Stool Collection Bag and Funnel for Clean Home Sample Handling

Solution Overview

Problem

The current stool collection process for lab tests is cumbersome, messy, and prone to bio-contamination, leading to low patient compliance and incomplete sample collection, especially when performed at home.

Innovation Solution

A stool collection system comprising a polymeric toilet seat cover with an elastic band, a polymeric funnel connected to a collection bag with perforated tear lines, a primary seal with adhesive, and a re-sealable variable flow rate nozzle, designed to facilitate easy sample collection, containment, and distribution while preventing bio-contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large plastic collection bowl is used for stool collection, then the sample can be collected, but the process becomes tedious, messy and prone to bio-contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample containment integrityVSAvoidcollection process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The collection system is divided into separate functional components: a collection bag for stool, a funnel for urine diversion, and a containment structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing cross-contamination and simplifying the collection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The funnel acts as an intermediary structure that directs urine flow away from the collection bag while allowing stool to be collected intact. This intermediary component prevents direct mixing of urine and stool, reducing bio-contamination risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual sample distribution into multiple containers is required, then various tests can be performed, but patient compliance decreases due to laborious procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-test capabilityVSAvoidpatient compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-preports multiple collection containers with designated openings positioned around the collection bag. These containers are ready to receive samples automatically as the collection bag is compressed, eliminating the need for manual sample distribution and refrigeration by the patient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The collection bag is designed to automatically distribute samples into multiple containers through compression. The system performs the sample distribution function itself without requiring patient intervention, making the process compliant-friendly while maintaining multi-test capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If refrigeration and freezing of samples is required, then sample integrity is maintained, but the process complexity increases for home use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample integrityVSAvoidstorage requirement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-preports multiple collection containers with designated openings positioned around the collection bag. These containers are ready to receive samples automatically as the collection bag is compressed, eliminating the need for manual sample distribution and refrigeration by the patient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If a simple collection bag is used, then the device is simple, but sample protection from bio-contamination is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidbio-contamination protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The collection system is divided into separate functional components: a collection bag for stool, a funnel for urine diversion, and a containment structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing cross-contamination and simplifying the collection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collection bag integrates multiple functions: it collects stool, diverts urine through the funnel, provides primary containment, and enables automatic sample distribution to multiple containers. This multi-functionality maintains device simplicity while enhancing bio-contamination protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system simplifies the collection process, enhances sample protection, and improves compliance by allowing easy handling and re-sealing of specific sample quantities, reducing the risk of contamination and making the process more manageable for patients and laboratories.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic band that secures the toilet seat cover to the toilet seat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a primary seal with adhesive at the opening of the containment bag with an attached primary pull seal tab that allows the removal of an adhesive cover sheet; and a larger secondary seal with adhesive positioned outside of the funnel along the outside of the collection bag with a removable adhesive cover sheet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS9986978B2Simple sample stool collection, containment, and specimen disbursement system

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 CATLIN ENTERPRISES INC

AI summary

A stool collection, containment, and specimen disbursement system for facilitating easier stool collection while protecting the samples from bio-contamination and providing easier functionality for patients, diagnostic centers, and labs.