Bladder Pressure Sensing via Flow Restriction in Urine Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for diagnosing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are invasive, time-consuming, and expensive, limiting accurate bladder pressure and flow rate measurements to a select number of patients, and current non-invasive methods are often inaccurate and imprecise.
Innovation Solution
A bladder pressure measurement device with a conduit, valve, and pressure sensor that measures urine flow at different flow restrictions to determine bladder pressure and flow rate, using a non-invasive design with a conduit and valve configurations to minimize back pressure and enhance measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive methods are used to measure bladder pressure and flow rate, then measurement accuracy is improved, but patient comfort and ease of use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary fluid column (urine) to transmit pressure information from the bladder to an external sensor. The sensor measures pressure in the conduit rather than directly in the bladder, acting as an intermediary measurement point that maintains accuracy while improving patient comfort through non-invasive placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical catheter-based pressure measurement systems with a non-invasive electronic pressure sensor system. The sensor electronically measures pressure in the urine flow conduit, substituting complex mechanical insertion systems with simpler electronic sensing that maintains measurement precision while eliminating invasive procedures.
2Ease of operation
If non-invasive methods are used to measure bladder pressure, then patient comfort is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the measured pressure data is processed and used to validate measurement quality. The controller analyzes pressure patterns during voiding to ensure accurate bladder pressure determination, providing feedback that confirms measurement reliability even with non-invasive sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calibration and validation of the pressure measurement system before actual use. The device establishes baseline pressure relationships and validates sensor accuracy prior to patient use, ensuring that non-invasive measurements will achieve the required precision for clinical diagnosis.
3Reliability
If existing diagnostic methods are used, then measurement reliability is improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to perform self-diagnostic measurements at home without requiring clinical staff assistance. The device automatically guides patients through the voiding measurement process, collects data, and generates diagnostic information independently, eliminating the need for time-consuming clinic visits and specialist interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic voiding measurements taken at regular intervals to build a reliable diagnostic picture. Rather than requiring continuous monitoring or multiple complex test sessions, the device collects periodic pressure and flow data during normal voiding events, accumulating sufficient information for accurate diagnosis over time.
4Measurement precision
If accurate bladder pressure measurement is achieved, then diagnostic value is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing the pressure sensor at a specific location in the urine flow conduit where it can accurately capture bladder pressure information. Rather than requiring complex sensors throughout the system, the measurement is localized to a single strategic point in the flow path, simplifying overall device structure while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides accurate and reliable bladder pressure and flow rate measurements with reduced discomfort, enabling widespread use in a home setting and reducing healthcare costs.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor upstream of the valve, wherein the pressure sensor is arranged to obtain a first measurement of the pressure of the flow of urine through the conduit when the valve is in the first open configuration and to obtain a second measurement of the pressure of the flow of urine through the conduit when the valve is in the second restricted configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A bladder pressure measurement device comprises a conduit for receiving a flow of urine, a valve actuatable between a first open configuration and a second restricted configuration, a pressure sensor, upstream of the valve and arranged to measure the pressure of the flow of urine through the conduit, and a data recorder and/or a data transmitter. The pressure sensor obtains a first measurement when the valve is in the first open configuration and a second measurement when the valve is in the second restricted configuration. The data recorder and/or transmitter records or transmits data representative of the first and second measurements.