Detachable Handle Urine Collector for Splash-Safe Sampling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Females face difficulties in providing urine samples due to the awkward positioning required and the risk of urine splashing onto their hands, especially those undergoing chemotherapy with toxic urine that can be gene-altering.
Innovation Solution
A urine collection system with a detachable handle and lid, featuring a handle that extends from the urine collector to facilitate ergonomic positioning and a lid to prevent urine spillage, utilizing a dove-tail connection for easy attachment and a frangible feature for detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional urine collection cup is used without a handle, then the device structure is simple, but it causes awkward positioning and urine splashing onto the user's hand
Solution Approach 1:
The urine collection device is divided into separate components: a collection cup and a detachable handle. The handle can be attached to provide ergonomic support during collection, then removed before disposal or analysis. This segmentation allows the device to transition between simple and complex states based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed to be detachably attached to the collection cup, allowing the device structure to dynamically change from a simple cup to a handle-equipped ergonomic device during use, then back to a simple cup after use. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction between operational comfort and structural simplicity.
2Productivity
If the collection cup has a large opening for easy urine flow, then urine collection is efficient, but urine may splash onto the user's hand
Solution Approach 1:
The handle serves as an intermediary element that extends from the collection cup opening, allowing the user to hold the device from a distance. This intermediary structure enables efficient urine flow through the large opening while preventing direct contact between the user's hand and potential splashes.
3Ease of operation
If the handle is attached close to the collector opening for better control, then ergonomic positioning is improved, but urine may splash onto the user's hand
Solution Approach 1:
The handle extends vertically upward from the collection cup, creating a new vertical dimension for user interaction. This vertical extension allows the user to grip the handle at a height that provides both control precision and distance from the urine collection zone, preventing splashing while maintaining ergonomics.
4Strength
If the retainer portion is large in cross-section for structural strength, then the device is durable, but it cannot be inserted through the opening between the person and toilet seat
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a collection cup portion and a retainer portion, where the retainer portion has a reduced cross-sectional area. This segmentation allows the narrow retainer to pass through the opening between the person and toilet seat, while the main collection cup maintains sufficient size for structural strength and urine collection.
Data Source
AI summary
A urine collection system provides a method of collecting urine in a safe and ergonomic manner having a handle that extends from the urine collector to enable much more ergonomic positioning during urine collection. The handle is detachable from the urine collector. Also, the urine collection system includes a lid that is configured to fit over the collector opening of the urine collector to prevent spilling of the urine, or contact of the urine during processing. The urine collector includes a container having a collection funnel portion forming the collector opening to the urine collector and a retainer portion, coupled to the collection funnel portion. The collection funnel portion may be detachable from the retainer portion and the retainer portion may be a cup with a threaded lid that is removed to attach the cup to the collection funnel portion.