Urine Analysis Device with Automated Sampling and Electrochemical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current urine analysis methods are lengthy, require continuous medical personnel presence, and are prone to contamination and sub-optimal results due to variable urine composition and temperature sensitivity, making them difficult to perform and interpret.
Innovation Solution
A urine analysis device that performs electrochemical analysis of pH, sodium, potassium, ammonium, and chloride contents without reagents, using a sampler module with automatic urine handling and temperature control, allowing for autonomous and frequent monitoring of urine flow and physico-chemical characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual urine collection and analysis procedures are used, then medical personnel can perform the analysis, but the procedure becomes lengthy and requires continuous presence of medical personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the urine analysis process into automated modular components: automatic urine collection from catheter, filtration, reagent mixing, and electrochemical analysis. This segmentation eliminates manual intervention steps while maintaining analysis quality, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-service automated urine analysis by collecting urine directly from the catheter, automatically mixing reagents, and performing measurements without requiring medical personnel presence. The system serves itself through automated sampling, preparation, and analysis functions.
2Reliability
If manual urine sampling is performed by operators, then the sample can be collected, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the urine sample directly from the catheter through an automated sampling system, eliminating the need for manual collection by operators. This extraction approach prevents contamination that would occur during manual handling, transfer, and storage steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an automated sampling system as an intermediary between the catheter and analysis chamber, replacing manual operator intervention. This intermediary mechanism ensures sterile, contamination-free sample collection while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If different dilution with reagents is applied for variable urine content, then analysis accuracy can be maintained, but the analysis becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically adjusts reagent dilution ratios based on real-time detection of urine concentration parameters. This dynamic adaptation maintains measurement precision across varying urine compositions while the automated control system manages the complexity, preventing it from becoming a manual burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect urine content variability and automatically adjust reagent mixing ratios accordingly. This closed-loop control maintains analysis accuracy while eliminating the need for manual calculation and adjustment of dilutions.
4Productivity
If frequent urine analyses are performed, then patient monitoring is improved, but continuous medical personnel presence is required
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables continuous automated urine analysis by directly connecting to the catheter and performing measurements at scheduled intervals without requiring medical personnel presence between tests. This continuous operation capability increases analysis frequency while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.
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 simple, fast, and frequent urine analysis without medical personnel, providing accurate and consistent results by automating the sampling and analysis process, reducing contamination risks and improving analysis efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
One of the main types of analysis is electrochemical analysis in which the potential difference between a pair of electrodes is calculated and, based on this, the pH, sodium, potassium, ammonium and chloride content within the urine is determined.
Implementation Method 2
The device (1) comprises at least a first sampler module (2), which is part of an inlet system for placing a fluid to be analysed inside the device (1). In particular, the first sampler module (2) is configured to be placed in fluid passage connection with a user.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
It is provided a urinalysis device (1) capable of analysing a urine sample to determine the value of physico-chemical characteristics of the urine sample and comprising a first sampler module (2) configured to be placed in fluid passage connection with a user and comprising a first drain drainage duct (20) comprising a containment part (20a) defining a predetermined volume and configured to hold a first portion of urine, and a release part (20b) configured to convey a second portion of urine out of the first sampler module (2); a diuresis bag (3) in fluid passage connection with at least the release part (20b) and configured to collect the second portion of urine; an analysis apparatus (4) placed in fluid passage connection with the containment part (20a) and configured to analyse at least part of the first urine portion; control means (5) operatively connected to the analysis apparatus (4) and configured at least to process data collected by the analysis apparatus (4); and a second sampler module (7) operatively connected to the analysis apparatus (4) and including an shut-off valve (70) in fluid passage connection with the analysis apparatus (4) and configured to accommodate a syringe engagement including sampled urine so that the analysis apparatus (4) can analyse the sampled urine.