Modular Toilet Sensor for Universal Excrement Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for analyzing human excrement in toilets are limited by hygiene concerns, complex installation, and lack of compatibility with different toilet designs, as well as the inability to seamlessly integrate with mobile health monitoring systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular, plug-and-play device that can be retrofitted onto existing toilets, using optoelectrical and sonographic methods to analyze urine and stool samples with indicators or sensors, communicating data to mobile end devices for evaluation and visualization, and incorporating features like fingerprint or voice recognition for user identification and data security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices are integrated directly into the toilet construction, then analysis functionality is achieved, but structural changes and high installation effort are required
Solution Approach 1:
The analysis device is divided into separate functional modules that can be independently attached to the toilet. The collection device, analysis device, and evaluation device operate as distinct components that can be retrofitted without modifying the toilet's core structure, enabling compatibility across different toilet designs while simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The analysis device is designed with universal attachment mechanisms that can be applied to various toilet types and designs. The modular architecture allows the same device to function across different toilet constructions without requiring custom integration for each model, achieving broad adaptability.
2Measurement precision
If complex analysis systems are installed in toilets, then comprehensive health data analysis is achieved, but hygiene standards may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The analysis device is positioned to collect and analyze samples without requiring direct contact between the user and the analysis components. Samples are extracted and analyzed in a controlled manner that maintains hygiene standards while preserving measurement precision through non-invasive collection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
A sample collection medium acts as an intermediary between the excrement and the analysis device. This intermediary layer allows accurate chemical and physical analysis while preventing direct contact between the user and potentially contaminated surfaces, thereby maintaining hygiene standards.
3Ease of operation
If manual sample collection is required, then user control is maintained, but regular use and user acceptance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically collects samples and performs analysis without requiring manual user intervention. The system self-activates based on detection of excrement presence, eliminating the need for users to manually initiate the analysis process, thereby improving convenience and encouraging regular use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary detection and automatic sample collection before the user needs to interact with it. By anticipating the analysis need and preparing the sample collection process in advance, the system removes barriers to frequent usage while maintaining user control through opt-out capabilities.
4Reliability
If toilet structure is modified for integration, then analysis functionality is built-in, but adaptability to different toilet designs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The analysis system is segmented into independent modules that can be attached to different toilet types without modifying the toilet's core structure. This modular approach ensures reliable functionality while maintaining compatibility across various toilet designs through standardized attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable parameters and configurable settings that allow it to adapt to different toilet configurations and usage patterns. By changing operational parameters rather than physical structure, the device maintains reliable performance across diverse toilet types without requiring structural modifications.
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
Enables universal and widespread use across various toilet designs, ensuring hygiene standards and facilitating regular, automated health data analysis without disrupting normal toilet use, while bridging the gap between toilet-based analysis and mobile health monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
optoelectrical methods to analyze urine and stool samples
Implementation Method 2
optoelectrical methods to analyze urine and stool samples with indicators
Implementation Method 3
sonographic methods to analyze urine and stool samples
Data Source
AI summary
A device for determining physiological data through analysis of human excrement in a toilet using at least one indicator and/or sensor, and a method for determining physiological data by analysis of human excrement in a toilet by measurement of urine and/or stool values, in order to achieve maximally universal use of the device, including in a wide variety of toilet designs, with reasonable design effort and manageable costs. A measurement system, in which an indicator or sensor can be brought into a measurement position, in which sufficient contact with the urine or stool to be examined occurs via an arm for each measurement, wherein the indicator or sensor is/are designed as (an) independent unit(s), and by a corresponding method in which a plurality of previously determined values are measured and then processed further and forwarded as applicable.