Handheld Uroflowmeter With Float Sensing for Portable Voiding Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional uroflowmeters are not portable and inconvenient for patients to use, leading to incomplete data collection and reduced quality of care due to their bulkiness, lack of portability, and the need for handwritten records, which often result in delayed and inaccurate data submission.
Innovation Solution
A handheld uroflowmeter with a flow chamber, sensor, and optional funnel, designed for easy use and data transmission, featuring a magnet and float system for fluid level detection, and automatic power-on capabilities, allowing for portable and discreet urine flow measurement and data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional in-office uroflowmeters are used, then urine flow rate can be measured, but the device is not portable and inconvenient for patients to use
Solution Approach 1:
The uroflowmeter is divided into separate components: a reusable handle containing electronics and a disposable flow chamber assembly with funnel and float. This segmentation allows the device to be portable while maintaining measurement functionality, as the simple handle can be easily carried and the disposable portion is replaced after each use.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow chamber and funnel assembly is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning and sterilization procedures, making the device more portable and convenient for patients while ensuring hygiene for each measurement.
2Productivity
If patients use traditional uroflowmeters with handwritten diaries, then voiding data can be recorded, but data collection is incomplete and delayed due to inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The manual handwritten diary system is replaced with an electronic data storage and transmission system. The handle contains electronics that automatically record measurement data and can transmit it wirelessly to a remote location, eliminating the need for manual writing and reducing data loss or delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically performs data recording and timing functions without requiring patient intervention. The accelerometer detects when the device is in the correct position and automatically starts the measurement process, while the electronics continuously record flow rate data and calculate total voiding volume, reducing the burden on the patient.
3Ease of operation
If patients carry voiding measurement bowls and paper diaries, then voiding information can be recorded, but the bowl is large, indiscrete, and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is separated from the collection function. The small handheld device with flow chamber measures the urine stream non-invasively, while the urine is collected separately in the toilet. This eliminates the need for a large portable collection bowl, making the device discreet and convenient for patients to carry.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow chamber acts as an intermediary measurement interface between the patient's urine stream and the electronic sensing system. Instead of requiring the patient to carry a collection container, the device intercepts and measures the flowing urine stream directly, providing accurate measurement without requiring bulky collection equipment.
4Measurement precision
If traditional uroflowmeters require manual diary filling, then voiding data can be collected, but there is delay between voiding and recording leading to erroneous information
Solution Approach 1:
The manual data recording process is replaced with automatic electronic data capture and storage. The sensor continuously measures flow rate during the voiding event, and the electronics automatically calculate and store the total volume and flow characteristics, eliminating the time delay and potential for error associated with manual diary filling after the event.
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 handheld uroflowmeter enables accurate, portable, and convenient urine flow measurement, facilitating timely and complete data collection, improving patient care by providing reliable and efficient urinary flow rate data for medical diagnosis and treatment planning.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor detects an angular orientation of the magnet assembly to determine a fluid level of the urine in the flow chamber
Implementation Method 2
a float is positioned between a side wall of the flow chamber and a side wall of the funnel. Optionally, the magnet is coupled to the float such that movement of the float causes rotation of the magnet
Implementation Method 3
the accelerometer and the capacitive sensor are used to automatically power on the uroflowmeter
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to uroflowmeters and methods for processing data generated therefrom. In one aspect, the uroflowmeter is a handheld device. The uroflowmeter includes a handle, a flow chamber coupled to the handle, and a sensor associated with the flow chamber that detects a parameter of urine received in the flow chamber. The uroflowmeter may include both reusable and disposable components. As a uroflowmeter it can identify and record data corresponding to the rate of flow over the measured duration of a void of urine, but may also timestamp the voiding act and communicate the data to an external data collection center for additional analysis and incorporation into a comprehensive voiding report or voiding diary.