Urine Collection Device With Passive Diverter for Forestream Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urine collection devices for forestream samples are either complex in construction or inefficient in guiding the initial urine flow to the sample bottle, leading to messy disposal of remaining urine, especially for female patients due to their design limitations.
Innovation Solution
A urine collection device with a diverter device having two operative states that ensures efficient collection of the forestream sample by directing initial urine flow to a receptacle and diverting remaining flow to an overflow outlet, featuring a simple construction without the need for valves, utilizing a plug or membrane that changes state upon contact with liquid to prevent further flow to the primary outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve is used to control urine flow direction, then the forestream collection efficiency is improved, but the device construction becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the valve component from the system and replaces it with a passive diverter device consisting of a collection chamber and overflow outlet. This extraction of the complex valve mechanism while retaining the flow control function directly resolves the contradiction between collection efficiency and construction complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The diverter device operates automatically based on fluid dynamics principles - initial urine flow fills the collection chamber while overflow automatically redirects subsequent flow. The system self-regulates without mechanical control components, achieving reliable forestream collection with simple construction.
2Device complexity
If a flow barrier is used to guide initial flow, then the construction is simplified, but the forestream collection consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the urine collection process into two distinct phases using spatial separation: initial flow is captured in the collection chamber while subsequent flow overflows through the outlet. This segmentation ensures consistent forestream collection without requiring complex flow barriers or valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes hydraulic principles where the collection chamber acts as a temporary reservoir and the overflow outlet automatically activates when the chamber is full. This passive hydraulic system provides consistent flow direction based on fluid level, eliminating the need for mechanical flow barriers.
3Device complexity
If a standard sample bottle with narrow neck is used, then the device construction is simplified, but the sample delivery accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from direct vertical delivery to a two-stage process: urine first collects in the diverter device's collection chamber, then transfers to the sample bottle. This dimensional separation allows the bottle to remain simple while improving delivery accuracy through controlled transfer.
4Ease of operation
If the receptacle is removed after collection, then the device is easier to clean, but urine spillage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sample collection function into a separate removable receptacle that detaches from the diverter device. This allows the main device to be easily cleaned while the receptacle contains all urine, preventing spillage during removal through its sealed design.
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 device efficiently collects the forestream sample with minimal mess, ensuring all urine is diverted away from the receptacle, reducing spillage risks and maintaining cleanliness, even when the receptacle is removed, due to its effective diverter mechanism and design for vertical use.
Implementation Method 1
a diverter device having first and second operative states, such that in a first state the diverter device allows urine to flow through the first outlet to the receptacle for collection of a forestream sample, and in a second state the diverter device prevents flow to the first outlet and allows flow to the overflow outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A urine collection device 1 comprises a collector 2 to collect urine voided by a user, first and second outlets 3, 4 to allow urine to drain from the device, the first outlet 3 being adapted for connection to a receptacle 5 for a urine sample, and the second outlet 4 comprising an overflow outlet. A diverter device 6 is provided having first and second operative states, such that in a first state the diverter device 6 allows urine to flow through the first outlet 3 to the receptacle 5 for collection of a forestream sample, and in a second state the diverter device 6 prevents flow to the first outlet 3 and allows flow to the overflow outlet, the diverter device 6 being unable to return from the second state to the first state. The collector 2 is preferably a funnel 7 whose open lower end 11 forms one of the outlets, and also has the other outlet in the funnel wall.