Urine Measuring Device With Self-Emptying Siphon Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring urine production are labor-intensive, inaccurate, and lack real-time capabilities, particularly in monitoring variations in urine volume and kidney function.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a replaceable siphoning chamber (burette) with contactless capacitive and conductance measurement electrodes, a base unit with processing capabilities, and wireless communication for real-time monitoring of urine volume and conductivity, preventing bacterial contamination and allowing for automatic data collection and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual collection bag replacement is used, then labor intensity is reduced, but measurement accuracy and real-time monitoring capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement (nurse visually reading collection bag and recording) with an automated electronic measurement system using capacitive sensors that continuously monitor urine volume and transmit data wirelessly, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring chamber automatically performs self-measurement through integrated capacitive sensors that detect urine volume changes, and the system self-transmits data via wireless communication, eliminating the need for manual measurement operations while maintaining continuous monitoring capability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If contactless capacitive measurement is used, then infection risk is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the burette chamber wall as an intermediary between the capacitive measurement electrodes and the urine, allowing indirect capacitive measurement through the wall material. This maintains measurement precision by keeping electrodes at a controlled distance while completely preventing bacterial contamination, as no electrode contacts the urine directly
3Device complexity
If replaceable burette design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into separable modules: a replaceable burette chamber and a base unit with electronics. This segmentation simplifies the overall device structure and allows the burette to be manufactured as a simple plastic component, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining system functionality through modular assembly
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
Enables accurate, real-time, and automated measurement of urine production, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections and providing valuable insights into kidney function, with improved accuracy and reduced labor, facilitating timely intervention during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the base unit also being provided with a urine level measurement organ, capable of sensing changes in the level of urine in the self-emptying chamber, thereby producing a urine level signal
Implementation Method 2
a self-emptying chamber, which in turn comprises an inlet connectable to the catheter and an outlet for the urine
Data Source
AI summary
A device for measuring of urine production of a patient carrying a urine catheter, the device comprising a replaceable self-emptying chamber (120), provided with a siphon for self emptying when the burette becomes filled up to a predetermined volume, the self-emptying chamber further comprises an inlet and an outlet for the urine whose volume is to be measured, further, the device comprises a base unit (105) provided with attachment organs for removably attaching the self-emptying chamber (120) to the base unit, which station having measurement organs for sensing the level of urine in the self-emptying chamber and for keeping track of number of self-emptyings.