Urine Hat Load Sensor System for Accurate Output Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Measuring urinary output and ensuring accurate collection can be challenging for ambulatory patients, as existing systems often require clinician oversight and may be prone to disruption, leading to incomplete or inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A urinary output measuring system comprising a urine hat with sensors that determine the load value exerted on a platform, which is securely attached to a toilet bowl, allowing for real-time measurement and analysis of urine volume, with a console that processes data and alerts for any disruptions or calibration issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a urine hat system is used for collecting urine, then urine collection is enabled, but accurate measurement and prevention of disruption are difficult without clinician oversight
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-monitoring by equipping the urine hat with integrated sensors that automatically detect and measure urine volume, weight, and flow rate. The platform with load cells provides automated weight-based measurement, eliminating the need for clinician oversight while ensuring accurate and reliable collection through self-service functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback through sensors that continuously monitor urine collection parameters. The platform provides immediate weight measurements and flow rate data, allowing the system to detect disruptions or incomplete collection and provide feedback to ensure accurate measurement throughout the collection process.
2Measurement precision
If manual transfer to laboratory is required, then analysis can be performed, but the process is complex and prone to disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the collection hat, measurement platform with load cells, and analysis capabilities into an integrated unit. The urine hat is directly coupled to the platform, combining collection and measurement functions in one system, eliminating the need for separate transfer steps and reducing complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical transfer processes with automated electronic measurement and data transmission. Load cells provide automated weight-based measurement, and electronic sensors replace manual measurement methods, eliminating the need for physical transfer to the laboratory and reducing process complexity.
3Reliability
If clinician oversight is provided, then accurate measurement can be ensured, but the system requires constant monitoring and is less convenient for ambulatory patients
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables ambulatory patients to independently monitor their own urine output through integrated sensors and a user interface. The automatic detection and measurement capabilities allow patients to collect and measure urine without clinician presence, improving convenience while maintaining reliability through self-service functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the need for clinician oversight with electronic sensors, load cells, and automated data processing. The electronic measurement and wireless communication capabilities provide reliable measurement data without requiring constant human monitoring, enabling convenient ambulatory use while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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
Ensures accurate and complete measurement of urine output by providing real-time data and alerts, reducing the need for clinician oversight and ensuring reliable collection and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors coupled to the platform, the one or more sensors configured to determine a load value exerted on the platform by the urine hat
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a urine output measuring system including a urine hat having a urine hat body including a rim, the urine hat defining a cavity configured to receive a volume of urine, a plurality of feet defining a platform configured to be coupled to a toilet to suspend the urine hat, and one or more sensors coupled to the platform, the one or more sensors being in communication with a console and configured to detect and transmit one or more load values to the console.