of the container wall and / or as a function of the shape of the container wall. Furthermore, detecting the spatial distribution of trickle film on the container wall is advantageous for observing the course of urination.

[0033] By detecting the spatial two-dimensional distribution of urine as a trickle film, important information about urination behavior can also be obtained. Spatial distribution represents the two-dimensional spread and expansion of urine on the container wall after it hits the wall.

[0034] Preferably, this is done according to the shape of the container wall. When detecting the spatial distribution of urine, if the shape or form of the surface of the container wall is taken into consideration, particularly accurate information regarding the spatial distribution can be obtained. Spatial distribution can be advantageously confirmed using optical devices such as cameras. The spatial distribution of urine can be detected cumulatively or alternatively by temperature distribution or temperature and / or temperature changes on trickle film or, in particular, on the container wall.

[0035] To obtain good detection results, the detection area around the urine jet and / or around its point of contact with the container wall should be 50 mm. 2 Preferably 100 mm 2 The above, especially 200mm 2 Having the above characteristics is advantageous. The detection area can be dynamically adapted to the propagation shape of the trickle film and does not need to be geometrically defined, such as circular, elliptical, rectangular, or square. Furthermore, to observe the urination process, it is also useful to detect the temperature and / or temperature changes of the free urination jet relative to the surrounding air. Such evaluations of free jet flow in urine can be added as a supplementary element as needed. Furthermore, it is also advantageous to measure the ambient temperature and / or temperature changes near the urine collection container. To more accurately account for the influence of ambient temperature on detected temperature changes, it is advantageous to also measure the ambient temperature.

[0036] The urination process can be determined particularly reliably if temperature and / or temperature changes are detected by measuring the temperature as a function of time and location on the trickle film and / or container wall. For example, it is possible to reliably and accurately capture relevant information from the start to the end of urination, and even beyond, allowing for highly accurate observation of urination behavior over a very long period of time.

[0037] Furthermore, for reliable determination of the urination process, it is advantageous to detect temperature changes by measuring the heat flux density as a function of time and the position of the container wall. Of course, detection in this case can be achieved by various methods, such as optical methods. When temperature and / or temperature changes are detected by infrared measurement or capacitive measurement, detection is particularly advantageous in relation to containers such as toilets. Detecting temperature and / or temperature changes using infrared or capacitive measurements has proven to be highly effective and advantageous from a process engineering perspective.

[0038] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the problem is solved by an apparatus for observing the urination process in a person in a urine catheter and / or urine collection container, particularly for carrying out the present method, the apparatus for detecting the temperature and / or temperature change on the urine trickle film and / or on the container wall of the container comprises at least one infrared sensor device and / or one capacitive sensor device.

[0039] This device enables particularly effective and accurate observation of the urination process in living organisms without the need for medical facilities, which means that monitoring can be freely accessed. The device can be permanently installed or integrated into a properly designed toilet facility. The selection of sensors for measuring surface temperature is diverse, offering solutions suitable for various requirements and environments. Thermocouples utilize the Seebeck effect, generating a voltage when two metals with different temperatures are connected. Thermocouples are robust and cost-effective, making them ideal for industrial applications, especially at high temperatures.

[0040] Resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) are based on the temperature-dependent resistance of metals such as platinum. As the temperature rises, the electrical resistance increases proportionally. RTDs offer high accuracy and are often used in laboratories and industrial processes where precise temperature measurement is required. A thermistor is a semiconductor device whose resistance changes significantly with temperature. There are mainly two types: NTC (negative temperature coefficient) and PTC (positive temperature coefficient). They are often used in electronic devices where cost-effective solutions are readily available, such as household appliances or air conditioning systems.

[0041] Infrared temperature sensors detect infrared radiation emitted by an object and convert it into temperature. Such non-contact sensors are particularly useful in situations where direct contact with a surface is not possible or undesirable, such as in the food industry and medical applications. Sensors that make direct contact with a surface measure temperature using thermal conductivity. They offer high accuracy and are often used in applications requiring direct contact, such as material testing or monitoring mechanical components. These sensors vary in accuracy, cost, and application depending on the requirements and environment. The selection of the appropriate sensor depends on various factors, including the required accuracy, the temperature range to be measured, environmental factors, and cost.

[0042] Therefore, technically speaking, these types of sensors may be used, but it should be clearly noted that other sensors are also commonly used to measure surface temperature. Ultimately, a compromise is made between technical accuracy and cost when designing a toilet. In this respect, it is advantageous if the device is equipped with toilet facilities, especially toilets. This device can be used particularly advantageously in toilet facilities or their containers, especially when it has at least one detection surface formed as a free-form surface. This allows the device to be integrated into toilet facilities with little to no functional and / or visual constraints. In particular, when incorporating capacitive sensor elements, the design of the existing toilet can be maintained. If this device is configured to be securely but detachably attached to the toilet bowl, then the device, and by extension the method, can be used more flexibly and independently. Therefore, it is easy to modify or upgrade existing toilets or toilets that have already been installed.

[0043] Ideally, the device would feature a flexible, elastic, or plastically deformable free-form sensor element that can adapt to or conform to the free-form surface of a toilet bowl. Furthermore, it is advantageous for the device to have at least one data interface that can send and receive data, particularly information about the observed urination process.

[0044] According to a third aspect of the present invention, this problem is also solved by a container for receiving excrement, particularly a toilet facility, which is designed to carry out the method according to one of its features and / or incorporates the device. Ideally, the container should be portable. This means the container can be placed in almost any location, especially as a temporarily portable toilet.

[0045] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, this problem is solved by using the container wall of a container to observe urination behavior, and in particular to detect temperature and / or temperature changes related to urination. When the container wall is used to detect the temperature or temperature change caused by urine, information regarding urination behavior can be easily and reliably measured. Naturally, the features of the solutions described above or in the claims can be combined as needed to obtain the best possible benefits and effects. Further advantageous features and design options of the present invention are described below, with particular emphasis on features relating to model-based and experimental volumetric flow rate calculations of trickle films. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0046] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings, using embodiments.

[0047] [Figure 1] This is a schematic table showing urination rate and minimum urination volume for men and women in different age groups. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the container wall of a toilet facility, relating to the typical urination process after urine has passed through the urethra and been released into the environment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the trickle film of urine running down the surface of the container wall. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the Nusselt number as a function of the Reynolds number. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of a smooth laminar trickle film relative to a velocity profile. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of a corrugated trickle film related to temperature and velocity profiles. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of another cross-sectional view of the container wall shown in Figure 2, illustrating the thermodynamic aspects of the urination process. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing the fluid velocity and temperature profiles during convective heat transfer in a wall element. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing the upper limit Rac in the laminar flow region as a function of the slope angle γ. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing the temperature profile of the container wall calculated using a one-dimensional simulation. [Figure 11]This is a schematic diagram of the temperature curve with a grid and temperature scale, obtained from an OpenFoam simulation at 0 seconds. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram of a temperature curve with a grid and temperature scale, obtained from an OpenFoam simulation after 20 seconds. [Figure 13] This is a schematic top view of a container having a temperature sensor positioned on the container wall. [Figure 14] This is a schematic top view of a container wall with a 1x1 cm grid on a curved surface. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram showing another top view of a container to which an infrared sensor device is attached. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram showing another top view of a container with various contact positions and spot sizes for the measurement spot. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram comparing the relative errors of manual and automatic start / end point determination. [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram showing the surface temperature curves during and after urination. [Figure 19] This is a schematic diagram showing the Simulation Fit adjusted for the measurement data. [Figure 20] This is a schematic diagram of a parameter table with maximum and minimum values. [Figure 21] This is a schematic diagram of a table containing material values ​​used in calculations. [Figure 22] This is a schematic diagram of the experimental determination of film width at different volumetric flow rates. (Top right: 10 ml / s, Top left: 12.5 ml / s, Bottom right: 15 ml / s, Bottom left: 17.5 ml / s) [Figure 23] This is a schematic diagram of the experimental determination of film width at a volumetric flow rate of 20 ml / s. [Figure 24] This is a schematic diagram of a table showing the results of temperature measurements used to determine the heat transfer coefficient of a jet. [Figure 25] This is a schematic diagram of a table comparing the heat transfer coefficients of individual processes. [Figure 26] This is a schematic diagram showing the average gradient one second after the start of urination. [Figure 27] This is a schematic diagram showing the average gradient 7 seconds after the start of urination. [Figure 28] This is a schematic diagram showing the average gradient 10 seconds after the start of urination. [Figure 29] This is a schematic diagram of a table showing the coefficients and exponents of Fit in the gradient evaluation method. [Figure 30] This is a schematic diagram showing the urination area one second after the start of urination. [Figure 31] This is a schematic diagram showing the urination area 4 seconds after the start of urination. [Figure 32] This is a schematic diagram showing the urination area 7 seconds after the start of urination. [Figure 33] This is a schematic diagram showing the urination area 10 seconds after the start of urination. [Figure 34] This is a schematic diagram of a table showing the Fit coefficients and indices for each area of ​​the evaluation method. [Figure 35] This is a schematic diagram of the Fit of a triplet of measurement data for a urination time of 15 seconds. [Figure 36] This is a schematic diagram comparing the experimentally determined heat transfer coefficients of all triplets. [Figure 37] This is a schematic diagram comparing the experimentally determined heat transfer coefficients without triplets at the point of contact P2. [Figure 38] This is a schematic diagram comparing the experimentally determined heat transfer coefficients of a triplet at point P0. [Figure 39] This is a schematic diagram comparing the experimentally determined heat transfer coefficients of the triplet at point P1. [Figure 40] This is a schematic diagram comparing the experimentally determined heat transfer coefficients of the triplet at point P1. [Figure 41] This is a schematic diagram of a table showing the coefficient and exponent of the Nusselt correlation c=0.344. As shown in Figure 1, urinary flow rate and minimum voiding volume for men and women in different age groups are shown as examples. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0048] Below, we will describe two non-contact volumetric flow rate measurement principles relating to a first possibility, preferably a mobile urine analyzer. The first method is measurement using an infrared sensor device having at least one infrared sensor element. The second is a measurement using a capacitive sensor device having at least one capacitive sensor element, preferably several capacitive sensor elements.

[0049] This measurement method, based on this principle, offers significant advantages over conventional methods of measuring urine volume in terms of accuracy and ease of use. The first known and currently used method for measuring urine flow rate is uroflowmetry. The most commonly used measurement methods in this context operate according to gravimetric or rotational dynamics principles. The gravimetric method measures mass flow rate rather than volumetric flow rate. This is done by urinating into a cup placed on a scale. The volume is then calculated using the mass and density. In the rotational dynamics principle, the urine jet is directed onto a rotating disk. The disk is slowed down by the urine, varying depending on the volume of urine, and the disk is maintained at a constant speed. The amount of urine released in a given time can be measured based on the increase in power consumption. In addition to these two measurement principles, there are other measurement methods not described here, such as low-cost flowmeters and flowmeters. The drawbacks of the measurement methods and devices described above are that these measurements can usually only be performed in hospitals or clinics. Furthermore, conducting the tests usually requires trained staff. Unfamiliar environments and the presence of others can also significantly affect urination, as they may be uncomfortable for the individual or patient. This is partly true for urine sampling as well, but other factors may be involved, such as insufficient data (data from the center of the jet) and unsanitary conditions.

[0050] The aforementioned drawbacks can be avoided by the proposed process, which includes measuring urine flow in addition to other factors. Urine testing can be performed immediately. Furthermore, there are advantages such as being able to perform the test in a familiar environment (home toilet), being able to operate without increasing staff, and being fully automated. More tests can be performed and evaluated because a doctor's consultation is not required. It is a more hygienic measurement because the test subject does not touch the sample.

[0051] According to the diagram in Figure 2, a container 1 for collecting excrement 2, particularly urine 2A, is shown with respect to its container wall 1A. Container 1 is part of a toilet facility 4, which includes a toilet bowl component 4A (container or toilet bowl), a toilet seat component 4B, and a water tank component 4C (not shown in detail) (see Figure 13 in particular). The siphon region 6 of container 1 can be seen at the bottom of container 1. The fluid dynamics involved in urination are described below. In general, convective transport characteristics depend on the fluid flow conditions when transporting energy. A schematic diagram of the urination process and its hydrodynamic aspects is shown in Figure 2. The observed urination process, or the urination process after exiting the urethra 8, is only briefly described here, but after entering the environment 10, it begins with the urine forming a free urination jet 12 or free flow.

[0052] After the urine jet 12 hits the surface 1B of the container wall 1A, a water pressure jump 14 occurs, particularly at the point of impact 13, and a trickle film 16 made of urine 2A is formed, spreading across the container wall 1A, or more precisely, across its surface 1B. After exiting the urethra 8, the urination jet 12 narrows and accelerates as the adhesive conditions of the urethra 8 are no longer met and the adhesive conditions change. This is replaced by the substantially shear-free adhesive state of the air 10A. The liquid urination jet in air 10A is unstable to natural and artificial disturbances and begins to "drip" after a certain period of time. This period is called the decay time. The decay point depends on the distance between the nozzle position and the urination jet velocity.

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[0068] The trickle film 16 or liquid film shown in Figure 5 has a rather laminar flow profile, reaching its maximum velocity parabolicly at the free surface, assuming there is no momentum exchange between the liquid and gas phases and that adhesion conditions are applied to the wall. In contrast, in the corrugated trickle film 16, as shown in Figure 6, the height of its corrugated surface changes in the y-direction. The corrugated laminar trickle film 16 is formed at low Reynolds numbers. This differs from the smooth laminar trickle film 16 in that it has a corrugated surface at the phase boundary. The trickle film 16 forms wavefronts and is therefore of non-uniform height. Despite the persistence of laminar flow, the transport of mass, energy, and momentum is improved compared to the smooth laminar trickle film 16. This is because a convective term is added to the flow. This phenomenon is caused by the rolling motion of the wavefronts. The rolling motion renews the boundary layer and transfers energy to the wavefronts. Waves are formed as the flow length of the trickle film 16 increases. In the inlet region, the trickle film 16 is laminar. Subsequently, it starts as a sinusoidal wave, followed by a two-dimensional corrugated film, and ends as a three-dimensional corrugated trickle film 16, with various types of waves being formed depending on the travel length. The difference between the turbulent trickle film 16 and the wavy laminar trickle film 16 is the absence of laminar flow. Instead, complete mixing occurs. As a result, an improvement in energy transfer is observed.

[0069] The thermodynamic aspects of the urination process are shown in Figure 7. As is clearly visible from this, five thermodynamically related processes can be identified during urination. It begins with the urination jet 12 formed after exiting the urethra 8. This urination jet 12 releases energy in the form of heat into the environment 10. When energy is transferred between the fluid and the solid not only by molecular exchange but also by the macroscopic motion of the fluid or urine 2A, this is called convective energy transport. In convective and molecular energy transport, the temperature gradient is the driving force, as shown in the diagram in Figure 8. The intensity of the temperature gradient dT depends on the boundary layer dy, which thins due to convective transport. This increases the temperature gradient and heat flow. Based on empirical observations of this phenomenon, Newton established the law of cooling and calculated it.

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[0078] In the case of trickle film 16, the Nusselt number can be determined differently for various flow ranges.

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[0095] Local limit conditions are also called boundary conditions. These describe the state of the system on its surface. Boundary conditions can be divided into two groups: -Boundary condition 1. Type (Dirichlet): Temperature is defined as a function of time and position θ(x,y,z,t). -Boundary condition 2. Type (Neumann): The heat flux density perpendicular to the surface is defined as a function of time and position.

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[0097] One-dimensional simulation The heat conduction within the container wall 1A or the porcelain is expressed by equation 2.38. In the one-dimensional simulation, the equations for the coordinate directions y and z were omitted. Thus, n represents the time step and i represents the position in spatial coordinates, and the following equation for heat conduction is obtained, derived from equation 3.1.

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[0106] Three-dimensional simulation Three-dimensional simulations using different solution methods do not appear to provide usable results. The first simulation, like the one-dimensional simulation, considers only the container wall 1A or porcelain. For this purpose, a plate portion with dimensions of 10 × 12 × 2 cm (L × H × D) is created using the blockMesh generation tool built into OpenFoam. The mesh resolution is 0.05 cm in each direction. Two large surfaces form the top and bottom of the plate portion. Smaller regions are grouped together as side regions. The surfaces are then individually named. This designation is related to the assignment of boundary conditions. The urine film or trickle film 16 is declared as an independent surface using the tools topoSet and createPatch-overwrite. This allows separate boundary conditions to be assigned to this surface. The urine film or trickle film 16 is divided along the flow direction by symmetry. It consists of quarter circles and rectangles. In the first experiment, the von Neumann condition q dot = 0 is assigned to the top and bottom surfaces. The boundary conditions for the sides of the plate portion are similar. The urine film area is defined at a constant temperature of 36°C. Simulations are then performed using LaplacianFoam. After calculating the problem, the results are converted to an appropriate format using foamToVTK. These are then visualized in Paraview (see Figures 11 and 12).

[0107] The simulation only simulates the heating of the plate portion and does not simulate heat transfer from the fluid to the plate portion, so a new boundary condition was given to the simulation. The laserConvection boundary condition is a boundary condition that is not integrated into OpenFoam and can simulate heat conduction. Adjustable parameters include the heat transfer coefficients during heating and cooling, and the heating time. For reasons unknown, this boundary condition cannot be integrated.

[0108] The next step is to use a different solution method. For this purpose, the chtMultiregionFoam solution method is used. This method can calculate not only the heat conduction in the container wall 1A or porcelain, but also the flow and heat transfer in the trickle film 16. For this purpose, the program Simflow, which provides a graphical user interface, was used. This is based solely on OpenFoam. In the initial simulation using Simflow, the geometric shapes of the plate portion and the urine film or trickle film 16 are specified, created using the GMSH program, and a mesh is provided. In contrast to the first geometric shape, here the film has volume and is not divided. This procedure is similar to the procedure using the LaplacianFoam solution method of OpenFoam, but the chtMultiRegionFoam solution method requires material values ​​for the container wall 1A or porcelain and the urine 2A. For urine 2A, the material value of water was assumed.

[0109] The following describes an example of the urination process. The adjustable parameters are as follows: -Urine volume -Urine volume flow rate - Urination time (the product of the two above) -micturition temperature - Point of impact of the jet Determination of the heat transfer coefficient of a liquid jet or urination jet 12, the film width, and the surface temperature of the container wall 1A or porcelain.

[0110] First, the heat transfer coefficient during heat transfer from the free jet or urination jet 12 to the air 10A is determined. As is clearly visible in Figure 13, the temperature sensor 20 is located on the toilet bowl surface 1B and is insulated from below. The urination jet 12 hits the temperature sensor 20. At the same time, the urethral 8 starts T Start and toilet bowl surface T End Record the temperature. Repeat this procedure three times with urination flow rates of 10 ml / s and 20 ml / s. Since the temperature sensor 20 is usually slow to measure, urination is allowed until a certain temperature is reached. The transferred heat flow is calculated using equation 2.16. The mass flow rate can be determined via the flow rate. p For this, the heat capacity of water at the corresponding temperature is applied. This is assumed to be constant if the temperature difference is 10°C or less. The heat transfer coefficient is determined using the heat flow from equations 2.16 and 2.15.

[0111] To experimentally determine the film width or spatial distribution 24 of the trickle film 16, a grid or detection surface 22 with a box width of 1x1cm is attached to the toilet surface 1B. Thus, the actual film width or spatial distribution 24 can be measured despite the curvature of the surface 1B (see Figure 14).

[0112] The determination of the film width or spatial distribution 24 is performed in 2.5 ml / s steps for volumetric flow rates of 10 ml / s to 20 ml / s. To do so, the urination jet collides with the middle upper end of the grid 22, thereby spreading the water pressure burst 14 and trickle film 16 over the grid 22.

[0113] As is clearly visible in Figure 15, a device 30 for observing the urination process is positioned on the container 1, in particular to determine the temperature or temperature change of the trickle film 16 and / or the container wall 1A, and the device 30 has at least one infrared sensor device 32 and / or capacitive sensor device (not shown here) for detecting the temperature and / or temperature change of the urine 2A on the trickle film 16 and / or the container wall 1A of the container 1.

[0114] The infrared sensor device 32 preferably measures or detects a mixture of surface and trickle film temperatures during urination. The transmission depth of infrared radiation ranges from 5 mm (IR-A) to several micrometers (IR-C) depending on the type of radiation. The temperature sensor 34 of the infrared sensor device 32 (see red circle) is attached to the arm portion 36 of the device 30 for urine analysis and is positioned to measure in the center just in front of the siphon area 6. The position and size of the measurement spot 38 of the infrared sensor device 32 are optically shown as an example in Figure 15.

[0115] The temperature sensor 34 measures several temperatures across the entire measurement spot 38 and calculates the average temperature of the container wall 1A from these measurements. The size of the measurement spot is determined by the opening angle (10°) and the distance to the container wall 1A or the toilet bowl (21 cm). This results in a measurement spot size of 3.7 cm in diameter. For reliable measurement, three contact points of the liquid or urination jet 12 can be defined, as shown in Figure 16. Measurement point P0 coincides with the measurement spot 38 of the temperature sensor 34. The other two contact points are, for example, 5 cm to the right (P1) and left (P2) of point P0.

[0116] The following combinations of related parameters are possible: - Constant urine volume, variable urination time - Constant urination time, variable urination volume - Fixed urination time, variable hitting position of the urine jet - Fixed urine volume, variable hitting position of the urine jet Considering these aspects, all combinations of parameters are listed in the following table.

[0117]

Table 1

[0118]

Table 2

[0119]

Table 3

[0120] Fit based on evaluation and simulation of measurement data Before fitting the measurement data as an example, the data must be prepared. The measurement signal, parameters, and temperature data are stored in an SQL database. This is read using Python code. The start of urination (start_pee) is determined by examining the peak of the measurement signal. The peak corresponding to the start time must have a certain width and height. The distance to the next peak is also included in the selection. The end of urination (end_pee) is detected by the same principle. The start and end points are automatically determined by Python code. The evaluation of the start and end points is also performed manually. In manual evaluation, the standard deviation of the start and end values (refer to the figure in Figure 17) is 2.1%. The automatic evaluation shows a significantly higher deviation of 21.4%. This is mainly due to a small number of outliers with a relative error of up to approximately -95%. The automatic evaluation can be used by excluding the outliers or evaluating them manually afterwards.

[0121] During evaluation, the surface temperature of the porcelain can be plotted as a function of time. The Tt diagram shown in Figure 18 represents the characteristic temperature curve. The temperature curve can be divided into three parts. Region I (yellow) includes the start of urination. In the first few seconds, a rapid temperature increase can be observed. The fluid heats the porcelain surface. The slope of the curve in region I is the heat transfer coefficient α. U|P This is determined by the heat transfer coefficient. The larger the heat transfer coefficient, the steeper the increase. Region II (red) shows further temperature progression until urination is complete. The rise in the curve is smaller than in region I, because the surface temperature approaches the fluid temperature. After urination is complete, the temperature drops sharply. This can be observed in region III (blue). The negative slope of the temperature curve can be explained on the one hand by heat transport within the material, and on the other hand by heat transfer from the porcelain to the air. Flushing the catheter before measurement (see Figure 18) causes a slight temperature increase before the actual measurement. Flushing is necessary to prevent the urine from cooling down before it exits the catheter.

[0122] Three measurements are performed for each parameter set to detect outliers or erroneous readings. In Simulation Fit, the measurement data for each parameter set is averaged to create a triplet. A triplet consists of three measurement datasets where the parameters are the same. The time interval between each measurement point varies depending on the measurement interval. This is due to the technical limitations of the testbench. For example, the testbench sends a command to measure the surface temperature 10 times per second. The system implements this command and times-stamps each measurement, which is the actual time the temperature is measured. Because the variation in execution time is small, the variation in the time intervals between measurement points is also small. Therefore, the timestamps need to be adjusted before averaging the measurement data. The heat conduction within the porcelain is always expressed by Equation 3.5. The boundary conditions of the model are time-dependent and are expressed by a modified version of Equation 3.8.

[0123] The boundary conditions of region A shown in Figure 19 reflect heat transfer from urine 2A to the container wall 1A or porcelain (Equation 4.1), and from the container wall 1A or porcelain to air 10A (Equation 4.2).

[0124]

number

[0125]

number

[0126]

number

[0127]

number

[0128] The table below shows the maximum and minimum values. If it depends on the set of measurements, no starting value is specified, and therefore no error is introduced in the adjustment.

[0129]

Table 4

[0130] Information regarding the urinary volume flow rate is obtained from measurement data and simulation-based Fit using three methods. Depending on the method described, the gradient, surface area, or heat transfer coefficient is shown as a function of the volume flow rate according to the figures in FIGS. 25 to 33 and FIGS. 36 to 40. The first method takes into account the gradient between the measurement points in the yellow marked area (see FIG. 19). For this purpose, each gradient between two adjacent measurement points is calculated, and an average gradient is formed over the sum of the gradients. The number of measurement points used depends on the time under consideration. The time intervals over which the gradient is calculated extend from the start of urination for 1, 4, 7, and 10 seconds. Since the urination time may be short, a maximum value of 10 seconds was selected. The gradient depends on the heat transfer coefficient. This is defined by the Nusselt number (see Equation 2.19), and thus by the Reynolds number (see Equations 2.21 to 2.24). The Reynolds number is calculated using the mass flow rate (see Equation 2.6). Therefore, conclusions regarding the mass flow rate or flow rate can be derived from the gradient.

[0131] The second method examines the surface area with the yellow mark under the urination curve (see FIG. 19) 1, 4, 7, and 10 seconds after the start of urination. Based on the surface area, conclusions regarding the flow rate are derived. Using the Simulation Fit, the heat transfer coefficient is directly determined by the third method. The flow rate is determined in the same way as the first two methods.

[0132] Hydrodynamics The calculations of the liquid film, hydraulic burst 14, and trickle film 16 are compared with the observations made during the following experiments. All material values used are as follows. The material values refer to the material values of water at 36°C and air at 20°C (see the figure according to FIG. 21).

[0133] Liquid urinary jet The objective is to calculate whether the liquid jet is "dripping". For this purpose, the first step is to calculate the optimal growth rate of the jet using Equation 2.5. The diameter of the urination jet is equal to the diameter of the catheter, which is 4 mm. When calculating the growth rate, μ opt =33s -1 Therefore, the next step is to calculate the Ohnesorge number according to equation 2.4. This is Oh = 1.34 × 10 -3 This yields the Ohnesorge number. From the rate of increase and the Ohnesorge number, the theoretical decay time can be calculated using Equation 2.2 by Equation 2.3. The jet is T th It decays after 0.77 seconds. According to Equation 2.1, this is 10-20 ml·s. -1 This volumetric flow rate means that the jet will drip after Lth = 0.62 to 1.23 m. The urination jet velocity is calculated from the volumetric flow rate and cross-sectional area of ​​the urination jet. Observations during measurement confirmed that the urination jet did not drip even when it hit the porcelain.

[0134] Theoretical and experimental film widths Before calculating the width of the film or trickle film 16, the film must be classified. This is done using the Reynolds number defined by Equation 2.6. Since the volume or mass flow rate fluctuates during urination, the lowest (10 mls) is used. -1 ) and the highest (20mls) -1 Volumetric flow rate is used for measurement. The Reynolds number is between Re=634 and Re=851. As a result, the film is governed by gravity. The radius of the film is calculated up to the water pressure burst using Equation 2.7. The theoretical radius of the film is R=0.025~0.042m. The contact angle between water and porcelain was determined from the literature [Manjang, 2006]. Since the film is governed by gravity, the film width is determined using Equation 2.8. As a result, the film width W=0.050m~0.084m. Evaluation of the experimental data yielded the following results:

[0135] [Table 5] Table: Comparison of theoretically calculated film width and experimentally determined film width. The experimentally determined film width is the maximum width of the film.

[0136] As can be seen from the figures 22 and 23, the film or trickle film 16 tapers after initial propagation. When measuring the surface temperature, this occurs only after passing the measurement spot and is less pronounced than in the previous figure. The general tapering is due to the geometric shape of the toilet or container wall 1A. The difference between film widths is explained by the fact that equation 2.7 is formulated for a vertical film and is therefore only an approximation for an inclined film on a curved plate.

[0137] Calculation of film thickness and determination of flow region Since the Reynolds number is greater than 400, the film thickness is determined using equation 2.12. In the equation, the plate inclination is considered by the formula g cos(α), where α represents the angle with respect to the vertical. The plate is inclined at least 16° from the horizontal. As a result, the angle of α is between 0° and 74°. The film thickness is calculated for the lowest and highest volumetric flow rates. This yields δ = 0.51~0.78 mm for 10 mls -1 and 20 mls of δ = 0.59~0.91 mm -1 This film thickness can be obtained.

[0138] Heat transport The heat transfer coefficient is determined. Thermal resistance is calculated from the heat transfer coefficient and compared to it. In this way, it is checked whether the assumptions on which the simulation is based are acceptable. Unless otherwise noted, all material values ​​used are quoted from the literature [Wagner, 2006; Span 2006]. The material values ​​refer to the material values ​​for water at 36°C and air at 20°C, and can be obtained from the table according to the diagram shown in Figure 21.

[0139] Comparison of heat transfer coefficients Material data for water at 39°C is used to determine the heat transfer coefficient of the urination jet. Using the average temperature difference and Equation 2.16, calculate the heat flow rate for both volumetric flow rates. For this purpose, the average final temperature (T End ) Starting temperature (T start ) is deducted (see the table in Figure 24).

[0140] T End This refers to the temperature at which the urine jet strikes the porcelain surface or the container wall. T start This refers to the temperature at the end of the urethra 8. This results in the following average temperature difference for the two flow rates: Delta T-bar (10 ml / s) = 0.17; Delta T-bar (20 ml / s) = 0.38. This yields a heat flow of Q dot = 0.007 to 0.032 W. Next, we calculate the heat transfer coefficient using equation 2.15. The exchange surface required for this is the outside of the liquid jet. The average temperature difference for calculating the heat transfer coefficient is as follows: Delta T-bar (10 ml / s) = 13.71; Delta T-bar (20 ml / s) = 13.56.

[0141] Assuming the diameter of the liquid jet is constant, corresponding to the catheter diameter d = 0.004 m, and the length of the urination jet is 0.2 m (measured value), then the area A = 0.0025 m² 2 The following is obtained, and the heat transfer coefficient αF|L = 0.2Wm -2 K -1 (10mls -1 ), 0, 95Wm -2 K -1 (20mls -1 ) can be obtained.

[0142] The heat transfer coefficient from air 10A is determined using equation 2.17. To do this, the Nusselt number and, in this context, the Rayleigh number must be calculated. The Rayleigh number includes the Grashof number and the Prandtl number. The Prandtl number can be obtained from the literature or determined according to equation 2.21. The Grashof number is calculated using equation 2.20. The length of the film is L = 0.2 m. The results of the two dimensionless parameters are Pr = 0.7082 and Gr = 3.9 x 10 6 The Rayleigh number is the product of the Prandtl number and the Grashof number, and Ra = 2.8·10 6 (See Equation 2.19). To calculate the Nusselt number, the critical Rayleigh number is required in addition to the Rayleigh number. The critical Rayleigh number is determined from the figure according to the diagram in Figure 9. The inclination angle of the plate portion with respect to the vertical is 74°, and the critical Rayleigh number is Ra c = 1 x 10 5 Next, we determine the Nusselt number using equation 2.17, and set Nu = 22. The resulting air-side heat transfer coefficient is α L = 4.7Wm -2 K -1 That is the case.

[0143] The heat transfer coefficient for heat transfer from urine or trickle film 16 to the container wall or porcelain is determined using equation 2.22. This determines the Reynolds number. The Prandtl number is calculated using equation 2.21, but can also be obtained from the literature, where Pr = 4.74. Here, the Nusselt number is determined from the Reynolds number and the Prandtl number. To do this, the results of equations 2.23 to 2.26 are compared to find the highest Nusselt number. The highest Nusselt number is determined using equation 2.26, where Nu = 0.306 for low flow rates and Nu = 0.345 for high flow rates. From equation 2.22, α f = 5131Wm -2 K -1 (10mls -1 ) from 5780Wm -2 K -1 (20mls -1 The heat transfer coefficient between the two points is obtained. The heat transfer coefficient from the container wall 1A or porcelain to the air 10A is determined in the same way as the heat transfer coefficient from urine 2A to the air 10A. Since the air 10A outside and inside container 1 or the toilet behaves thermodynamically in almost the same way under assumed conditions, α P|U =α U|L We can assume that this is the case.

[0144] Cooling of urine 2A during heat transfer from liquid jet or urination jet 12 to air 10A, and from urine 2A to air 10A, α U|P Because its heat transfer coefficient is smaller in comparison, it can be ignored. The calculation confirms the assumption that heat transfer to the air 10A can be ignored in the trickle film 16 (see also Figure 25).

[0145] Evaluation of surface temperature measurement of container walls / porcelain There is a direct physical relationship between the gradient determined for evaluation and the heat flow released onto the container wall 1A or the porcelain. The temperature sensor 34 measures the mixing temperature and trickle film temperature on the container wall surface or the porcelain surface. As a result, the rise in surface temperature is directly proportional to the heat flow released by the trickle film 16.

[0146] The first method (gradient) is used to evaluate triplets in the measurement data. According to the gradient and area evaluation, the triplet at impact point P0 is marked with a circle, the triplet at P1 is marked with a diamond, and the triplet at P2 is marked with a square.

[0147] Figure 26 shows the average gradient of the triplet after 1 second. The gradient variance is consistently wide. We can assume that the fit of the measured data is nearly linear. Figure 27 shows the average gradient at 7 seconds after the start of urination. Scattering decreases at low flow rates compared to moderate gradients. As the time interval lengthens, the slope continues to flatten, and the scattering of the point cloud decreases. The average gradient at 10 seconds after the start of urination (see Figure 28) shows less scattering than the average gradient at previous time intervals, but the Fit continues to flatten within the observed measurement range.

[0148] The triplet at point P2 approaches the triplets at other points as the time interval increases. This is because all triplets exhibit small scattering as the time interval increases. This behavior suggests that the average gradient of the temperature curves differs only in the first few seconds after urination and becomes more similar as the time interval increases. The gradient evaluation method cannot draw conclusions about the flow rate. The scattering of triplets does not allow for the determination of the flow rate. At short time intervals, the scattering is so large that it is no longer possible to distinguish the flow rates. At long time intervals, the scattering is small, but the gradient is so small that it is also impossible to distinguish the flow rates.

[0149] This can also be observed in the coefficients and exponents of Fit. The slope of Fit (a) hardly changes as the time interval increases. However, the effect of the exponent (b) decreases sharply. The parameters of the fit are listed in the table below: According to Figure 29, the coefficients and exponents of Fit are used in the method for evaluating the gradient. The Fit formula is: It will look like JPEG2026518840000063.jpg936. The physical relationship between the area under the urination curve and the flow rate can be expressed by Equation 5.1. The integral of temperature over time represents the calculated area under the urination curve.

[0150]

number

[0151] The trend from the figure shown in Figure 31 continues for the calculated areas at 7 and 10 seconds. Area scattering decreases across the entire flow rate range. The shape of the point cloud remains funnel-shaped. The triplet at hit point P2 appears below the triplets at other hit points, but has a similar gradient. Compared to Figure 30, they approach the triplets at other hit points. The fit from Figures 32 and 33 can be approximated as a straight line, but it becomes flatter as the time interval increases. A linear fit might have been possible within the measurement range.

[0152] Area evaluation methods can be used to draw conclusions about flow rate. Similar to gradient evaluation methods, regions where scattering decreases as the time interval increases can also be observed. At longer time intervals, the surface area of ​​region I (see Figure 18) becomes smaller compared to the remaining surface area. This means that different gradients, and therefore the surface area of ​​region I, have less influence on the total surface area. Excluding the triplet at point P2 from consideration reduces scattering. However, this applies only to time intervals of 4, 7, and 10 seconds. The temperature curve of the triplet is not normalized with respect to temperature. If the starting temperature varies, different sizes of surface areas can occur with the same test parameters. This results in scattering in the measurements. Normalizing the starting temperature may reduce scattering. The coefficients a and exponent b of the area method are listed below. Fit's coefficient a changes significantly, but the exponent b changes only slightly.

[0153] The table in Figure 34 shows the coefficients and exponents of the Fit method for evaluating surface area. The Fit formula is: It will look like JPEG2026518840000065.jpg825.

[0154] A third method for evaluating measurement data is to use a simulation-based Fit (see Figure 35) of the measurement data to determine the heat transfer coefficient. The heat transfer coefficients from the measurement data are shown in Figure 36. The experimentally determined heat transfer coefficient of urine 2A is shown as a white circle, and the heat transfer coefficient of air 10A is shown as a white square. The black circles indicate the average value of the heat transfer coefficient of urine 2A, and the black circles indicate the average value of the heat transfer coefficient of air 10A. The black dashed line shows the theoretically determined heat transfer coefficient of an incomplete heat film according to Equation 2.22 with an inlet length of 0.12 m. This is the distance that urine 2A travels through the container wall 1A or the porcelain surface to the measurement spot 38. The red line shows the customized Nusselt correlation of the measurement data.

[0155] The theoretically calculated heat transfer coefficient is significantly larger than that determined experimentally. This is based on the Nusselt number correlations used, which apply only to the trickle film 16 and are described in equations 2.23 to 2.26. The measurement data shows that urine 2A does not form a trickle film 16 in container 1 or the toilet. As a result, new Nusselt correlations were derived from the measurement data. There is no change to the basic structure of the Nusselt number definition.

[0156]

number

[0157] The Reynolds number is intended to represent the flow of geometrically similar objects. In Equation 5.2, the Reynolds number refers to the flow rate at the catheter exit. This is because the structures of the male and female urethras are geometrically similar. Whether this is equally true for both sexes is still under investigation. Based on the Reynolds number of the pipe through which the fluid flows, the Reynolds number in this case is defined as follows:

[0158]

number

[0159] Figure 37 shows the Nusselt correlation without triplets from measurement point P2. Compared to Figure 36, the Nusselt correlation fit is shifted upward overall. The constant slope indicates systematic error in the measurement data. The Nusselt correlation fit for each individual hit location (P0, P1, P2) is shown below.

[0160] Figure 38 shows that the heat transfer coefficient of the P0 triplet changes significantly. A comparison of the figures in Figures 30 and 40 shows the same characteristic behavior of the heat transfer coefficient. The coefficient of the P2 triplet is lower. This was unexpected, as the two points are reflections along the axis from P0 to the measurement spot. The heat transfer coefficient of the P1 triplet (see Figure 39) is comparable to that of the P0 triplet (see Figure 38). The values ​​of variables a and b in the Nusselt correlation (Equation 5.2) are shown in the table in Figure 41.

[0161] Figures 38 to 40 illustrate that heat transfer exhibits characteristic behavior despite different contact points. Furthermore, the Fit of the measurement data reveals that it is possible to draw conclusions regarding flow rate based on the heating of the porcelain. The above-described characteristics and findings regarding heat transfer of the urine film or trickle film 16 can be used for non-contact urination flow measurement. Symbol list:

[0162] [Table 6] JPEG2026518840000069.jpg196158JPEG2026518840000070.jpg195158 JPEG2026518840000071.jpg25158 [Explanation of symbols]

[0163] List of reference codes used 1. Container or toilet bowl 1A Container wall 1B Surface 2 Excrement 2A Urine 4. Toilet facilities 4A Toilet bowl components 4B Toilet seat components 4C Aquarium Components 6. Siphon Region 8 Urethra 10 Surroundings 10A Air 12. Urinary jet 13 hits 14. Hydraulic burst 16 Trickle film 18 film thickness 20 Temperature sensors 22 Detection area or grid 24 Spatial distribution or trickle film width 30 devices 32 Infrared sensor device 34 Temperature Sensors 36 Arm Components 38 Measurement spot or measurement area

Claims

1. A method for observing the urination process of a human in a urine catheter (2A) and / or urine collection container (1)) having a container wall (1A), wherein, in order to observe the urination process, temperature and / or temperature changes are detected on a trickle film (16) of urine (2A) formed on the container wall (1A).

2. A method for observing the urination process of a human in a urinary catheter (2A) and / or urinary collection container (1) having a container wall (1A), wherein the temperature and / or temperature change of the container wall (1A) of the container (1) is detected in order to observe the urination process.

3. The method according to claim 1 and claim 2.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the temperature and / or temperature change of the container wall (1A) in the region of the trickle film (16) is detected.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the urinary flow rate and / or urinary volume can be determined by the detected temperature and / or temperature change.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the urine temperature of the urination jet (12) is detected when it enters the environment (10) and / or when it comes into contact with the container wall (1A).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, at the start of the detection of temperature and / or temperature change, the reference temperature is detected on the container wall (1A).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the temperature on the trickle film (16) and / or the container wall (1A) and / or temperature changes are continuously observed even after urination is completed.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the temperature and / or temperature change on the trickle film (16) and / or on the container wall (1A) is detected over a period of 1 minute or more, preferably 3 minutes or more, and particularly preferably 5 minutes or more.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the temperature and / or temperature change on the trickle film (16) and / or on the container wall (1A) is detected over a period of 10 minutes or less, preferably 8 minutes or less, and particularly preferably 6 minutes or less.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the start of the detection of the temperature and / or temperature change on the container wall (1A) is determined when a temperature rise of 0.5°C or more, preferably 1°C or more, and particularly preferably 1.5°C or more, is measured on or within the container wall (1A).

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the start of the detection of the temperature on the container wall (1A) and / or temperature change is determined when a temperature rise of 3°C or less, preferably 2.5°C or less, and particularly preferably 2°C or less, is measured on or within the container wall (1A).

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the temperature and / or temperature change on the trickle film (16) and / or on the container wall (1A) is detected according to the material of the container wall (1A) and / or the shape of the container wall (1A).

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a temperature distribution on the trickle film (16) and / or on the container wall (1A) is detected.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, in order to observe the urination process, the spatial distribution 24 of the trickle film (16) on the container wall (1A) is detected in particular according to the shape of the container wall (1A).

16. The detection area around the urine jet (12) and / or around its point of impact (13) on the container wall (1A) is 50 mm ２ Preferably 100 mm ２ The above, especially 200 mm ２ The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it is as described above.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the temperature and / or temperature change of the free urination jet (12) relative to the nearby air (10A) is detected in order to observe the urination process.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the ambient temperature and / or temperature change in the environment (10) of the container (1) for collecting urine (2A) is measured.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the temperature change is detected by measuring the temperature as a function of time and position on the trickle film (16) and / or the container wall (1A).

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the temperature and / or temperature change is detected by measuring the heat flux density perpendicular to the surface (1B) as a function of time and position on the container wall (1A).

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that temperature and / or temperature changes can be detected using infrared measurement or capacitive measurement.

22. A device (30) for observing the urination process in a urine (2A) catheter and / or urine collection container (1), In particular, the invention provides means for carrying out the method described in any one of claims 1 to 21, The apparatus (30) for detecting the temperature and / or temperature change on the trickle film (16) of urine (2A) and / or on the container wall (1A) of the container (1) is characterized by comprising at least one infrared sensor device (32), and / or a capacitive sensor device and / or another temperature sensor.

23. The apparatus (30) according to 22, wherein the apparatus (30) includes toilet equipment (4), particularly the toilet container (1), for example, a toilet bowl (4A), and the toilet equipment (4) may preferably be electromechanically equipped toilet equipment, and / or an electrosensory device may be placed on the toilet seat.

24. The apparatus (30) according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the apparatus (30) has at least one detection surface (22) formed as a free-form surface.

25. The device (30) according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that it is designed to be firmly but detachably attached to the toilet bowl (4A).

26. A container (1) for receiving excrement (2A), particularly a toilet facility (4), A container (1) for receiving excrement (2A), configured to carry out the method described in any one of claims 1 to 21, and / or comprising an apparatus (30) described in any one of claims 22 to 25.

27. The container (1) according to claim 26, characterized in that it can be installed in a movable manner.

28. Use of the container wall (1A) of container (1) to observe urination behavior, particularly to detect temperature and / or temperature changes related to urination.

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