Method and a system for measuring instantaneous inflow rate of urine
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12232873-B2
Publication Date
2025-02-25
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention provides a system for measuring instantaneous inflow rate of liquid, comprising: a receptacle, comprising an opening at a top side, a nozzle at a bottom and/or multiple holes on the side section of said receptacle configured to receive the inflow of liquid from said top opening, and simultaneously release said liquid through said nozzles; a sensing device, configured to sense the level of liquid within the receptacle and produce signals indicative of the level of liquid in the receptacle; and a processor, configured to receive said signals, calculate the level of liquid in the receptacle according to said signals; and analyze said calculations, to obtain the instantaneous inflow rate of liquid.
Core Innovation
The invention concerns a medical system for measuring an instantaneous inflow rate of liquid, including urine flow measurement. A receptacle is arranged with a top portion having an opening and a bottom portion having a nozzle, where liquid flows from the top opening into an interior of the receptacle and out through the nozzle. An inner element with an at least partially cylindrical-shaped side wall includes a plurality of openings arranged along a perimeter of the cylindrical-shaped side wall, and a dome-shaped part having a side wall with a plurality of openings arranged along a perimeter is positioned so that the receptacle allows liquid to flow through the dome-shaped part openings and the inner element openings into the interior and out through the nozzle.
A sensing device generates one or more signals indicative of a level of the liquid in the interior of the receptacle. A processor receives the signals and determines an inflow rate of the liquid based on the signals. The level signal is used to determine dH/dt and a surface area A(H) dependent on the liquid level, and the instantaneous inflow is determined using Qin = (dH/dt * A(H)) − Qout.
The described configuration provides structural features intended to improve measurement linearity and reduce turbulence and bubbles, including a dome-shaped, perforated upper part and openings in the inner element. The partial content further describes integration into a toilet-bowl arrangement and includes a sloping floor for drainage and self-emptying. Optional additional compensation is described using an accelerometer for tilt compensation, and the nozzle width is constrained within a range of 4–7 mm.
Claims Coverage
The provided claims include one independent claim covering a liquid-inflow-rate measuring system using an open receptacle geometry with internal dome and inner perforated elements and level sensing, with a processor deriving an inflow rate from the level-indicative signals. Dependent claims further refine this with additional structural constraints and optional sensing and system components.
Perforated dome and cylindrical inner element directing inflow to a nozzle
A receptacle configured to allow a liquid to flow through the plurality of openings of the dome-shaped part and the plurality of openings of the inner element into an interior of the receptacle and out of said interior through said nozzle.
Level-indicative sensing device generating signals from receptacle interior
A sensing device configured to generate one or more signals indicative of a level of the liquid in the interior of the receptacle.
Processor determining inflow rate from level-indicative signals
A processor configured to receive said one or more signals and determine an inflow rate of the liquid based on said one or more signals.
Nozzle width constraint for measurement system
The system wherein the nozzle has a width between 4 and 7 mm.
Electrode-based sensing using resistance and capacitance
A sensing device with at least one electrode generating signals indicating the liquid’s resistance and capacitance.
Toilet-bowl component positioned over a toilet and guiding liquid to the dome
A bowl that can be positioned over a toilet, attaches to the receptacle, and guides liquid toward the dome-shaped part of the receptacle.
Removable dome-shaped part from cylindrical side wall
A dome-shaped part removable from an at least partially cylindrical-shaped side wall.
Sloping floor in bottom portion for drainage
A receptacle including a sloping floor in its bottom portion.
Overall, the claim set focuses on a receptacle architecture combining a dome-shaped part and a perforated inner element to route liquid to a nozzle, together with a sensing device producing level-indicative signals and a processor determining inflow rate based on those signals; dependent claims further narrow the nozzle width, specify electrode-based resistance and capacitance sensing, and add system integration features such as a removable dome, toilet-bowl positioning, and a sloping floor.
Stated Advantages
Improves measurement linearity.
Reduces turbulence and bubbles.
Documented Applications
Urine flow measurement (uroflowmetry) using a medical system for measuring instantaneous urine or liquid inflow rate.
Integration into a toilet-bowl arrangement for measuring liquid inflow with guidance toward the receptacle.
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