Urine Analysis Spacer Prevents Recirculation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urine analysis devices face issues with limited urine collection and recirculation of drain fluid at the collection aperture, leading to inefficiencies and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a spacer protruding from the rear face to maintain the collection aperture away from the toilet bowl, preventing obstruction and recirculation, while also featuring an array of ribs on the rear face to guide urine towards the collection aperture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the collection aperture is positioned close to the toilet bowl for efficient urine collection, then urine collection efficiency is improved, but the aperture becomes obstructed by the toilet bowl causing recirculation of drain fluid
Solution Approach 1:
A spacer element is introduced as an intermediary component between the collection aperture and the toilet bowl. This spacer maintains a controlled distance, preventing direct contact between the aperture and the toilet bowl interior, thereby eliminating recirculation of drain fluid while preserving efficient urine collection through the aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The problem is solved by transitioning from a two-dimensional positioning issue to a three-dimensional solution. By introducing the spacer that extends in the depth dimension (away from the toilet bowl), the collection aperture is repositioned in space to achieve both close proximity for efficient collection and sufficient distance to prevent recirculation.
2Volume of moving object
If the rear face is positioned close to the toilet bowl for compact design, then device compactness is improved, but the collection aperture becomes obstructed creating a bottleneck
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer acts as a mediating structure that resolves the spatial conflict between the rear face and the toilet bowl. It provides the necessary separation to prevent bottleneck formation at the collection aperture while maintaining overall device compactness through its optimized dimensions and positioning.
3Reliability
If the collection aperture is positioned to avoid obstruction, then recirculation is prevented, but urine collection volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer serves as an optimal mediator that balances two conflicting requirements: it positions the collection aperture far enough from the toilet bowl to prevent recirculation of drain fluid, while simultaneously maintaining it close enough to ensure efficient urine collection. The spacer's specific dimensions and material properties are optimized to achieve this balance.
Data Source
AI summary
A urine analysis device includes a case configured to be positioned entirely within a toilet bowl. The case includes a front face for receiving a stream of urine directly from a user urinating in the toilet bowl and a rear face opposite the front face. The device includes a collection aperture located on the rear face, the collection aperture being configured to collect liquid inside the case. The device includes at least a spacer protruding out of the rear face and configured to be in contact with the toilet bowl.