Device for catching urine sample

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for collecting urine samples from incontinent individuals, such as pre-continent children and those with physical disabilities, are often challenging, messy, and prone to contamination, leading to difficulties in obtaining sterile samples for accurate diagnosis.

Innovation Solution

A urine collection device comprising a seat with a saddle and backrest designed to support the patient, featuring a collection element with a cup mount to hold a sterile collection cup, and a retaining member to secure the patient, facilitating the capture of a 'flying stream' of urine without contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the catheterisation method is used to collect urine samples, then sterile uncontaminated samples can be obtained, but the procedure becomes traumatic and uncomfortable for the patient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterility of urine sampleVSAvoidtrauma and discomfort to patient

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device - a collection cup positioned between the patient's urethra and the receiving container. This cup captures the urine stream mid-flight, allowing sterile collection without direct contact between the collection apparatus and the patient's body, thereby eliminating trauma while maintaining sample sterility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the collection cup from direct contact with the patient's body, positioning it in the urine stream's flight path instead. This separation allows the cup to be sterilized independently and eliminates the need for invasive procedures, achieving sterile collection without patient trauma

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If the bag collection method is used, then urine samples can be collected from incontinent children, but the samples become contaminated by contact with external skin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of urine collectionVSAvoidsterility of urine sample

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The collection cup acts as an intermediary that intercepts the urine stream before it contacts external skin surfaces. The cup is positioned in the mid-stream flight path, allowing urine to be collected without touching the bag or surrounding skin, thus maintaining sterility while keeping the process simple and non-invasive

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the collection point from the contaminated external environment (bag and skin contact) and places it in the sterile mid-air urine stream. This allows collection to occur in a contamination-free zone while maintaining the simplicity of the collection process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the catch method is used with a parent holding a collection cup, then urine samples can be collected from pre-continent children, but the process is time intensive, frustrating, and prone to contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to collect from pre-continent childrenVSAvoidwaiting time for child to urinate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables self-service collection by positioning the cup in a fixed, optimal location within the urine stream's flight path. The child urinates naturally without parental intervention or timing attempts, and the cup automatically captures the mid-stream sample, eliminating waiting time and parental frustration while maintaining sterility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If the catch method is used with manual cup positioning, then urine samples can be collected, but the samples are easily missed or contaminated and the process is messy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to collect flying stream urineVSAvoidsuccess rate of sterile collection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The collection cup is pre-positioned in the optimal location within the urine stream's flight path before urination occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the child urinates, the cup is already in place to capture the mid-stream sample, eliminating the need for manual timing and positioning during the act, thereby increasing success rate and reducing contamination risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11684508B2Device for catching urine sample

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 HUGHES SAMANTHA

AI summary

A urine collection device for collecting a sterile urine sample. The urine collection device may include a seat portion supported by a seat base. The portion includes a backrest and a saddle that projects from the seat portion. The saddle has an opening to a collection element that includes a cup mount to locate a urine collection cup within the collection element.