Urine Flow Sensing Module for Real-Time Catheter Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current urine flow measurement methods in healthcare settings are inaccurate and lack real-time data, often relying on manual readings with limited frequency and resolution, leading to potential delays and inaccuracies, especially in patients with low urine output, such as children, and can result in overflow and missed measurements.
Innovation Solution
A measuring apparatus system that includes a sensing module integrated with a catheter, tube, or bag, utilizing electrical and electromechanical components to continuously monitor and transmit urine flow data, providing real-time measurements and reducing human intervention through wireless communication or integrated electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual urine flow measurement is used with graduated markings on collection bags, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to limited reading frequency and potential human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual measurement of urine flow with an electronic sensing system that automatically detects and measures urine discharge. The sensing module converts physical urine flow parameters into electrical signals for continuous automated measurement, eliminating the need for manual reading of graduated markings and significantly improving measurement precision while reducing human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring apparatus is designed to automatically perform measurements without requiring manual intervention. The sensing module continuously monitors urine flow and the processor automatically records and analyzes the data, enabling the system to serve itself by eliminating the need for healthcare providers to manually check and record urine output at regular intervals.
2Reliability
If continuous real-time urine flow monitoring is implemented with sensing modules, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sensing module within the existing collection bag structure, nesting the electronic components inside the bag rather than requiring separate external measurement devices. This nested design allows the sensing system to be incorporated into the familiar collection bag format, improving reliability through continuous monitoring while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by utilizing the existing bag structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing module is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting urine flow rate, measuring total urine volume, and providing continuous real-time data. This multi-functional approach improves monitoring reliability by capturing comprehensive urine output information while avoiding the need for multiple separate devices, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If frequent manual checking of urine levels is performed, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time and productivity worsen due to increased nursing workload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated monitoring of urine flow using the sensing module, which operates without interruption to provide real-time measurement data. This eliminates the need for discrete manual checking intervals, maintaining high measurement precision while freeing nursing staff from repetitive monitoring tasks, thereby reducing time loss and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback through automated data collection and transmission of urine flow measurements to the medical record system. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate measurement data is captured in real-time without requiring nursing intervention for reading and recording, thus improving measurement precision while eliminating the time nurses would spend on these manual tasks.
4Extent of automation
If automated sensing modules with electrical components are integrated into collection bags, then extent of automation improves, but manufacturing precision and ease of manufacture worsen due to integration complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sensing module as a separate, self-contained unit that can be manufactured and tested independently before integration into the collection bag. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing processes for the electronic components while keeping the overall bag manufacturing relatively simple, reducing the impact of integration complexity on overall manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing module is pre-assembled and pre-tested as a complete functional unit before being integrated into the collection bag. This preliminary action ensures that the electronic components are properly configured and calibrated beforehand, reducing the precision requirements during the final integration step and simplifying the manufacturing process overall.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method, device and system for determining a flow rate of an excretion stream within an excretion collection assembly. According to some embodiments of the present invention, one of the constituent elements of the collection assembly includes a sensing module which includes an electrical and/or electromechanical component.