Diuresis Meter Assembly With Spring-Loaded Container Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing body fluid meter assemblies suffer from unreliable and unstable connections between the collection container and the measuring unit, leading to inadvertent release and inaccurate measurements, especially when subjected to movement or shocks.
Innovation Solution
A body fluid meter assembly with a spring-loaded interlocking mechanism that securely couples a rigid collection container to a load cell, ensuring a stable connection and preventing inadvertent release, while allowing easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple coupling mechanism is used to attach the collection container to the measuring unit, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to inadvertent release and unstable connection
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism employs a spring-loaded interlocking system where the spring provides dynamic force to maintain engagement between the collection container and measuring unit. The spring-loaded design allows the mechanism to adapt to movement and shocks while maintaining reliable connection, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is divided into distinct interlocking components (locking elements, spring assembly, engagement surfaces) that work together. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity, achieving both reliability and ease of operation.
2Measurement precision
If a rigid collection container is used, then measurement precision is improved by preventing container deformation, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded coupling mechanism provides dynamic engagement that secures the rigid collection container firmly to the measuring unit during measurement, ensuring precision. The same mechanism allows easy assembly and disassembly through controlled activation, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and operational ease.
3Measurement precision
If the collection container is securely coupled to prevent movement, then measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The secure coupling is achieved through localized interlocking elements rather than a permanent fixed connection. This segmentation allows the collection container to be firmly held during measurement while enabling easy separation for cleaning and maintenance, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and maintenance ease.
4Measurement precision
If manual visual readings are used on graduations, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to reading inaccuracies and dependency on precise time intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual reading of graduations with an automated measurement system that uses the spring-loaded coupling mechanism's mechanical connection to directly measure volume. This substitution eliminates reading inaccuracies and time interval dependencies while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through the integrated mechanical measurement approach.
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 solution provides a robust and reliable measurement system that maintains accuracy by preventing container movement and ensuring consistent data collection, even under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded interlocking mechanism configured to cooperate with one or more interlocking members provided on the body fluid collection container and interlock with the body fluid collection container to form a stable connection
Implementation Method 2
a body fluid meter unit comprising a load cell and a coupling mechanism configured to releasably couple the body fluid collection container to the load cell
Data Source
AI summary
A body fluid meter assembly for measuring diuresis including a body fluid collection container configured to collect body fluid such as urine, a body fluid meter unit including a load cell and a coupling mechanism configured to releasably couple the collection container to the load cell, which body fluid meter unit is configured to process sensor data supplied by the load cell and derive a measurement of a quantity and/or flow rate of the body fluid in the collection container as a function of load applied on the load cell, and tubing attached to an inlet port of the collection container and configured to be connected to a source of the body fluid. The collection container is a substantially rigid container and the coupling mechanism is a spring-loaded interlocking mechanism configured to cooperate with one or more interlocking members to interlock with the collection container to form a stable connection.