Oscillating Urine Bag Rack With Automated Emptying and Volume Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of emptying and documenting urine output from fluid collection bags in hospitals is labor-intensive, inefficient, and diverts nursing staff from more specialized tasks, while existing systems fail to address the inefficiencies and inaccuracies in manual urine management.
Innovation Solution
An automated oscillating rack for urine bags with a primary and secondary driving unit, flow control switch, and a self-propelled physiological fluid collection system with a weight sensing unit, mobility driving system, and obstacle detection, enabling real-time urine volume recording and efficient bag emptying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual emptying and documentation of urine output is performed by nursing staff, then patient care can be provided with direct human oversight, but nursing staff time and energy are consumed on labor-intensive tasks that could be better spent on specialized nursing activities
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the urine collection bag automatically empties itself through the oscillating rack mechanism and the documentation is automatically recorded by the weight sensing unit, eliminating the need for nursing staff to manually empty bags and document urine output
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of nursing staff physically emptying bags with an automated oscillating rack mechanism that uses primary and secondary driving units to oscillate the bag and control flow through a flow control switch
2Measurement precision
If urine output documentation is performed manually by nursing staff, then clinical judgment can be applied to each patient's condition, but errors in reading and recording urine volume may occur and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual reading and documentation with an automated weight sensing unit that electronically measures and records urine volume, eliminating human error in reading and recording while saving time
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through the weight sensing unit that continuously monitors and records urine output data, providing automatic documentation that can be reviewed and verified for accuracy
3Productivity
If dedicated personnel are assigned to manage fluid collection bags, then nursing resources can be optimized for core clinical competencies, but additional personnel costs and system complexity are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating rack system is designed to be a multi-functional device that not only empties urine bags but also automatically documents urine output through integrated weight sensing, providing multiple functions in a single system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated system that acts as a mediator between the urine collection bag and the documentation system, handling the intermediate tasks of emptying and measurement without requiring dedicated human personnel
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
Reduces nurse workload, minimizes misreading of urine volume, ensures consistent emptying, and optimizes nursing resources by automating the urine collection process.
Implementation Method 1
a weight sensing unit (33) disposed on the collection unit (32), wherein the weight sensing unit (33) is configured to sense a weight
Implementation Method 2
a first side of the primary driving unit (14) is disposed on a second side surface of the base (12), wherein the primary driving unit (14) is configured to facilitate the movement of the oscillating assembly (16)
Implementation Method 3
a flow control switch (68) having a first end attached to the flow channel (64) for opening or closing the passage of the flow channel (64)
Implementation Method 4
a mobility driving system (38) disposed on the collection unit (32), wherein the mobility driving system (38) is configured to move the collection device
Implementation Method 5
an obstacle detection module (39) disposed on the collection device, wherein the obstacle detection module (39) is configured to detect a presence or absence of an obstacle
Data Source
AI summary
An automated oscillating rack comprises a base having a first side surface attached to a support frame with a mounting space for a fluid collection bag, a primary driving unit disposed on a second side surface of the base, and an oscillating assembly comprising a main body disposed at a first end of the primary driving unit, which drives the main body between a first and a second position; a flow channel communicating with an outlet of the fluid collection bag; a secondary driving unit disposed on a second side of the main body; and a flow control switch having a first end attached to a middle section of the flow channel for opening or closing the flow channel and a second end at the secondary driving unit driving the first end to move between a third and a fourth position for opening or closing the flow channel.