Quick-response control device for negative pressure drainage of urine and control method

Abstract

Disclosed are a quick-response control device for negative pressure drainage of urine and a control method. The device comprises a control unit, a pressure sensor, an electrode-type liquid sensing device, a vacuum pump, and a human-machine interaction interface. The state of urine discharge or liquid level change can be accurately acquired in real time, thereby providing fast and effective data support for automatic start or stop operation of the vacuum pump. The negative pressure suction force can also be automatically adjusted according to changes in the speed at which a patient passes urine and the amount of urine, thereby ensuring the stability and efficiency of the suction process, and effectively preventing the problem of overflow caused by delayed urine suction.

Description

A fast-response urine negative pressure drainage control device and control method Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a rapid-response urine negative pressure drainage control device and control method, which is a technology for providing urination care to patients and belongs to the field of medical devices or nursing products. Background Technology

[0002] Urination care is a crucial aspect of caring for bedridden patients. The negative impacts of traditional methods such as bedpans, indwelling catheters, or adult diapers are becoming increasingly apparent. For example, using bedpans for bedpan urination places a heavy workload on caregivers; long-term indwelling catheters easily lead to urinary tract infections; and prolonged use of adult diapers can cause pressure sores. With advancements in materials science and medical technology, external urine collection devices are constantly emerging. A typical example is the female external catheter marketed by BD Medical in the United States. This external negative pressure drainage technique connects the collection port of the urine collection device to the patient's urethra, and the discharge port of the device is connected to a negative pressure source (such as a vacuum pump) via a drainage tube. The negative pressure source operates continuously 24 hours a day. When the patient urinates, the urine is drawn in and guided into the urine collection container by the suction provided by the negative pressure source. While this technique improves patient comfort and reduces complications associated with traditional catheterization methods, it is not without its drawbacks. However, the continuous operation of the negative pressure source not only increases energy consumption, but also the noise is not conducive to patients' quiet rest, which is a major drawback.

[0003] Therefore, the applicant proposes a rapid-response urine negative pressure drainage control device and control method to fill the deficiencies in the existing urination care for long-term bedridden patients. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application proposes a fast-response urine negative pressure drainage control device and control method.

[0005] A fast-response urine negative pressure drainage control device includes a control unit, a pressure sensor, an electrode-type liquid sensing device, a vacuum pump, and a human-machine interface.

[0006] The control unit includes a core processor, a current detection module or a capacitance detection module, a memory, a signal processor, and a power supply module, and is manufactured using conventional integrated circuit soldering or surface mount technology.

[0007] The current detection module is used to dynamically monitor the current parameters between two or more electrodes to determine changes in urine level. For example, in a circuit of the control unit, a low-resistance resistor is connected in series to dynamically measure the voltage drop across two or more electrodes when there is no urine or when urine is present. The current parameters between the two or more electrodes are then calculated based on Ohm's law to determine changes in urine level.

[0008] The capacitance detection module is used to dynamically monitor the capacitance value of two or more electrode plates and the insulating medium in between to determine changes in urine level. For example, two or more electrode plates form an electrostatic field. When urine approaches the surface of the electrode plates, the capacitance within the electrode plates changes. By monitoring the change in capacitance of the two or more electrode plates when there is no urine or when the plates are connected by urine, changes in urine level can be determined.

[0009] The control unit is equipped with an embedded software control program, which is used for hardware driving, data monitoring, negative pressure suction control and operation status prompts. The software control program is burned into the memory of the control unit.

[0010] The pressure sensor is connected to the core processor and is used to dynamically monitor the output pressure and operating status of the vacuum pump.

[0011] The aforementioned electrode-type liquid sensing device is a sensing element used to detect the state of urine discharge and trigger the operation of a vacuum pump. The measurement principle of the electrode-type liquid sensor is that when liquid comes into contact with the electrode, the liquid forms a certain capacitance with the electrode. In some cases, the capacitance is proportional to the resistance. Therefore, the liquid level can be determined by measuring the resistance or capacitance between the electrodes.

[0012] An electrode-type liquid sensing device includes at least two electrodes, A and B, and an extension wire. The specific shape of the electrodes is not limited, and includes, but is not limited to, rod-shaped, sheet-shaped, and plate-shaped conductive materials.

[0013] Depending on the sensing method, electrode-type liquid sensing devices are specifically divided into two types: current-type liquid sensing devices and capacitive liquid sensing devices. Among them:

[0014] The current-type liquid sensing device determines the liquid level by measuring the change in current parameters between electrodes. The current parameters include current value, voltage value, or resistance value. According to Ohm's law V (voltage) = I (current) × R (resistance), the conversion relationship between the three parameters of current value, voltage value, or resistance value of electrode A or electrode B can be used to determine the liquid level by using any one of the current parameters.

[0015] For example, a current-type liquid sensing device uses at least two rod-shaped or point-shaped electrodes, A and B, arranged separately with a spacing of no less than 0.5 mm. Electrodes A and B are each connected to an extension wire, the end of which has a quick-connect connector. This quick-connect connector connects to and communicates with the control unit of the vacuum pump. The current detection module of the control unit measures the current parameter between electrodes A and B. The current parameter when there is no urine or urine flow is interrupted between electrodes A and B is used as the initial value of the electrodes and written into the software control program as the threshold for determining the anuria state (no urine output or cessation of urination). The current parameter when electrodes A and B are connected by urine is then measured and used as the vacuum pump start-up threshold, written into the software control program as the control threshold for determining when the patient has urinated and immediately starting the vacuum pump.

[0016] Capacitive liquid sensing devices determine liquid level by measuring changes in capacitance between electrodes.

[0017] For example, a capacitive liquid sensing device employs at least two sheet or plate-shaped electrodes, A and B. Electrodes A and B are encapsulated in insulating material and arranged with a gap of at least 1 mm to create a stable electric field. Electrodes A and B are connected to extension wires, the ends of which have quick-connect fittings that connect to and communicate with the vacuum pump's control unit. The control unit's capacitance detection module measures the capacitance values ​​of electrodes A and B. The capacitance value when there is no urine or urine flow is interrupted between electrodes A and B is used as the initial electrode value and written into the software control program as a threshold for determining the anuria state (no urine output or cessation of urination). The capacitance value when urine conducts through electrodes A and B is then measured and used as the vacuum pump activation threshold, also written into the software control program as a control threshold for determining when urine has been expelled and immediately activating the vacuum pump.

[0018] Depending on the required accuracy of liquid level sensing (such as liquid level height and tilt angle), electrode-type liquid sensing devices can be constructed using 2-8 electrodes and extension wires, with equal spacing between the electrodes and a one-to-one correspondence between the number of extension wires and electrodes. When using an electrode-type liquid sensing device with multiple electrodes, changes in urine level can be continuously detected based on changes in current parameters or capacitance values ​​between the electrodes.

[0019] The vacuum pump is a power device that provides a vacuum environment for negative pressure suction of urine and drives the urine to flow outward. The vacuum pump is connected and communicates with the control unit. In typical applications, the maximum negative pressure capacity of the vacuum pump is not less than -20 kPa.

[0020] In one embodiment, a gravity sensor is also provided, which is connected and communicates with the core processor to dynamically measure the amount of urine discharged by the patient in the drainage container.

[0021] The human-machine interface includes a display screen, operation function keys, an alarm module, and a communication module. The interface dynamically displays information such as urine discharge status, negative pressure value, vacuum pump operating status, and urine volume, allowing operators to monitor the patient's urine discharge and the operation of the negative pressure drainage system in real time. Simultaneously, in case of abnormalities, such as electrode-type liquid sensor malfunction, vacuum pump overload, or urine container exceeding limits, the alarm module will issue audible and visual alarm signals to alert the operator for timely action. The communication module uses WiFi or Bluetooth to communicate remotely with the user's monitoring terminal (including a computer, iPad, or mobile phone).

[0022] A rapid-response method for controlling negative pressure urinary drainage includes the following steps:

[0023] S1, combining an electrode-type liquid sensing device with urine drainage material, the drainage material including a leak-proof shell, absorbent material, suction tube or suction cavity combined with the patient's urethral opening.

[0024] When using a current-type liquid sensing device, the electrodes of the electrode-type liquid sensing device are located inside the leak-proof housing, and the electrodes should be placed in areas where urine will inevitably flow through, with the extension wire extending to the outer periphery of the leak-proof housing. For example, the electrodes of the current-type liquid sensing device can be located inside the adsorbent material, at the head of the suction tube, or in the inner cavity of the suction chamber, with the extension wire extending to the outer periphery of the leak-proof housing.

[0025] When using a capacitive liquid sensing device, the electrodes of an electrode-type liquid sensing device are placed inside or around the cavity through which the urine flows. For example, the electrodes of a capacitive liquid sensing device are placed inside or around the suction cavity, or at the head of the suction tube.

[0026] S2, the electrode-type liquid sensing device is connected and communicates with the control unit. The control unit is equipped with a current detection module or a capacitance detection module to dynamically measure the current parameters or capacitance values ​​output by the electrode-type liquid sensing device.

[0027] S3, with the electrodes in a state of no urine or interrupted urine flow, the measured current parameters or capacitance values ​​between the two or more electrodes (A and B) are defined as the initial values ​​of the electrodes and written into the software control program as the threshold for determining the anuria state when the patient has no urine output or urination has stopped.

[0028] S4. With the electrodes in a state where they are connected to urine, the measured current parameters or capacitance values ​​between the two or more electrodes, A and B, are defined as the vacuum pump start-up threshold and written into the software control program as the control threshold for determining when the patient's urine is expelled and immediately starting the vacuum pump.

[0029] S5, the operation and shutdown of the vacuum pump are controlled by the core processor and software control program of the control unit, which consists of an electrode-type liquid sensing device, a control unit and a vacuum pump forming a closed-loop feedback control circuit.

[0030] S6 During the period when the patient is undergoing external negative pressure drainage, the core processor dynamically measures the current or capacitance parameters between two or more electrodes, namely A and B, and dynamically determines the patient's urination status based on the initial electrode values ​​written into the software control program.

[0031] S7. When the core processor senses that the current or capacitance parameters between the two or more electrodes, namely A and B, are at their initial values, it indicates that the two or more electrodes are disconnected. This indicates that the patient has no urine output or urination has stopped, and the vacuum pump is in standby or hibernation mode.

[0032] S8. When the core processor senses that the current or capacitance parameters between the two or more electrodes, namely A and B, jump to the vacuum pump start threshold, it indicates that the two or more electrodes are connected by urine. It is determined that the patient has excreted urine. The core processor immediately instructs the vacuum pump to start working and guide the urine into the urine container under negative pressure.

[0033] S9: When the core processor senses that the current or capacitance parameters between the two or more electrodes (A and B) have returned to their initial values, it determines that the patient has finished urinating, and the vacuum pump stops working or stops working after a delay, and the vacuum pump returns to standby or hibernation state.

[0034] S10: When the core processor senses that the current or capacitance parameters between the two or more electrodes (A and B) jump to the vacuum pump start-up threshold again, the core processor immediately instructs the vacuum pump to start working again, and the program in S8 and S9 is repeatedly run and controlled.

[0035] S11 During negative pressure drainage, the pressure sensor dynamically monitors the working negative pressure value of the vacuum pump, and the core processor dynamically adjusts the operating power of the vacuum pump according to the negative pressure value set by the human-machine interface to keep the negative pressure drainage system in a stable operating state.

[0036] S12, when an electrode-type liquid sensing device is constructed using multiple electrodes, the device dynamically senses changes in the urine level in the suction tube or chamber, and the control unit provides dynamic feedback control to the vacuum pump. When the electrode-type liquid sensing device detects a low liquid level, the control unit automatically reduces the operating power of the vacuum pump, decreasing the negative pressure suction. Conversely, when a rapid rise in the urine level is detected, indicating an increase in urine volume and a faster discharge rate, the control unit automatically increases the operating power of the vacuum pump, enhancing the negative pressure suction and rapidly expelling the urine.

[0037] S13, the control unit is equipped with a gravity sensor that dynamically measures and prompts the amount of urine excreted by the patient, including the amount of urine excreted this time and the cumulative amount of urine excreted daily. It can also dynamically prompt the urine volume status in the drainage container and dynamically warn when the volume exceeds the limit.

[0038] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: The control unit, electrode-type liquid sensing device, pressure sensor, and vacuum pump constitute a feedback negative pressure drainage device. Through the electrode-type liquid sensing device, the discharge or level change of urine can be acquired in real time and accurately, providing rapid and effective data support for the automatic start-up or shutdown of the vacuum pump. This significantly improves the response time and control accuracy of urine negative pressure suction, overcoming the shortcomings of existing 24-hour continuous negative pressure suction technology. Simultaneously, it can automatically adjust the negative pressure suction force according to the patient's urine discharge rate and volume changes, ensuring the stability and efficiency of the suction process, effectively preventing overflow problems caused by delayed urine suction, achieving automated management of the suction process, and reducing the workload of caregivers. This technical solution fills a gap in this field and has significant promotional value. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a fast-response urine negative pressure drainage control device.

[0040] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a current-type liquid sensing device combined with a suction tube.

[0041] The diagram shows: leak-proof outer shell (1), absorbent material (2), suction cavity (3), suction tube (4), A electrode (5), B electrode (6), extension wire (7), quick connector (8). Detailed Implementation

[0042] Example 1: Preparation of a fast-response urine negative pressure drainage control device

[0043] 1. Main components:

[0044] The core processor (MCU) uses the STC89C52 microcontroller (STC Corporation).

[0045] The pressure sensor used is model GZP6847 (Wuxi), with a range of -100KPa to 0KPa;

[0046] The gravity sensor used is model SBT620 (Guangzhou), with a maximum error of ±0.2% and a measuring range of 0~3kg;

[0047] The communication module uses a WiFi module, model QCA9377 (Qualcomm).

[0048] The storage module uses a Samsung HY27US08561A chip with a storage capacity of 32MB.

[0049] The human-computer interaction interface uses a 2.7-inch LCD screen with a working voltage of DC3.0V;

[0050] The alarm device uses a conventional buzzer;

[0051] The power supply uses an internal power source and is a 10000mA, 3.7V rechargeable lithium battery (EVE).

[0052] 2. As shown in the principle block diagram in Figure 1, the PCB is designed according to conventional integrated circuit technology, and the control motherboard is prepared by electronic surface mount or soldering process. The control motherboard is 60mm long and 40mm wide.

[0053] 3. Design and control the mold for a protective shell that matches the motherboard size. The protective shell should be manufactured using polycarbonate (PC) injection molding. Requirements:

[0054] The protective casing has a switch interface on the left side; a vacuum pump interface on the right side, which connects to the internal vacuum pump; and a charging interface on the right side of the protective casing.

[0055] The protective casing has an observation window with an LCD screen on the front. Below the observation window are function keys, including a power button and a negative pressure setting button.

[0056] The bottom of the protective housing has a gravity sensor mounting position, and a gravity sensor suspension device is located below the gravity sensor sensing port.

[0057] 4. Install and secure all components inside the protective casing, power on and test; if successful, it is ready.

[0058] Example 2: Preparation of a Current-Based Liquid Sensing Device

[0059] 1. As shown in Figure 2, the PVC material extrusion mold for preparing the suction tube is required to produce a double-lumen suction tube. The outer diameter of the suction tube is 7.9 mm. The main lumen of the suction tube is used for urine drainage, and the secondary lumen is used for the extension wire (7) through layout.

[0060] 2. The current-type liquid induction device consists of two electrodes, A and B, and an extension wire (7). The A and B electrodes are cylindrical copper rods with a length of 5 mm and a diameter of 0.2 mm. The extension wire (7) is a copper wire with a length of 40-50 cm.

[0061] 3. Prepare the electrode base injection mold. The electrode base is cylindrical, with a diameter of 8mm, a thickness of 2mm, and a height of 2mm. Use a metal inlay injection molding process to arrange the A and B electrodes left and right, and fix them on the electrode base by injection molding. They must not be short-circuited or touch each other.

[0062] 4. After welding the A and B poles to the head of the extension wire (7), use a guide wire to pass the extension wire (7) through the secondary cavity of the suction tube. After passing through the secondary cavity of the suction tube, weld a quick connector (8) to the tail end of the extension wire (7). The quick connector (8) is used to connect and communicate with the control unit.

[0063] 5. Use medical-grade cyclohexanone adhesive to bond the electrode base to the head of the suction tube, ensuring that the electrode tip is flush with the suction tube tip.

[0064] 6. Inspect the welding points; there should be no incomplete welds or short circuits. Prepare 20 sets for backup.

[0065] Example 3: Establishment of key parameters in a rapid-response negative pressure urine drainage control method

[0066] 1. Connect the current-type liquid sensing device prepared in Example 2 to a control unit equipped with a current detection module for communication.

[0067] 2. Power-on testing: With the electrodes in a state of no urine or interrupted urination, measure and record the resistance value between electrodes A and B. Measure 20 sets of electrodes sequentially, repeating the measurement three times for each set. Define the range of measured resistance values ​​(i.e., the maximum and minimum values) as the initial electrode value. For example, if the actual measured initial electrode value is 0-3Ω in the state of no urine discharge, then ≤3Ω is written into the software control program as the threshold for determining the anuria state (no urine output or cessation of urination).

[0068] 3. Prepare simulated urine. Immerse the tip of the suction tube in the simulated urine, ensuring that electrodes A and B are conductive. Measure 20 sets of electrodes sequentially, repeating the measurement three times for each set. Define the range of resistance values ​​(maximum and minimum values) as the vacuum pump activation threshold. For example, if the measured resistance is between 900-3000Ω when the electrodes are conductive with simulated urine, then a resistance value ≥900Ω is defined as the vacuum pump activation threshold. This threshold is written into the software control program and serves as the control threshold for determining when urine is expelled and immediately activating the vacuum pump.

[0069] The above figures and embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application. All such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this application and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A fast-response urine negative pressure drainage control device, comprising a control unit, a pressure sensor, an electrode-type liquid sensing device, a vacuum pump, and a human-machine interface, wherein the control unit includes a core processor, a current detection module or a capacitance detection module, a memory, a signal processor, and a power supply module, the control unit having an embedded software control program, the electrode-type liquid sensing device being a sensing element used to sense the urine discharge status and trigger the operation of the vacuum pump, the pressure sensor being used to dynamically monitor the output pressure and operating status of the vacuum pump, and the vacuum pump being a power device providing a vacuum environment for urine negative pressure suction and driving the urine to drain outward; characterized in that: The control unit, electrode-type liquid sensing device, pressure sensor, and vacuum pump constitute a feedback negative pressure drainage device. Through the electrode-type liquid sensing device, the discharge or liquid level change of urine can be obtained in real time and accurately, providing fast and effective data support for the automatic start or stop of the vacuum pump.

2. The rapid-response urine negative pressure drainage control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It can also automatically adjust the negative pressure suction according to the speed and volume of urine excretion, ensuring the stability and efficiency of the suction process and effectively preventing leakage caused by delayed urine suction.

3. The rapid-response urine negative pressure drainage control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: An electrode-type liquid sensing device includes at least two electrodes, A and B, and an extension wire (7).

4. The rapid-response urine negative pressure drainage control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Depending on the sensing method, electrode-type liquid sensing devices are specifically divided into two types: current-type liquid sensing devices and capacitive liquid sensing devices.

5. The rapid-response urine negative pressure drainage control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Current-type liquid sensing devices determine liquid level by measuring changes in current parameters between electrodes, while capacitive liquid sensing devices determine liquid level by measuring changes in capacitance between electrodes.

6. The rapid-response urine negative pressure drainage control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When using a current-type liquid sensing device, the electrode of the electrode-type liquid sensing device is placed inside the leak-proof housing (1), and the electrode should be placed in the part through which the urine will inevitably flow, and the extension wire (7) extends to the outer periphery of the leak-proof housing (1).

7. The rapid-response urine negative pressure drainage control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When using a capacitive liquid sensing device, the electrodes of an electrode-type liquid sensing device are placed inside or around the cavity through which the urine flows.

8. A rapid-response method for controlling negative pressure urine drainage, comprising the following steps: S1, combining an electrode-type liquid sensing device with a urine drainage material, the drainage material including a leak-proof shell (1) combined with the patient's urethral opening, an absorbent material (2), a suction tube (4) or a suction cavity (3). S2, The electrode-type liquid sensing device is connected and communicates with the control unit. The control unit is equipped with a current detection module or a capacitance detection module to dynamically measure the current parameters or capacitance values ​​output by the electrode-type liquid sensing device. S3, with the electrodes in a state of no urine or interrupted urine flow, the current parameters or capacitance values ​​between the two or more electrodes A and B are measured and defined as the initial values ​​of the electrodes, and written into the software control program as the threshold for determining the anuric state of the patient when no urine is discharged or urination has stopped. S4, with the electrodes in a state of being connected by urine, the measured current parameters or capacitance values ​​between the two or more electrodes A and B are defined as the vacuum pump start-up threshold and written into the software control program as the control threshold for determining when the patient's urine is discharged and immediately starting the vacuum pump. S5, the operation and shutdown of the vacuum pump are controlled by the core processor and software control program of the control unit, which consists of an electrode-type liquid sensing device, a control unit and a vacuum pump forming a closed-loop feedback control circuit. S6, During the period when the patient is undergoing external negative pressure drainage, the core processor dynamically measures the current or capacitance parameters between two or more electrodes, namely A and B, and dynamically determines the patient's urination status based on the initial electrode values ​​written into the software control program. S7. When the core processor senses that the current or capacitance parameters between the two or more electrodes, A and B, are at their initial values, it indicates that the two or more electrodes are disconnected. This indicates that the patient has no urine output or urination has stopped, and the vacuum pump is in standby or hibernation mode. S8. When the core processor senses that the current or capacitance parameters between the two or more electrodes, A and B, jump to the vacuum pump start threshold, it indicates that the two or more electrodes are connected by urine. It is determined that the patient has excreted urine. The core processor immediately instructs the vacuum pump to start working and guide the urine into the urine container under negative pressure. S9, when the core processor senses that the current or capacitance parameters between the two or more electrodes, A and B, have returned to the initial values ​​of the electrodes, it determines that the patient has finished urinating, the vacuum pump stops working or stops working after a delay, and the vacuum pump returns to standby or hibernation state. S10: When the core processor senses that the current or capacitance parameters between the two or more electrodes, A and B, jump to the vacuum pump start-up threshold again, the core processor immediately instructs the vacuum pump to start working again, and the program S8 and S9 are repeatedly run and controlled. S11 During negative pressure drainage, the pressure sensor dynamically monitors the working negative pressure value of the vacuum pump, and the core processor dynamically adjusts the operating power of the vacuum pump according to the negative pressure value set by the human-machine interface to keep the negative pressure drainage system in a stable operating state. S12, when an electrode-type liquid sensing device is constructed by multiple electrodes, the electrode-type liquid sensing device dynamically senses the change in the liquid level of urine in the suction tube (4) or suction chamber (3), and the control unit will perform dynamic feedback control on the vacuum pump; when the electrode-type liquid sensing device detects that the liquid level is low, the control unit automatically reduces the operating power of the vacuum pump and reduces the negative pressure suction; conversely, when the urine level is detected to rise rapidly, it indicates that the amount of urine has increased and the discharge speed has accelerated, and the control unit automatically increases the operating power of the vacuum pump, increases the negative pressure suction, and quickly discharges the urine; S13, the control unit is equipped with a gravity sensor that dynamically measures and prompts the amount of urine excreted by the patient, including the amount of urine excreted this time and the cumulative amount of urine excreted daily. It can also dynamically prompt the urine volume status in the drainage container and dynamically warn when the volume exceeds the limit.

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