In Situ Urine Spectral Flow Cell with Vertical Gravity Drainage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urine collection and analysis systems face mechanical complexity and difficulties in achieving a suitable spectral sampling pathlength for rapid urine flow and easy cleaning, particularly when dealing with predominantly water-based samples like urine, and are hindered by the challenge of expelling fecal matter without impeding the flush cycle.
Innovation Solution
A vertically oriented spectral flow cell within the toilet bowl, utilizing flow-directing protrusions to channel urine through a gap of optimal width for spectral analysis, combined with fiber optic cables for light transmission and a cleaning apparatus to maintain a clean environment, allowing for efficient urine collection and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a narrow gap is used for spectral analysis pathlength, then measurement precision is improved, but urine flow speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal flow path to vertical flow path through the gap. Urine flows downward under gravity through the narrow spectral analysis gap, then exits to the collection reservoir. This vertical orientation maintains the narrow pathlength for spectral precision while allowing rapid flow under gravitational force, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and flow speed.
2Ease of operation
If a collection receptacle is integrated into the toilet, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated unit: the spectral analysis flow cell, urine collection reservoir, and cleaning system are merged into one compact apparatus installed within the toilet bowl. This integration eliminates the need for separate collection containers and manual sample transfer, greatly improving ease of operation despite the increased internal complexity of the combined system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates an automated cleaning mechanism where water from the toilet flush cycle automatically cleans the spectral analysis gap and flow cell surfaces. This self-cleaning function reduces maintenance complexity and ensures continuous operation without manual intervention, offsetting the initial integration complexity with long-term operational simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If the spectral analysis cell is cleaned frequently, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning process is integrated with the existing toilet flush cycle, allowing the spectral analysis cell to be cleaned continuously during normal toilet operation. Water flows through the analysis gap during each flush, maintaining cleanliness without requiring separate cleaning operations. This continuous cleaning approach preserves measurement precision while eliminating dedicated cleaning time losses.
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 rapid and efficient urine sampling and analysis while maintaining a clean environment, suitable for high-quality spectral analysis, overcoming previous obstacles of slow urine flow and fecal matter interference.
Implementation Method 1
measures the concentrations of urinary components based on the specific wavelength-absorbing characteristics of a urine sample
Implementation Method 2
connected to a spectral analyzer by fiber optic cables
Data Source
AI summary
A specimen collection receptacle formed by a channel disposed within the wall of a toilet bowl. The receptacle is located above the weir water line. The receptacle comprises a channel open to the interior of the bowl having opposed non-parallel side walls. The side walls may be joined opposite the opening. The side walls may be joined by a bottom wall. The bottom wall may be arcuate. The side walls may be non-planar. The walls may exhibit a roughened surface. The receptacle may comprise an optical window. The receptacle may comprise a cuvette. The receptacle may be in communication with one or more light emitting probes. The receptacle may be self-cleaning. The receptacle may comprise a replaceable module disposed in the wall of the toilet bowl. The receptacle may be located at the front of the toilet bowl. The receptacle may be disposed in a toilet bowl liner or insert.