Urine Flow Measurement Device Using Optical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urine flow measurement devices are not suitable for widespread use, particularly in screening contexts, due to high maintenance requirements, vulnerability to vandalism, and inability to be integrated into existing sanitary facilities, leading to unsatisfactory accuracy and economic inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a measuring cup arranged opposite a sensor, where displacement of the measuring cup relative to the sensor is detected to measure urine flow, utilizing magnetic or spring forces for balance and a non-linear flow resistance to ensure accurate measurement across varying flow rates, allowing for easy retrofitting into existing urinals and minimizing maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If weighing measurement principle is used with collection container, then measurement accuracy is improved, but maintenance requirements increase and manual emptying is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical weighing system with an optical measurement system. A laser transmitter projects a light pattern onto the urine stream, and a receiver detects the deflection of this light pattern caused by the urine flow. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical weighing components that require maintenance and manual emptying, while maintaining measurement accuracy through optical detection of flow characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the collection container itself. Instead of weighing the entire container, the system only measures the urine stream in flight using optical methods. This separation allows the measurement system to be independent of the collection container, eliminating maintenance issues associated with the container while preserving measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If complex sensor systems are implemented, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor systems with a simple optical system. A laser transmitter projects light onto the urine stream, and a receiver detects light deflection. This optical approach achieves accurate flow measurement without the complexity of mechanical sensors, reducing both device complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the urine flow characteristics. By projecting a light pattern onto the stream and detecting its deflection, the system captures flow information in optical form rather than requiring direct mechanical interaction. This copying approach simplifies the measurement system while preserving the ability to accurately characterize urine flow.
3Reliability
If robust devices are used, then reliability is improved, but adaptability to existing facilities decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal measurement system that can be adapted to various existing sanitary facilities. The optical measurement apparatus can be installed in different locations (urinals, toilets, drainage systems) without requiring facility-specific customization. This universality maintains robustness while enabling wide adaptability to existing infrastructure across different environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical measurement system that bridges the gap between robust device requirements and adaptability needs. The laser-based measurement apparatus acts as a mediator that can interface with various facility types without requiring direct integration into each specific facility, thus maintaining reliability while achieving broad adaptability through a standardized intermediate measurement platform.
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 provides a simple, robust, and cost-effective solution for urine flow measurement, capable of accurate detection across a wide range of flow rates with minimal maintenance, suitable for both medical and non-medical environments, and can be easily integrated into existing sanitary facilities.
Implementation Method 1
The measuring cup is supported by means of a spring element, which is arranged between the measuring beaker and the measuring value transmitter, or contactless by means of magnets arranged on the measuring beaker and the measuring value transmitter
Implementation Method 2
The measuring cup is supported by means of a spring element, which is arranged between the measuring beaker and the measuring value transmitter
Implementation Method 3
a non-linear flow resistance to ensure accurate measurement across varying flow rates
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3c
Figure 4
AI summary
The device has a measuring container (11) arranged above a detector (4) such that displacement (dZ) of the container opposite the detector is detected as measure for volume of urine collected in the container. The displacement is caused by increasing of overall weight of the container, where increasing of the overall weight corresponds to the weight of the urine collected in the container during flowing of the urine through the container. The container is guided by a lower guide (20) such that movement of the container is limited to translational movement. An independent claim is also included for a method for measuring urine flow of a patient.