Toilet-Attached Urine Detection Using Reagent Strips and Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining medication compliance in patients, particularly the elderly, are inadequate due to reliance on self-reporting, which is neither accurate nor reliable. Existing technologies, such as laser spectroscopy systems, face challenges like rapid urine flow, complex solute particles, and high operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A device attachable to a toilet that includes a reagent-infused strip, an absorbent pad, and a transfer tube to capture urine samples. A camera captures images of the reagent-infused strips, which undergo color changes upon reacting with medications and metabolites, and a signaling device transmits this information for later analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser spectroscopy systems are used to detect medicines in urine, then detection capability is provided, but the systems are inadequate due to rapid urine flow, complex solute particles, and high operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable test strips coated with reagents that react with urine components. These single-use strips eliminate the need for complex, expensive laser spectroscopy equipment while providing reliable detection. The strips are discarded after one use, avoiding cleaning and maintenance requirements of sophisticated instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex optical/mechanical laser spectroscopy system with a simple chemical reaction-based colorimetric detection method. The reagent-coated strips undergo visible color changes when exposed to urine containing medication metabolites, which can be detected by simple optical means rather than requiring sophisticated spectroscopic analysis.
2Measurement precision
If laser-based systems are used for urine detection, then detection is possible, but data collection is difficult due to rapid urine flow and varying solute particle sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reagent-coated test strips as intermediaries between the urine sample and the detection process. The strips capture and concentrate medication metabolites from the rapidly flowing urine through capillary action, allowing sufficient reaction time for accurate detection despite the quick flow rate. The reagents on the strips selectively bind to target compounds, simplifying the detection of complex solute mixtures.
3Measurement precision
If spectroscopic analysis equipment is used, then detection capability is achieved, but clean environments and frequent cleaning are required which are not suitable for home use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable test strips coated with reagents that react with urine components. These single-use strips eliminate the need for complex, expensive laser spectroscopy equipment while providing reliable detection. The strips are discarded after one use, avoiding cleaning and maintenance requirements of sophisticated instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The test strips are designed to be self-contained and self-operating. Users simply apply the strip to the urine sample, and the chemical reactions occur automatically without requiring the user to perform cleaning or calibration procedures. The strip handles its own sample collection, reaction, and signal generation in a single-use format.
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
This solution provides a quick, reliable, and non-invasive method for detecting medication compliance, reducing the need for self-reporting and minimizing discomfort for patients. It allows for accurate monitoring of medication adherence, particularly in the elderly, thereby improving healthcare outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
reagent-infused strips, which undergo color changes upon reacting with medications and metabolites
Implementation Method 2
an absorbent pad, and a transfer tube to direct at least portions of the urine stream from the absorbent pad to the at least one reagent-infused strip
Data Source
AI summary
Various examples include an apparatus and a method to detect various medicines and their metabolites from a urine stream of a patient. In one example, an apparatus that can be attached to a toilet to detect various medicines and their metabolites from a urine stream of a patient includes a device carrier having at least one reagent-infused strip, an absorbent pad, and a transfer tube to direct at least portions of the urine stream from the absorbent pad to the at least one reagent-infused strip. A camera is used to collect an image from each of the at least one reagent-infused strips and produce information therefrom. A signaling device comprising a combination transponder and signaler is configured to transmit information received from the camera to a storage device for later analysis of the various medicines and their metabolites. Other apparatuses, devices, and methods are disclosed.