Urine Flow Meter With Automatic Siphon Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current urine flow meters are cumbersome, unhygienic, and do not provide a natural environment for urination, leading to inaccurate measurements and patient discomfort, with existing devices requiring manual cleaning and handling of urine containers, which can affect hygiene and diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A urine flow meter with a gravitation or capacitance type design featuring a connected container, siphon tube, and solenoid valve for automatic flushing and cleaning, allowing for hygienic and automated operation, hidden from patient sight, and adaptable to both male and female urinals, ensuring accurate measurements without manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning and handling of urine containers is used, then device complexity is reduced, but hygiene and measurement accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs rinsing and emptying of the urine container without requiring manual intervention. The microprocessor controls the solenoid valves and siphon tube to autonomously clean the beaker after each measurement, eliminating manual handling while maintaining hygiene standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated control system that uses solenoid valves and siphon mechanisms controlled by a microprocessor. This substitution of manual operations with automated control systems resolves the contradiction between hygiene and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If automatic rinsing system is added, then hygiene is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor-based control system serves multiple functions: it controls the solenoid valves for rinsing, monitors the siphon tube operation, manages data acquisition from the weighing sensor, and coordinates the entire measurement and cleaning cycle. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid valves act as intermediaries between the control system and the water supply, enabling automated control of water flow for rinsing the urine container. This intermediary mechanism allows automatic operation while managing the complexity through standardized components.
3Measurement precision
If patient is made aware of test conditions, then measurement control is improved, but natural urination environment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a weighing sensor to indirectly measure urine flow by detecting weight changes, rather than requiring direct visual monitoring that would alert the patient. This indirect measurement method preserves the natural urination environment while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent or translucent beaker allows visual monitoring of urine collection without completely exposing the patient to the test apparatus. The selective transparency provides a compromise between measurement verification and patient comfort, maintaining a more natural environment while ensuring accurate data collection.
4Measurement precision
If beaker positioning is exposed to patient view, then measurement monitoring is improved, but patient comfort and natural environment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from visual monitoring in the patient's direct line of sight to remote electronic monitoring via the weighing sensor and digital display. This dimensional shift from optical to electronic measurement allows the beaker to be positioned out of the patient's view while maintaining measurement capabilities through the weight-based detection system.
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 solution provides a hygienic, easy-to-use, and accurate urine flow measurement system that minimizes patient discomfort, reduces manual handling, and ensures regular cleaning, maintaining a natural urination environment while reducing the risk of contamination and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
An arrangement of siphon tube and solenoid valve is also provided to start and stop rinsing of the container automatically
Implementation Method 2
a container is connected to a weight transducer (5) or a capacitance sensor
Implementation Method 3
An arrangement of siphon tube (8) and solenoid valve (11) is also provided to start and stop rinsing of the container automatically
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a urine flow meter of gravitation or capacitance type in which a container is connected to a weight transducer or a capacitance sensor. An arrangement is provided to sense the level of urine in the container. An arrangement of siphon tube & solenoid valve is also provided to start and stop rinsing of the container automatically. The invention is easily adapted to a male or female type urinal. The collected urine in beaker is flushed by siphon after completion of test.