Flushable Urine Collector with Color-Change Volume Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a urine collector with a volume indicator that can facilitate regular monitoring of urine output to flag potential prostate issues, especially in older men where prostate cancer is a significant concern.
Innovation Solution
A disposable urine collector with a receptacle made of water-soluble material, featuring a volume indicator on its interior surface that corresponds to a predetermined threshold volume, allowing users to easily measure and record their urine output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a urine collector with volume indicator is designed for regular monitoring of urine output, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color change indicators on the side wall of the collector that change color when urine reaches specific volume levels. This provides visual measurement precision without requiring complex mechanical or electronic components, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The collector is segmented into multiple volume indicators at different height levels, each representing a specific volume threshold. This segmentation allows for precise measurement of urine output at different stages without requiring a single complex measurement system
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a water-soluble material is used for the collector, then environmental friendliness is improved, but strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses water-soluble materials with controlled dissolution parameters that maintain structural integrity during the collection period but automatically degrade after use. By adjusting the molecular weight and composition of the water-soluble polymer, the collector provides sufficient strength during use while ensuring complete dissolution in the environment, resolving the contradiction between environmental friendliness and structural strength
3Ease of operation
If the collector is designed to be flushable, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collector is designed with preliminary action by pre-engineering the dissolution time of the water-soluble material to occur only after the collection function is complete. The material maintains its structural properties during use but is programmed to dissolve after a specific time period or upon contact with large amounts of water, ensuring reliable collection followed by easy flushable disposal
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 urine collector enables users to monitor their urine output effectively, allowing them to detect any deviations from normal volumes, which can indicate prostate issues, and is designed to be safely flushed and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
a receptacle formed of a water soluble material
Implementation Method 2
The urine collector is configured to float in water, e.g., in a toilet and to remain buoyant long enough for a user to easily view whether or not the urine output exceeds the predetermined threshold volume
Data Source
AI summary
A urine collector includes a receptacle formed of a water soluble material, which may be a bioplastic, and has a receiving volume for collecting urine therein defined by its shape. The urine collector is flushable and is configured to float in toilet water for use by a user to collect urine. A threshold volume indicator positioned at a level corresponding to a predetermined threshold volume extends around the circumference. The upper interior surface changes color upon contact with urine, a color change of the upper interior surface indicating that the urine collected is greater than the predetermined threshold volume. A patch may be included in the interior surface to detect the presence and/or level of component in the urine indicative of a condition or infection, e.g., ketone, glucose or hormone levels. The urine collector may include a substrate that facilitates separation from a stack of urine collectors.