Foldable Urinalysis Collector With Anatomical Alignment Wings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional urine collection methods, particularly for females, face challenges such as anatomical inaccuracy leading to spillage and contamination, discomfort, and inconvenience, especially in non-traditional settings like camping, compromising the reliability and hygiene of urine testing.
Innovation Solution
A urinalysis device with a foldable substrate that integrates laminar flow testing strips, allowing conversion between sealed, collection, and testing configurations, featuring an anatomical alignment edge and ergonomic design for precise urine collection and minimal splash, using materials like recycled paperboard and polypropylene paper for durability and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional urine cups are used for collection, then the device structure is simple, but anatomical inaccuracy leads to spillage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into distinct functional zones including a collection zone with wings for anatomical alignment, a testing zone with sample test strips, and a waste zone. This segmentation allows each area to perform its specific function optimally, improving collection accuracy while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the substrate are designed with specific local qualities: the collection zone has a funnel shape with wings for female anatomy alignment, the testing zone has laminar flow test strips positioned at specific angles, and the waste zone is designed for drainage. This local differentiation ensures accurate urine collection and testing
2Reliability
If the substrate is folded to enclose test strips in sealed configuration, then hygiene is improved, but accessibility to test strips is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between sealed and open configurations. The fold lines and hinge regions allow the substrate to transition from a sealed state (protecting test strips) to an open state (allowing urine flow and test result reading), combining hygiene protection with operational accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The test strips are pre-positioned and sealed within the substrate in a predetermined configuration. The substrate is designed to automatically present the test strips in the correct orientation when opened, eliminating the need for manual positioning and ensuring both hygiene and ease of use
3Measurement precision
If wings are added for anatomical alignment, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is segmented into wings that can be folded to create anatomical alignment features. These wings are integrated into the overall substrate structure rather than being separate components, achieving positioning accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment wings are merged with the collection funnel structure and the substrate itself, creating a multi-functional element that provides both structural integrity and anatomical alignment. This integration avoids adding separate alignment mechanisms
4Ease of operation
If the device is designed for portability, then ease of use in outdoor settings is improved, but structural durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is constructed as a flexible yet durable thin film structure that can be folded and transported compactly while maintaining structural integrity during use. The material is designed to be both portable and sufficiently strong to maintain the funnel shape and support the testing components
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 device provides a user-friendly, hygienic, and accurate urine collection and testing solution, minimizing mess and enhancing reliability across various settings, suitable for home, clinical, and outdoor use, with minimal user intervention and adaptable for different anatomies.
Implementation Method 1
integrally incorporate laminar flow testing strips
Implementation Method 2
the substrate is folded and entirely encloses the at least one sample test strip
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated urine collection and testing device is provided. The device has a folded, sealed configuration in which sample test strips are enclosed in an interior volume defined by an inner surface of the device's substrate and an inner surface of a removable longitudinal sealing section that connects the two sides. Each side has a wing, and when the device is in a collection configuration, the wings are foldable over one another to encircle one end of the substrate while leaving an opposite end of the substrate open. When folded over one another, the wings define an anatomical alignment ledge that generally conforms to the outline of a woman's mons pubis, allowing the woman to hold the wings in alignment therewith so that the device is oriented with the sample test strip end vertically lower than the wings. As a result, during a urination event, the urine impinges the inner substrate surface above the sample test strips and flows over them via gravity. The structure provides for simpler and more hygienic at-home urine collection and testing.