Female Urine Receiver with Sponge Segmentation for Sample Purity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting urine samples are often unhygienic and prone to contamination, with initial urine flow not representative of mid-stream samples, leading to unreliable diagnostic results, and there is a need for a device that accommodates female anatomy and can be used in various situations.
Innovation Solution
A urine receiver with a handle and spout, featuring a bayonet joint or threaded connection for a sample container, includes a filter/sponge insert to absorb initial urine, a spillage protector, and a transparent design for pH detection, along with a replaceable rim element for hygiene and ease of use, accommodating different users and situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If direct urination into a sample bottle is used, then collection is simple and quick, but contamination occurs and sample reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the urine collection process into distinct stages: initial stream absorption by the sponge, mid-stream collection in the container, and final stream absorption. This segmentation allows the mid-stream portion to be isolated and collected separately, ensuring sample reliability while maintaining collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The sponge acts as an intermediary element that selectively absorbs the initial and final streams of urine, allowing only the mid-stream portion to reach the collection container. This intermediary mechanism prevents contamination from the initial stream while maintaining the simplicity of direct collection.
2Productivity
If initial urine flow is collected, then collection is complete and quick, but sample representativeness deteriorates due to contamination with bacteria
Solution Approach 1:
The sponge is pre-positioned in the collection device to intercept and absorb the initial urine stream before it can contaminate the sample container. This preliminary action ensures that when collection begins, the contaminating initial stream is already contained, allowing immediate collection of representative mid-stream samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The device extracts and removes the harmful initial stream component from the urine flow using the sponge, separating it from the valuable mid-stream sample portion. This extraction ensures that only the representative mid-stream urine is collected in the container.
3Reliability
If sterile conditions are maintained, then sample quality improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a disposable sponge insert that can be pre-packaged in sterile conditions and discarded after single use. This approach maintains sample quality through sterile initial conditions while avoiding the need for complex sterilization systems in the overall device, as the critical sterile component is simple and disposable.
Solution Approach 2:
Sterile conditions are applied locally only where absolutely necessary - in the initial packaging of the sponge insert - rather than requiring the entire device to maintain sterile conditions. This localized application of sterility maintains sample quality while minimizing device complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If a fixed collection device is used, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different users and situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components: a reusable main body and a replaceable sponge insert. This segmentation allows the simple main body to be manufactured once, while the interchangeable inserts can be customized for different users and situations, providing adaptability without complicating the core manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The main body of the device is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different sponge inserts for various users and situations. This universality allows a single simple design to serve multiple functions and user needs through interchangeable components.
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 minimizes contamination, provides a representative urine sample, and ensures hygiene, making it suitable for various uses, including in limited access situations, while allowing for reliable diagnostic testing.
Implementation Method 1
The insert may include a solid base sloping towards an aperture through which the urine not absorbed by the sponge, may flow
Data Source
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AI summary
A receiver (10) for urine whether for taking sample or disposing thereof, includes an open-topped of saddle shape which approximates the configuration of thighs, labia or other convenient zone.