Bedside Urine Analyzer Drop-by-Drop Flow Rate Calculation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current urine analysis methods are inaccurate and time-consuming, relying on manual observation and average measurements over hours, which can lead to delayed detection of abnormalities such as acute kidney injury or post-obstructive diuresis, and do not provide real-time data for timely patient care.
Innovation Solution
A bedside urine analysis device that calculates real-time urine output flow rate and constituent concentrations using sensors and processing units to analyze each drop of urine, providing immediate data and predictive trends through graphical user interfaces and alerts for potential health issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual observation and average measurements over hours are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and response time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical observation with an automated sensor system that uses optical or electromagnetic fields to detect and measure urine drops. The sensor automatically detects each drop, measures its volume, and records timing, eliminating the need for manual grading scales and visual comparison while providing continuous real-time data with high precision.
2Speed
If real-time drop-by-drop analysis is implemented, then response time and measurement precision improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed to autonomously detect each urine drop, automatically measure its volume, and record the timing without requiring operator intervention. The system self-calibrates and continuously monitors, providing real-time feedback to the display device while eliminating the need for manual operation, thus achieving fast response times with manageable complexity.
3Loss of time
If continuous real-time monitoring is performed, then loss of time is reduced and productivity improves, but use of energy and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system operates in a periodic manner, activating detection and measurement functions at each urine drop event rather than maintaining continuous high-power operation. The system remains in a low-power standby state between drops and only consumes significant energy when a drop is detected and measured, thus achieving real-time monitoring with reduced overall energy consumption.
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 accurate, real-time monitoring of urine output and constituent concentrations, allowing for early detection of health anomalies and timely intervention, reducing the risk of disease progression and improving patient care.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that analyzes each drop of urine and estimates a respective volume of each drop
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a urine analysis device for bed side monitoring of a patient, comprising: an inlet sized and shaped for fluid communication with a urine collecting tube that receives urine from a patient; a drip chamber through which the urine flows towards an outlet; at least one sensor that analyzes each drop of urine and estimates a respective volume of each drop; a timing element that measures a reference time for each drop; a program store storing code; and at least one processing unit coupled to the program store for implementing the stored code, the code comprising: code to calculate a urine output flow rate of the urine output flowing through the chamber according to the estimated volume of each drop of the urine and the reference time for each drop; and code to output the urine output flow rate.