Testing device for a uroflowmeter
Inventors
Laing, Brent • Green, John • Johnson, Paul R. • Smith, Robert John • Schneider, Robert Edwin • Hargis, Magnus • Edson, Elise Geolat • O'Brien, Elizabeth A.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11534093-B2
Publication Date
2022-12-27
Expiration Date
Abstract
The test lab set-up includes a test flow bench for mounting one or more test devices, an adjustable nozzle for simulating urine flow, and a sensor for collecting data associated with the simulated urine flowing through the test device(s). A computing device for measuring and/or calculating various parameters associated with the simulated urine flow may also be included. The test device may have a shape corresponding to a handheld uroflowmeter subject to testing. The angle of the adjustable nozzle may be adjusted to test for various angles of urine flow. Similarly, the angle, pitch, and roll of the test device may be adjusted to test for various angles at which a uroflowmeter is held. As fluid flows through the test device, the sensor collects information such as, for example, flow rate, duration, volume, and the like. The sensor transmits the data collected to a computing device for additional processing.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a test lab system for testing and validating a uroflowmeter. A test flow bench is configured to test fluid flow through a test device and includes a support assembly, a frame assembly pivotally coupled to the support assembly, an adjustable nozzle positioned above the frame assembly, and a sensor coupled to the support assembly. One or more motors in electrical communication with a computing device are configured to control pitch and roll of the frame assembly relative to the support assembly.
The system pumps fluid from a fluid source through the adjustable nozzle to the test device and monitors fluid flow parameters using the sensor. Data related to the at least one fluid flow parameter is transmitted to the computing device for monitoring. The computing device uses the detected fluid flow parameter data to compare and guide development toward a desired fluid flow parameter.
The test device is configured to test one or more features of a uroflowmeter, and the test flow bench can adjust the frame assembly, the adjustable nozzle, or both during testing. The test device includes a flow chamber and outlet structures, and the testing can evaluate fluid flow parameters including at least fluid flow rate, duration, volume, overflow, splash back, and turbulence. The test device and/or surface plate features can be configured to reflect uroflowmeter surface features and float-related effects during validation and development.
Claims Coverage
Two independent claims are provided. The claim coverage centers on a motorized test flow bench with an adjustable nozzle and sensor, and a method that mounts a test device, pumps fluid, monitors sensor-detected flow parameters, and adjusts toward a desired fluid flow parameter using a computing device.
Motorized test flow bench with adjustable nozzle and pitch/roll control
A test lab system for testing and validating a uroflowmeter, comprising a test flow bench with a support assembly, a frame assembly pivotally coupled to the support assembly and configured to support the test device, an adjustable nozzle coupled to the support assembly and positioned above the frame assembly, a sensor coupled to the support assembly, and one or more motors in electrical communication with a computing device and configured to control pitch and roll of the frame assembly relative to the support assembly.
Closed-loop method for developing a uroflowmeter using sensor-monitored fluid flow parameters
A method of testing and developing a uroflowmeter, comprising mounting a test device to a test flow bench with a support assembly, a frame assembly pivotally coupled to the support assembly, an adjustable nozzle coupled to the support assembly and to a fluid source, and a sensor coupled to the support assembly, electrically coupling the test flow bench to a computing device, pumping fluid through the adjustable nozzle to the test device, monitoring at least one fluid flow parameter of the fluid flowing through the test device by the computing device using data detected by the sensor and transmitted to the computing device, and adjusting the test device based on the detected fluid flow parameter and a desired fluid flow parameter.
Overall, claim coverage focuses on a test flow bench that uses an adjustable nozzle and a sensor with computing-device control, together with pitch/roll adjustability and a method that pumps fluid, monitors sensor-detected flow parameters, and adjusts the test device toward desired fluid flow parameters.
Stated Advantages
Improving measurement accuracy.
Reducing turbulence, splash back, and overflow.
Documented Applications
Testing and validating handheld uroflowmeters using a configurable test flow bench that simulates fluid flow conditions and mounting angles.
Testing and developing a uroflowmeter by mounting a test device to the test flow bench, pumping fluid through the adjustable nozzle, monitoring at least one fluid flow parameter, and adjusting the test device based on the detected parameter and a desired parameter.
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