Foldable Stool Sample Device with Adhesive Strips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable stool sample collection devices face challenges in providing a stable platform for receiving fecal matter while minimizing urine contamination and preventing samples from falling into the toilet bowl, especially when made from a single strip of foldable material.
Innovation Solution
A foldable stool sample collection device comprising an elongate sheet of foldable material with a central strip and lateral strips, adhesive pads for securing it to the toilet seat, and a urine pass-through area with openings to prevent urine mixing, along with folds that provide stability and upstanding lateral strips to prevent sample slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a strip of foldable material is used to create a stool sample collecting device, then the device can be made low cost and easily discarded, but it is difficult to provide a stable platform that will actually receive faecal matter
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate sheet is divided into a central strip and two lateral strips that are separate and distinct. The lateral strips can be folded upward to provide stability, while the central strip provides the collection surface. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function while maintaining overall device simplicity and low cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral strips are designed to be foldable upward from the central strip, transforming from a flat configuration to an upright configuration. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt its structure to provide stability when needed, while remaining compact and easy to manufacture in its folded state.
2Area of stationary object
If the receiving area is made big enough to receive the desired material, then faecal matter can be collected, but urine may spoil the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving area is segmented into a central collection zone surrounded by lateral strips. This segmentation creates a defined collection area that is large enough to receive faecal matter but bounded by the lateral strips that prevent urine from reaching and contaminating the sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful element (urine) is excluded from the receiving area by the lateral strips that can be folded upward to form barriers. This extraction of the harmful factor from the collection zone allows the receiving area to be sufficiently large without compromising sample integrity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the device is mounted in the rear end of the toilet bowl to reduce urine mixing, then urine contamination is reduced, but the chance of stool sample missing the collecting device or falling from it increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral strips can be folded upward to create side barriers that prevent stool samples from falling off the device, whether mounted in the rear or front of the toilet bowl. This dynamic structure provides reliability in sample collection regardless of mounting position, while the central strip's design reduces urine mixing.
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 offers a stable platform for collecting stool samples with reduced urine contamination and improved stability, allowing for easy mounting and compact storage, while being suitable for mass distribution and environmentally friendly disposal.
Implementation Method 1
The foldable stool sample collection device is provided with multiple adhesive pads for securing the elongate sheet to a toilet seat
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention provides a stool sample collection device (1) to be mounted on a toilet seat (12) for receiving a stool sample from a person, the stool sample collecting device comprises an elongate sheet of foldable material (2) provided with multiple adhesive pads (9) for securing the elongate sheet to the toilet seat. According to the invention, the stool sample collecting device is configured to provide a stable platform for receiving and supporting a stool sample. Therefore, the elongate sheet comprises a central strip (6) and two lateral strips (7), which central strip extends in the longitudinal direction of the elongate sheet, and which lateral strips are located adjacent to and adjoining the central strip. A fold (8) is present in the elongate sheet as a joint between each lateral strip and the central strip.