Automated Urine Sample Collection System with Heat-Sealed Bag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urine sample collection systems for clinical analysis are not fully automated and efficient in producing sealed, labeled sample packets for laboratory processing, often requiring manual handling and disposal of collection units.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated urine sample collection system integrated with a toilet, utilizing a flexible heat-sealable plastic bag receptacle that automatically collects, seals, divides, and labels urine samples into packets for laboratory analysis, with an electronic interface for control and disposal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual handling and disposal of collection units is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and automation efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (collection, storage, division, sealing, and labeling) into a single integrated collection unit that rotates into the toilet reservoir. This merging of functions enables full automation without requiring multiple separate devices, thus improving automation efficiency while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection unit serves multiple purposes: it collects urine samples, stores them, divides them into separate packets, seals them, and prepares them for laboratory analysis. This multi-functionality allows one device to perform what would traditionally require multiple separate devices, enhancing automation while managing complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If a single large collection unit is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and sample separation quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The collection unit is designed as a single integrated structure that automatically segments urine samples into multiple separate packets through controlled division and heat sealing. This segmentation approach ensures high sample separation quality while maintaining device simplicity, as the division process is automated within the rotating collection unit rather than requiring multiple pre-separated containers.
3Productivity
If automatic rotation and heat sealing mechanisms are added, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism and heat sealing function are merged into the single collection unit that rotates into the toilet reservoir. This integration allows automatic sample collection, division, and sealing to occur in one device, improving productivity while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection unit performs its own division and sealing operations automatically during the rotation process. The unit self-manages the sample packet creation without requiring external intervention or additional complex mechanisms, thereby improving productivity while controlling device complexity.
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 system efficiently produces sealed, labeled urine sample packets for laboratory analysis, enhancing automation and reducing manual handling, while ensuring hygiene and ease of processing.
Implementation Method 1
The opening to the bag is then heat sealed to produce a urine sample packet. The receptacle may be automatically divided into a plurality of urine sample packets by heat sealing the bag at several locations along its length
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for automatically collecting urine samples from a patient are described. The apparatus includes a toilet bowel with a reservoir and a urine collection receptacle that is a flexible heat sealable plastic bag in an enclosure mounted exterior to the reservoir. The receptacle can be rotated into the toilet reservoir to collect urine and removed therefrom by rotating it back into the enclosure. The opening to the bag is then heat sealed to produce a urine sample packet. The receptacle may be automatically divided into a plurality of urine sample packets by heat sealing the bag at several locations along its length and then cutting the bag at the appropriate heat sealed locations. Each packet is then printed with patient indicia. The sample packets then pass through an opening in the enclosure for removal and subsequent analysis. An electrical activation interface is provided to control the process.