Ergonomic Urine Collection Vessel with Tapered Funnel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional urine collection methods, such as specimen cups, are challenging for female, elderly, and pediatric users due to difficulties in aligning the cup with the urine stream, leading to spills, discomfort, and sample contamination.
Innovation Solution
An ergonomic urine collection vessel with an extended cylinder and an outwardly tapering wall forming a funnel structure, designed to fit within standard specimen cups, providing a stable and hygienic collection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional specimen cup is used for urine collection, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but alignment difficulty causes spills, discomfort, and sample contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The collection system is divided into two functional segments: a simple specimen cup for sample reception and a separate funnel structure with cylinder for alignment and collection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel structure with its cylindrical alignment portion is designed to nest within or attach to the specimen cup. This nesting approach integrates multiple functions (alignment, collection, guiding) into a compact form that doesn't significantly increase device footprint or complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional specimen cup is used, then the device structure is simple, but the lack of appropriate interface with user anatomy exacerbates sanitation issues and reduces collection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel structure provides localized ergonomic features at the collection interface (wide opening, cylindrical shape) that specifically address user comfort and anatomical interface requirements, while the rest of the system remains simple. This local enhancement improves ease of operation without requiring complete redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel structure acts as an intermediary element between the user's anatomy and the specimen cup. It provides the appropriate interface and transition zone that facilitates comfortable insertion and proper alignment, mediating the interaction between user and collection device.
3Reliability
If alignment is difficult with traditional cups, then the device remains simple, but spills and contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical portion of the funnel structure performs preliminary alignment action before urine contact. The user positions the cylinder first, which establishes proper orientation and placement, ensuring that subsequent urine flow is correctly directed into the specimen cup without spilling or contaminating surrounding areas.
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
The ergonomic design reduces spillage and contamination, enhances comfort, and ensures accurate urine collection, particularly for vulnerable populations, while maintaining compatibility with existing specimen cups.
Implementation Method 1
an outwardly tapering wall extending from the extended cylinder to form a broad collection opening
Data Source
AI summary
A system for specimen collection for use in urine collection includes an extended cylinder designed to fit at least partially within a standard urine specimen cup and an outwardly tapering wall that forms a broad collection area. The outwardly tapering wall may include an ergonomic rim with a tear-drop shaped perimeter to ensure a comfortable and secure fit during use. The vessel reduces the risk of spillage and contamination, enhancing the accuracy and hygiene of sample collection. The vessel may be provided in both disposable and reusable forms, depending on the intended use case. The specimen collection vessel is particularly beneficial for female users, children, and elderly individuals.