Radar Uroflowmeter Eliminates Urine Impact Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional uroflowmetry devices rely on weight measurement methods, which are prone to measurement noise due to the impact of urine momentum and require specific locations and times for testing, limiting their accuracy and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A uroflowmeter utilizing a non-contact radar sensor to measure urinary flow rate, allowing for accurate and convenient uroflowmetry at home regardless of time and location, by calculating velocity and volume of urine output based on echo signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a weight sensor is used to measure urine weight, then uroflowmetry can be performed, but measurement noise is introduced due to urine stream impact and impulse transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical weight sensor system with a radar-based detection system. The radar sensor non-contactly detects urine stream characteristics (flow rate, volume, velocity) using electromagnetic waves, eliminating the mechanical impact and impulse transmission that cause measurement noise in conventional weight-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a radar sensor as an intermediary between the urine stream and the measurement system. Instead of directly measuring urine weight (which suffers from impact noise), the radar sensor detects the urine stream's physical characteristics through reflected electromagnetic waves, providing clean measurement data without direct mechanical contact.
2Measurement precision
If conventional weight measurement method is used, then uroflowmetry can be conducted, but testing must be performed at specific locations and times, reducing convenience and psychological stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical weight measurement system with a simpler radar-based system that can be easily deployed in home environments. The radar sensor requires no special containment structures or controlled settings, enabling convenient home testing while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from weight (which requires controlled containers and sensitive sensors) to radar-detected flow characteristics (velocity, volume, flow rate). This parameter change enables the system to function in diverse home environments without requiring specific testing locations or conditions.
3Measurement precision
If weight sensor is used to accumulate urine weight, then uroflowmetry data can be obtained, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical system comprising weight sensors, urine containers, and signal processing circuits with a radar-based system that uses electromagnetic wave transmission and reception. This substitution simplifies the overall device structure and reduces maintenance requirements while maintaining measurement precision.
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 uroflowmeter provides improved measurement reliability and accurate diagnosis of urinary disorders by eliminating measurement noise and allowing testing in a psychologically stable environment.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor having a signal transmitter transmitting an input signal to a detection area and a signal receiver receiving an echo signal reflected from urine passing through the detection area
Implementation Method 2
a signal receiver receiving an echo signal reflected from urine passing through the detection area
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an uroflowmeter which includes: a sensor having a signal transmitter transmitting an input signal to a detection area and a signal receiver receiving an echo signal reflected from urine passing through the detection area; a signal processing unit calculating uroflowmetry data based on a difference between the input signal and the echo signal, the uroflowmetry data being data about a flow of the urine passing through the detection area; and a diagnosis unit diagnosing urinary disorders of a test subject by comparing the uroflowmetry data calculated by the signal processing unit with preset reference uroflowmetry data.