Bodily Fluid Drainage Measurement via Tilt-Inferred Sensor Array
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring bodily fluid drainage amounts, such as urine collectors, require manual operation by nurses, which is time-consuming, inaccurate, and disrupts patient sleep. Additionally, these devices are inconvenient to use when tilted, making accurate measurements challenging.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a rigid measurement case with a drainage tube, fluid level sensors, and a control device that automatically measures and calculates bodily fluid drainage amounts, even when tilted, by analyzing fluid levels and inferring the device's tilt. This device also includes IoT communication for convenient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement of urine drainage amount is performed using a vinyl urine collector with scale, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates when the device is tilted and requires frequent nurse intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical measurement system (nurse reading scales on vinyl collector) with an automated sensor-based measurement system. Fluid level sensors automatically detect and transmit fluid level data to a control device, eliminating the need for manual intervention and scale reading, thereby improving measurement accuracy while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system performs self-measurement through automated fluid level sensors that continuously monitor and transmit data without requiring external manual operation. The system serves itself by automatically detecting fluid levels and calculating drainage amounts, freeing nurses from repetitive manual measurement tasks.
2Extent of automation
If automatic measurement system with multiple sensors is implemented, then the measurement accuracy and automation are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into functionally independent modules: fluid level sensors for detection, communication module for data transmission, and control device for processing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while making the overall system easier to understand, install, and maintain despite the increased automation level.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device serves multiple functions: receiving sensor data, processing measurements, controlling valve operations, and communicating results. This multi-functionality consolidates various operations into a single device, reducing the number of separate components needed and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 enables continuous, accurate measurement of bodily fluid drainage amounts without manual intervention, reducing the workload for medical staff and allowing patients to change positions freely. It also facilitates convenient installation and use through IoT communication, enabling real-time data sharing with external devices.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of fluid level sensors, which are horizontally disposed on an upper surface of the measurement case and measure and inform fluid levels of the bodily fluids collected in the bodily fluid measurement space
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for measuring a bodily fluid drainage amount, the device comprising: a measurement case which is formed of a rigid material and provided with a bodily fluid measurement space therein; a drainage tube which is coupled to an entrance of the measurement case in a releasable structure and transfers bodily fluids discharged from a human body to the bodily fluid measurement space of the measurement case; a plurality of fluid level sensors, which are horizontally disposed on an upper surface of the measurement case and measure and inform fluid levels of the bodily fluids collected in the bodily fluid measurement space; and a control device which receives and analyzes the fluid levels of the bodily fluids, infers a tilt of the measurement case from a difference in the fluid levels of the bodily fluids, and calculates and informs a bodily fluid drainage amount.