Capacitive Sensor Circuit for Urine Volume Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking daily urine output are cumbersome, prone to human error, and lack reliability, especially in home settings, due to the need for manual data entry and the variability of urine properties such as temperature and salt concentration, which affects measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive sensor circuit integrated into a urine tracking device that measures fluid height with electrodes along the receptacle's sidewalls, grounded to minimize parasitic capacitance, and connected to a processing unit for accurate volume calculation and timestamping, with electrical shielding to reduce interference and a communication module for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual measurement and data entry methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated capacitive sensing system. The capacitive sensor circuit automatically detects fluid height and calculates volume, eliminating the need for manual measurement and data entry, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-measurement and self-recording of urine volume data. The capacitive sensor circuit automatically detects the fluid level and the processing unit automatically records the volume data with timestamp, eliminating human intervention and reducing human error in data collection
2Measurement precision
If capacitive sensors are used to measure urine volume, then measurement precision improves, but reliability deteriorates due to variable dielectric properties of urine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent acknowledges that urine dielectric properties vary with temperature, salt concentration, and flow rate. The system compensates for these variations by using calibrated measurement ranges and processing algorithms that account for typical variations in urine properties, maintaining reliable measurements across different voiding conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex multi-sensor systems with a simplified capacitive sensing approach. By using the capacitance change directly proportional to fluid height, the system achieves reliable measurements without needing to separately measure temperature, conductivity, or flow rate, thus improving reliability while maintaining precision
3Measurement precision
If disposable cups with sensors are used, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase for prolonged usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the sensor system from the receptacle. The capacitive sensor circuit is integrated into the base of a reusable receptacle, allowing the sensing components to be permanently housed while the receptacle can be easily cleaned and reused. This eliminates the need for disposable components while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the disposable concept by making the receptacle reusable and permanent. The integrated capacitive sensor circuit in the base allows for durable, long-term use without requiring replacement of sensor components, reducing both complexity and cost for prolonged home usage
4Measurement precision
If external data processing modules are connected, then measurement precision improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user error risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the capacitive sensor circuit, processing unit, and data storage into an integrated single device. The sensor circuit is built into the receptacle base with the processing unit directly connected, eliminating the need for separate external data processing modules and reducing connection complexity that could lead to user error
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 highly accurate and reliable urine volume measurements, minimizes user error, and allows for convenient tracking of urine output in home settings, improving patient compliance and early detection of health issues.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive sensor circuit configured for measuring a height of fluid filled into the receptacle
Implementation Method 2
grounded to minimize parasitic capacitance and connected to a processing unit for accurate volume calculation and timestamping, with electrical shielding to reduce interference
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is in the field of devices for evaluating urological functions. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for tracking a daily urine output. Also, the present invention provides methods for performing the same.