Urine Flow Measurement Impeller System for Weak Flow Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current urine flow measurement technologies lack accuracy in detecting momentary flow rates and are not user-friendly, failing to account for variations in urine disposal height and orientation, which affects measurement uniformity and sensitivity, especially for weak urine flows.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a receptacle bowl, a fluid flow guide, and an impeller with angular velocity sensors that direct urine flow through a single point exit to an impeller, where the impeller's rotation correlates with flow rate, and electronic circuits analyze signals to determine momentary flow rates, ensuring dynamic range, sensitivity, and uniformity across different users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If ultrasonic waves are used to measure urine flow, then measurement can be performed continuously, but measurement precision deteriorates for weak urine flows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ultrasonic wave-based measurement with a mechanical impeller system. The impeller rotates in response to urine flow, converting fluid flow into mechanical rotation that can be precisely measured by optical sensors, thereby improving detection accuracy for weak flows while maintaining continuous measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the impeller) between the urine flow and the measurement system. The impeller acts as a mediator that amplifies weak flow signals into measurable rotational movements, enabling precise detection of low flow rates that would be difficult to detect directly with ultrasonic waves
2Adaptability or versatility
If various measurement methods are used to accommodate different users, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal measurement system where the impeller-based mechanism can accurately measure urine flow across a wide range of flow rates and user conditions. The single mechanical design serves multiple functions by accommodating different flow intensities and user characteristics without requiring multiple specialized measurement systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves adaptability through parameter optimization rather than structural complexity. By carefully designing the impeller geometry, rotation detection sensitivity, and signal processing parameters, the system can accurately measure flows across different user conditions while maintaining a relatively simple device architecture
3Measurement precision
If momentary flow rate detection is improved, then measurement precision increases, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic flow measurement systems with a simple mechanical impeller system. The impeller's rotational speed directly corresponds to momentary flow rate, and this mechanical measurement can be detected using simple optical sensors, achieving high precision without requiring complex sensor arrays or signal processing
Solution Approach 2:
The impeller system is self-measuring - the urine flow itself causes the impeller to rotate at a speed proportional to the flow rate. This eliminates the need for complex external measurement systems, as the flowing urine automatically generates the measurement signal through its own kinetic energy
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 accurately measures and monitors exact urine volume and momentary flow rates, enhancing sensitivity to weak flows and maintaining uniformity, allowing for home use while providing reliable data for medical diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller, configured to rotate along a rotation axis, wherein the impeller comprises a plurality of blades, configured to receive the urine from the flow guide, and thereby rotate the impeller at a speed correlating with the flow rate of the urine
Implementation Method 2
an angular velocity sensor, configured to produce electric signals that correlate with the angular velocity or angular position of the impeller
Implementation Method 3
The impeller further comprises a plurality of LED light sources, located radially on the impeller's distal end, and wherein the angular velocity sensor comprises a stationary photodiode sensor, configured to sense the light emitted from the LEDs during proximate passage of the LEDs during rotation of the impeller
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for measuring the flow rate of urine, including an encasement, configured to encase components of the apparatus; a receptacle bowl attached to the encasement, configured to be placed over a toilet bowl or seat, and direct fluid through a single point of exit to a fluid flow guide; the fluid flow guide, configured to transfer fluid from the receptacle bowl to an impeller; the impeller, configured to rotate along a rotation axis, wherein the impeller includes a plurality of blades, configured to receive the urine from the flow guide, and thereby rotate the impeller at a speed correlating with the flow rate of the urine; and an angular velocity sensor, configured to produce electric signals that correlate with the angular velocity or angular position of the impeller.