Urine Collection Funnel Prevents Spillage in Kidney Stone Sieve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for collecting kidney stones from urine often result in urine spillage, contaminating the collection environment and requiring manual handling, which is inefficient and increases the risk of nosocomial infections.
Innovation Solution
A device with a tubular container body, a sieve, and a funnel that guides urine flow, keeping it away from the container walls, preventing spillage and allowing easy closure for storage and transport, while being simple and inexpensive to manufacture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sieve is placed in the container body to filter kidney stones, then kidney stones can be collected, but urine may spread on the outside of the device and contaminate the collection environment
Solution Approach 1:
A funnel is introduced as an intermediary component between the sieve and the container body. The funnel receives urine filtered by the sieve and directs it through a spout to a collection container, preventing urine from contacting the container body walls and eliminating contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional zones: the upper container body for receiving urine, the sieve for filtration, the funnel for directed flow, and a separate collection container for storing filtered urine. This segmentation isolates the urine flow path from the container body, preventing spillage.
2Reliability
If dedicated collection devices with sieves are used, then kidney stones can be filtered, but the structure becomes complex and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel and spout are integrated as a single molded piece with the container body, eliminating the need for separate components. This merging reduces part count, simplifies assembly, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining effective urine diversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The container body serves multiple functions: it receives urine, houses the sieve, and provides structural support. The funnel simultaneously directs urine flow and prevents contamination. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated components needed.
3Productivity
If the sieve openings are large enough to allow urine passage, then urine flow is maintained, but kidney stones may pass through
Solution Approach 1:
The sieve has non-uniform opening characteristics: small openings in critical areas to capture stones, and larger gaps in other areas to maintain urine flow. This local variation in opening size optimizes both filtration efficiency and flow rate.
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
Effectively prevents urine spillage, allows stones to dry, reduces manual handling, and enhances hygiene by containing the urine flow, making it suitable for accredited laboratories and reducing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
a funnel for guiding the flow of urine, the opening of which is remote from the sieve and located at a distance from the walls of the container body
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) which comprises a tubular container body (2), a sieve (5) placed inside this body and two end covers (8) for selectively closing or releasing the end openings of the container body (2), the sieve (5) extending recessed from the lower end of the container body (2). According to the invention, the device (1) comprises, immediately below the sieve (5), a funnel (6) for guiding the urine stream, the opening of which furthest from the sieve (5) is located at a distance from the walls of the container body (2).