Urine Amount Estimation Using Ultrasonic Wave Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating urine amount in the bladder, such as those relying on detecting the anterior and posterior bladder walls, fail when these walls cannot be properly detected, leading to inaccurate urine estimation.
Innovation Solution
A urine amount estimation device and method using an ultrasonic sensor to transmit and detect waves, estimating urine amount based on the presence and magnitude of reflected waves from the bladder and small intestine, allowing for accurate urine volume determination even when bladder wall detection is challenging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bladder wall detection method is used, then urine amount estimation is possible, but detection fails when anterior or posterior bladder walls cannot be properly detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the small intestine as an intermediary structure to estimate urine amount. Instead of directly detecting bladder walls, the system detects the small intestine's position and movement, which changes in response to bladder filling. This intermediary approach allows urine amount estimation even when direct bladder wall detection fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/direct detection approach of bladder walls with an acoustic wave-based indirect detection method. By using sound waves to detect the small intestine's position and movement patterns, the system can infer urine amount without directly measuring bladder wall positions.
2Measurement precision
If direct bladder wall detection is required, then measurement precision may be maintained, but the system becomes inapplicable when walls are undetectable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal urine amount estimation method that works across different detection scenarios. By detecting the small intestine rather than relying exclusively on bladder walls, the system becomes adaptable to cases where bladder walls are undetectable, while maintaining measurement precision through analysis of intestinal position and movement patterns.
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
Enables precise estimation of urine amount in the bladder, facilitating timely notification of urination needs and improving user convenience, especially for individuals with physical disabilities or requiring nursing care.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that transmits an ultrasonic wave into the body and that detects a reflected wave produced by ultrasonic wave
Implementation Method 2
detects a reflected wave produced by ultrasonic wave
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Urine amount estimation device 100 is provided with ultrasonic sensor 1 which transmits ultrasonic waves into the body and which detects waves produced by reflection of ultrasonic waves; and estimating unit 52 which estimates the amount of urine in the bladder based on whether reflected wave W3 from the bladder detected by ultrasonic sensor 1 is present and/or based on the magnitude of reflected wave W3 from the bladder detected by ultrasonic sensor 1.