Uroflowmetry System with Flow-Through Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current uroflowmetry systems face inefficiencies in clinician workflow, patient discomfort, and lack of data reliability due to manual emptying and cleaning requirements, unfamiliar voiding environments, and suboptimal ergonomics, leading to long wait times and compromised measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A uroflowmetry system with a receptacle, plumbing unit, flow-through fluid sensors, and data acquisition and processing units that allows for mounting on a conventional toilet, enabling flow-through measurement and real-time data collection, reducing the need for manual intervention and enhancing patient comfort and data accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional gravimetric systems are used with manual emptying and cleaning, then the system structure is simple, but clinician workflow efficiency deteriorates due to frequent manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where patients independently initiate and complete uroflowmetry tests by pressing a start button and voiding into the receptacle. The system automatically records weight data at predetermined intervals and generates flow rate graphs without requiring clinician intervention during the test, thereby improving workflow efficiency while maintaining relatively simple system structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically preparing the interface, initiating weight measurement sequences, and generating results graphs before clinician review is needed. The microprocessor automatically processes weight data and produces flow rate vs. time graphs, eliminating the need for manual data processing and reducing workflow interruptions
2Loss of time
If manual emptying and cleaning is required after each use, then device complexity is low, but patient wait times increase leading to discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous operation by allowing the next patient to begin testing immediately after the previous patient finishes voiding. The receptacle can be quickly emptied and reused without requiring complex cleaning procedures, maintaining continuity of useful action and minimizing patient wait times while keeping the system relatively simple
3Measurement precision
If patients void into unfamiliar receptacles with suboptimal ergonomics, then the system is simple to construct, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by adapting to existing toilet infrastructure and making the receptacle familiar to patients through toilet-like design features. The receptacle is positioned and designed to resemble a toilet, allowing patients to void naturally without discomfort while maintaining measurement accuracy. This multi-functional approach combines familiar ergonomics with precise gravimetric measurement capabilities
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 reduces clinician workflow interruptions, decreases patient wait times and discomfort, and improves data reliability by allowing patients to void naturally, facilitating accurate and representative flow measurements.
Implementation Method 1
flow-through fluid sensors for measuring urine flow
Implementation Method 2
the patient's urine is collected in a receptacle that is placed upon a weight sensor, which records the weight of the urine at set time intervals
Data Source
AI summary
A uroflowmetry system comprising: a receptacle for receiving urine; a plumbing unit for directing urine from the receptacle; flow-through fluid sensors for measuring urine flow; an output port from which urine exits the system; a data acquisition unit for receiving and collecting urine flow data from the flow-through fluid sensors; and a data processing and storage unit for processing and storing urine flow data received from the microcontroller.