Patent Application
20210077007
The present invention relates to the field of medical apparatuses, and in particular relates to a portable urination weight measurement device and to a container for use therewith.
The diagnosis and follow-up of various human diseases require the characterization of urine volume and composition. Classically, urine is analyzed either on spot samples or after an entire 24-hour collection. The cohort of patients includes for example patients with history of kidney stones, patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, patients under chronic dialysis, patients with chronic kidney disease, patients with chronic heart failure, patients with chronic liver failure, women following perineal physiotherapy after delivery, men following vesical reeducation after surgery, amongst others. In addition, a significant proportion of individuals complain about pollakiuria (increased frequency of mictions), polyuria (excessive volume of urine) or nycturia (urine evacuation during the night). The veracity and severity of these symptoms are (very) difficult to assess in clinical routine. Finally, beside medical applications, one may envision personal use of such a device since more and more individuals collect more and more data about their own body (weight, height, heart rate, number of steps per day, sleep movements, ingested calories, etc . . . ). Accurate and easy-to-obtain information about daily urine production would add significant data to this health check-up list.
The evaluation of the daily production of urine (i.e. the volume of urine produced in 24 hours, also called “diuresis”) in both terms of volume and frequency does not necessarily require urine collection and storage. Nowadays, the patients are asked to collect their urine for 24 hours, at home or at the hospital, in appropriate (clean) containers and bring them to the lab for volume assessment. This represents a major source of errors and evident hygienic inconveniences for both male and female, young and elderly, patients. Furthermore, the information about miction frequency is most often lacking since most patients do not record when they urinate.
Known alternatives to measure urine volume are:
In patent application WO201321207, a urine flow measuring apparatus is described, that comprises a controller to automatically measure and record a weight of urine. However, this device shows multiple limitations, including (i) the need for non-hygienic manipulations when emptying the container into the toilets and when cleaning the container, (ii) the difficulty to carry it from place to place (since the patient is supposed to measure 24-hour urine production), (iii) the poor ergonomics in sitting position, (iv) the malposition of the handle (with regards to urine orientation).
CN105496429 discloses a portable urination recorder comprising a hand shank and a urine storage cavity, wherein one end of the hand shank is fixedly connected with the urine storage cavity; the urine storage cavity is in a cavity structure with openings in two ends; the diameter of the opening in one end is greater than that in the other end; a urine volume detection device and an integrated circuit chip are arranged in the urine storage cavity; the urine volume detection device is electrically connected with the integrated circuit chip; a data transmission device is arranged in the hand shank; and the data transmission device is electrically connected with the integrated circuit chip. The portable urination recorder has the beneficial effects that automatic monitoring of urination can be carried out; and the urination measurement accuracy is allegedly improved. This system has however the major drawback that the urine storage cavity must be washed after each use, which is an activity that often cannot be performed in the privacy of a WC booth. Furthermore, the urine storage cavity is rigid and cumbersome so that it takes an exaggerate amount of place in a handbag. Additionally, any reduction in bulkiness of the urine storage cavity translates in an increased risk of urine landing outside of the urine storage cavity, and hence in an inaccurate urination measurement.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,573,462B1 discloses a portable weight measurement device that comprises a handle comprising a weight measurement unit that comprises a strain gauge and an electronic circuit adapted for determining a tilt angle. However, the container forming part of this device would need to be washed after use and is therefore not very hygienic. It is also not very discreet since washing the container would require the user to expose the device to view outside of the WC booth.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,087 discloses an apparatus comprising a container for collecting body fluids of a catheterized patient, that is suspended from a force transducer. The holding unit has a stirrup-shape and is suspended by a hook connected with the force transducer. However, this apparatus is not adapted for use by non-catheterized catheterized patients. In particular, it is not adapted to release the container in a toilet bowl. Indeed, if the hook is opened, the stirrup-shaped holding unit would be released together.
DE 102007 035948A1 describes a hand scale with a releasable, rigid, and not toilet flushable receptacle. The receptacle is attached by a coupling unit.
WO2017036952 discloses an uroflowmetry device with an accelerometer. The document does not disclose a portable solution not requiring washing.
CN202288547 discloses a hanging device for a urine bag with a clip. The urine bag is clamped on the clip. The document does not relate to a portable urination weight measurement device.
There is therefore still a need in the art for apparatus improving on one or more of the above drawbacks.
It is an object of the present invention to provide good apparatus or methods for measuring the weight of an urination.
It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that they may be portable. The portable urination weight measurement device can be made small enough to be carried in a handbag or a pocket. The containers may be folded flat when not in use. The portable urination weight measurement device can also be folded so as to take minimum space when not in use. Furthermore, the portable urination weight measurement device may weigh less than 500 g. It can be used by almost anyone and does not require the patient to be catheterized.
It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that they may be ergonomic. The portable urination weight measurement device can be made with dimensions making it very suitable for being placed between the legs of the user during use. Also, the shape of the container has a shape which also accommodates well the presence of the legs of the user. The portable urination weight measurement device may also be used in standing position.
It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that an important weight of urine can be measured with low risk that the container would be accidentally falling in the toilet bowl during the measurement.
It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that they are accurate. The shape, dimensions and position of the container during use may typically permit every drop of urine to be collected for both male and female. Also, due to the measurement of a weight instead of the direct measurement of a volume, which might depend on temperature and on changes in the shape of the container, systematic errors are more easily avoided. Also, in embodiments, the device may take into account tilt angle or movements of the device during use to correct the measured weight or to record a measure as faulty.
It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that they are precise. A precision of 1 g or even 0.1 g can easily be achieved.
It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that they are hygienic. Indeed, the user never has to touch urine or the urine-filled container since the container is mechanically released in the toilet bowl and no washing step is required. Also, in embodiments, the portable urination weight measurement device can be protected by a guard present on the container. Also, only the container, which is typically toilet flushable, is released in the toilet bowl so that the risk of blocking the toilet, to pollute the water, or to lose expensive parts of the device, is minimal.
It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that they can be used in complete privacy, not giving any clue to anybody around the user that the invention has been used. Only the patient and the person who will analyse the results can know that the invention has been used. The portable urination weight measurement can be easily concealed in a handbag or a pocket; it does not require any washing after use and the container can be directly discarded in the toilet bowl.
It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that measurements may be recorded in real time. This permits for instance instant feedback to adjust drug (e.g. diuretics) and/or diet (e.g. salts and liquids) recommendations.
It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that urine volume and frequency can be easily recorded
It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that it may be ecological. The device and container do not need to be washed, hence limiting the use detergents; and the containers may be biodegradable.
It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that it may be easily re-used or shared between different users.
It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that it may be made available for a relatively low cost while providing very good performances.
It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that it may allow long term and secure data storage and reliable transfer of data between the user and the people analysing the data.
The above objective is accomplished by a method and device according to the present invention.
In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a portable urination weight measurement device comprising:
In any embodiments, the weight measurement unit may comprise a weight sensor such as e.g. a strain gauge.
In any embodiments of the present invention, the weight measurement unit may comprise:
wherein the strain gauge is coupled to the holding unit in such a way as to allow the measurement of a strain caused by a weight exerted on the holding unit. For instance, the strain gauge may comprise a conductive grid pattern glued on an aluminium block. The conductive grid pattern may have leads for electrically connecting to the electronic circuit. In embodiments, the strain gauge may be equipped with a four-probe sensor. In embodiments, the strain gauge may be fixed to the handle case. In embodiments, the electronic circuit may comprise a strain gauge bridge and an analog to digital converter and the strain gauge bridge may be electrically connected to the strain gauge. The conversion of the strain measurement into a weight signal may be performed via this strain gauge bridge and this analog to digital converter. The electronic circuit typically further comprises a central processing unit CPU, a storage memory and a power management unit. The analog to digital converter may provide the analog to digital conversion of the sensed weight to the central processing unit (CPU). Preferably, the analog to digital converter uses a sampling speed of from 10 to 100 Hz. This is advantageous as it allows for movement and vibration handling. The electronic circuit is suitable for converting a strain measurement into a weight signal, wherein the strain gauge is coupled to the electronic circuit in such a way as to allow converting the strain measurement into a weight signal. In embodiments, the electronic circuit may be further adapted for determining a tilt angle of the portable urination weight measurement device so as to compensate for said tilt during conversion of the strain measurement into the weight signal and/or so as to inform a user of the tilt or of an information derived therefrom.
The strain gauge has a single axis of sensitivity and the measured weight is the component of the force exerted on the holding unit parallel to this axis of sensitivity. So, the tilt angle is the angle between the gravity vector, which is vertical, and this axis of sensitivity.
For determining the tilt angle, the electronic circuit may further comprise an accelerometer connected to the processor so as to permit the processor to compensate for the tilt angle during conversion of the strain into the weight signal and/or so as to inform a user of the tilt or of an information derived therefrom. The accelerometer may for instance be a 3-axis accelerometer. Since the angle between the 3-axis accelerometer and the axis of sensitivity of the strain gauge is both known and constant, if the position of the gravity vector relative to the 3-axis accelerometer is measured by the 3-axis accelerometer, the angle between the sensitivity axis and the gravity vector can be computed and the tilt can be computed.
As the strain gauge is only sensitive to the weight force parallel to its axis of sensitivity (which is typically perpendicular to the strain gauche plane), the tilt angle of the device is preferably known in order to compensate for it (in two directions). As it is known to the person skilled in the art, such a compensation can be achieved by implementing a suitable trigonometric formula either directly in the hardware of the CPU or in a software running therein. Such compensation provides sufficiently accurate results up to a tilt angle of about 15°. In an embodiment of the present invention, a user interface (see infra) may inform the user that the tilt angle is excessive (e.g. above 15°), e.g. when validating the measurement. If the user is informed of an excessive tilt before urination starts, the user can still correct the position of the device before urination and thereby improves the accuracy of the measurement. An example of information derived from the tilt is for instance instructions on how to better position the device before urination. If a urination occurs while the tilt was determined as being excessive, the person in charge of the data analysis will know that this measurement was faulty. Another example of information derived from the tilt is for instance the extent of the device's movements during measurement. If the device moves too much during measurement, the device may become unable to measure correctly the weight since the dynamic forces on the sensors may become too important for a precise measurement. The 3-axis accelerometer may be used to measure the average noise on the position of the gravity vector in order to inform the user that the amount of movement is too high for a precise measurement or in order to inform the person in charge of the data analysis that the measurement was faulty due to this excessive movement.
In any embodiments of the first aspect where the handle comprises an electronic circuit, the electronic circuit may be suitable for storing the measured weight signal or data derived therefrom. In embodiments, the electronic circuit may be further suitable for storing the time at which the weight signal is measured and, optionally, the duration of the measurement. The electronic circuit may comprise a memory connected to the CPU in such a way as to allow for storing the measured weight signal or data derived therefrom. The memory may be connected to the processor in such a way as to further allow for storing the time at which the weight signal is measured and, optionally, the duration of the measurement.
In any embodiments of the first aspect where the handle comprises an electronic circuit, the electronic circuit may be suitable for sending the measured (and typically stored) weight signal or data derived therefrom to a remote receiver. In embodiments, the electronic circuit may be further suitable for sending the measured (and typically stored) time at which the weight signal is measured and, optionally, the duration of the measurement, to a remote receiver. The electronic circuit may comprise an emitter connected to the CPU in such a way as to allow for sending the measured weight signal or data derived therefrom to a remote receiver. Emitter may be connected to the processor in such a way as to further allow for sending the time at which the weight signal is measured and, optionally, the duration of the measurement, to a remote receiver. The electronic circuit may comprise a receiver connected to the CPU in such a way as to allow for the configuration of the device from a distance or for sending information to the user from a remote emitter. The emitter and the receiver are preferably wireless. The electronic circuit may comprise a data exchange interface, such as a wireless interface, combining both signal emitting and receiving capacity. An example of such an interface is a Bluetooth wireless interface. Such an interface permits connection between the portable urination weight measurement device and a computer, smartphone or tablet for configuration and/or data exchange.
The electronic circuit may comprise a charging interface, such as a wireless charging interface, for charging the battery. For instance, the electronic circuit may comprise an induction receptor for charging the battery. This allows the battery to be charged by induction. Charging by induction requires an induction emitter, which does not need to form part of the portable urination weight measurement device. In embodiments, the induction emitter may be incorporated in a transport box. The transport box is suitable for transporting the portable urination weight measurement device. An aspect of the present invention relates to a kit of parts comprising the portable urination weight measurement device and the transport box. In embodiments, the transport box may comprise a power input port (e.g. a USB port) connected to the induction emitter in such a way as to allow it to be powered. Charging can be done by connecting a power cable to the transport box via the power input port. In embodiments, the charging may also be performed by connecting a power source to a USB interface forming part of the electronic circuit.
In any embodiment of the first aspect where the weight measurement unit comprises an electronic circuit, the electronic circuit may be further suitable for measuring the time at which the weight signal is measured. In embodiments, the electronic circuit may be further suitable for measuring the duration of the weight recording. For instance, the electronic circuit may comprise a real-time clock for recording the time at which the weight signal is measured and, optionally, the duration of the weight recording. In embodiments, the portable urination weight recorder may further comprise a coin cell backup battery holder electrically connected to the real-time clock. The coin cell backup battery holder may be suitable for holding a coin cell backup battery for keeping the real-time clock powered in case electrical power from another source is not available.
In any embodiments of the first aspect, the time duration measurement combined with the weight measurement, would offer further technical information such as urinal miction rythmics.
In any embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic circuit may further comprise a display coupled to the weight measurement unit in such a way as to allow displaying the measured weight.
In any embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic circuit may further comprise a mode selection switch, coupled to the weight measurement unit and to the display, for selecting between a weight measurement mode and one or more other modes. Amongst possible modes to be selected from, a user and an analysis mode can be present.
In any embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic circuit may comprise a mode validation switch, coupled to the weight measurement unit and to the display, for validating a selected mode.
In any embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic circuit may further comprise a power switch, coupled to the weight measurement unit, for turning the portable urination weight measurement device on and off. In embodiments, the power switch and the mode validation switch may be a same button, and the button may work as a power switch or a mode validation switch depending on the length of a pression on the button. For instance, a longer pression could turn the device on or off while a shorter pression could validate a selected mode.
When switches are present in any embodiments of the present invention, preferred are spring buttons (e.g. comprising an elastomeric material). However, any type of switches can be used in the present invention, including touch switches such as capacitance, resistance or piezo touch switches.
In embodiments where switches are present, the electronic circuit may comprise an electro-acoustic transducer, coupled to any of the previous switches, for audibly confirming the engagement of the switch.
In any embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic circuit may further comprise light sources such as LEDs. The CPU may be further connected so as to receive inputs from switches and so as to send outputs to one or more light sources.
When one or more of switches, a display, electro-acoustic transducers and light sources are present, they can be said to form the user interface. The user interface allows the guidance of the user in the whole process of recording the urination data and review of the recorded data by the user and/or the person who will analyse the data.
An example of procedure the device may follow making use of the user interface is:
The above-described procedure embodiments of the present invention, such as the procedures followed making use of the user interface, may be implemented in an electronic circuit such as shown in
The present invention also includes a computer program or computer program product which provides the functionality of any of the methods according to the present invention when executed on a computing device. Such computer program product can be tangibly embodied in a carrier medium carrying machine-readable code for execution by the CPU. The present invention thus also relates to a carrier medium carrying a computer program product that, when executed on computing means, provides instructions for executing any of the methods as described above. The term “carrier medium” refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as a storage device which is part of mass storage. Common forms of computer readable media include, a CD-ROM, a DVD, a flexible disk or floppy disk, a memory key, a tape, a memory chip or cartridge or any other medium from which a CPU can read. Various forms of CPU readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution. The computer program or computer program product can be carried on an electrical carrier signal. The computer program product can also be transmitted via a carrier wave in a network, such as a LAN, a WAN or the Internet. Transmission media can take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared data communications. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fibre optics, including the wires that comprise a bus within a computer.
In any embodiment of the present invention, the handle may comprise a protective case, which is typically water-tight and water-proof. This is advantageous since the device is meant to be used in presence of a urine stream. It typically comprises a bottom part and an upper part. The upper part may have an opening for exposing a display comprised in an electronic circuit. The upper part may have openings for exposing switches or may have depressible portions for enabling activation of switches comprised in an electronic circuit. The bottom part may enclose a battery holder or directly a battery without a holder. A battery may be included in the battery holder. The type of battery is not critical but a lithium polymer battery is advantageous due to its very good power density.
The bottom part of the case may have an opening at an extremity thereof for permitting the holding unit to penetrate the case in which it is attached to the weight measurement unit, e.g. via a strain gauge. The opening is preferably provided with a gasket allowing the case to remain water-tight while allowing the holding unit to displace itself vertically as a result of the weight exerted thereon. The height of the opening serves as a stop to restrain excessive movement of the holding unit and to thereby prevent damaging the weight measurement unit. The gasket is typically made of an elastomeric material.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may relate to a portable urination weight measurement device comprising:
wherein the strain gauge is coupled to the holding unit in such a way as to allow the measurement of a strain caused by a weight exerted on the holding unit and is coupled to the electronic circuit in such a way as to allow converting the strain measurement into a weight signal.
Preferably, the case may be designed so that any over pressure on the strain gauge is prevented by a stop on the path of displacement of the holding unit. This would insure the durability of the strain gauge.
The holding unit may be any means for holding a container such as e.g. a hook or a jaw. However, the holding unit preferably comprises a jaw as it more easily allows the mechanical release of the container without necessitating the user to touch the urine-filled container.
In any embodiments of the first aspect, the handle may comprise a release mechanism coupled to the holding unit in such a way as to allow the release of the container. This is advantageous as it does not necessitate manipulation of the urine-filled container to release it. In embodiments, the release mechanism may comprise a switch for releasing the container. In embodiments, the switch may be at the back of the handle, i.e. at the extremity away from the holding unit. In embodiments, the switch may act via a spring. In embodiments, the switch may be a pressure button. In embodiments, the release mechanism may comprise:
a. the pressure button accessible by a user and suitable for pushing on a rod,
b. the rod,
c. a rocker mechanism, and
d. an implement,
wherein the rod is contacting the pressure button,
wherein the rocker mechanism is coupled to the rod and to the implement in such a way that a forward motion of the rod translates into a backward motion of the implement,
wherein the implement (e.g. a fork) is coupled to the holding unit in such a way as to control its opening. This can for instance be achieved by the implement engaging on one hand with the rocker mechanism and on another hand with indentations in the holding unit, with pressure on the holding unit maintaining it close and release of the pressure opening it and liberating the container.
When the implement is a fork, the fork is coupled to the holding unit in such a way as to control its opening. This can for instance be achieved by the extremity of the fork handle engaging with the rocker mechanism and the extremities of the fork teethes engaging with indentations in the holding unit, with pressure on the holding unit maintaining it close and release of the pressure opening it and liberating the container.
In embodiments where a rocker mechanism is present, it may comprise:
a. A rocker lever axis,
b. A self-pressure spring,
c. A rocker control lever,
wherein the self-pressure spring and the rocker control lever are engaged on the rocker lever axis and wherein the rocker control lever is engaged with the rod and with implement.
In any embodiments of the first aspect, the handle may comprise a first surface for resting on a toilet seat and wherein the holding unit is suitable for extending downward when the surface for resting on a toilet seat is resting on a toilet seat. When the holding unit comprises a jaw, it is the opening of the jaw which is extending downward when the surface for resting on a toilet seat is resting on a toilet seat. In embodiments, the part of the jaw closest to the back of the device may be at an angle of from 91 to 120°, preferably from 95 to 110° with respect to the surface for resting on a toilet seat. 90° tends to be insufficient in some cases for the container not to touch the walls of the toilet bowl. An angle close to 90° is however best for the release of the container after use. The angle ranges proposed herein are therefore good compromises. In embodiments, the surface for resting on a toilet seat may comprise means for hindering movements of the surface when in contact with the toilet seat. The presence of these means help maintaining the device still during measurements, which increases accuracy. In embodiments, the means for hindering movements are means for causing friction between the surface and the toilet seat. For instance, these means may consist in a piece of rubbery (i.e. elastomeric) material such as e.g. polyurethane. The piece of rubbery material may for instance have an arc shape. For instance, the end points of the arc may be oriented toward the front of the handle, i.e. toward the holding unit.
In any embodiments of the first aspect, the holding unit may comprise a jaw comprising two opposing parts that close for holding the container. In embodiments, each opposing part may comprise a flat plate. Examples of lengths for the flat plates are from 4 to 8, preferably 5 to 7 cm. Examples of width for the flat plates are from 1.5 to 4 cm, preferably 2 to 3 cm. Examples of thicknesses for the flat plates (not counting the protrusion) are from 0.5 to 3 mm, preferably 1 to 2 mm. In embodiments, the first opposing part may comprise a concave entity extending perpendicularly to a surface thereof facing the second opposing part, and the second opposing part may comprise a convex entity extending perpendicularly to a surface thereof facing the first opposing part, the convex entity fitting with the concave entity. Instead of a convex entity, a hole fitting with the concave entity can be provided. The combination of the convex entity and the concave entity forms a locking system for preventing the container from falling. This is illustrated by items 41 and 42 in
In any embodiments of the first aspect, the holding unit may be rotatably attached to the handle in such a way that the portable device can be folded by covering a second surface of the handle with a surface of the holding unit. This is advantageous as it permits the device to take a minimum amount of space when not in use. This makes the device less bulky and hence easier to transport. Also, it protects the holding unit from damages. For instance, making the holding unit rotatably attached to the handle can be achieved via a hinge holding the handle and the holding unit together. In embodiments, the hinge may belong to the holding unit. In embodiments, the hinge may comprise:
a. A male fastener,
b. A female fastener for mating with the male fastener,
c. A ring attached to the first opposing part of the jaw, the ring having at least one protrusion on its inner side, the protrusion having a first width w1, the first width w1 being measured along the curvature of the ring,
d. A ring attached to the second opposing part of the jaw, the ring having at least one protrusion on its inner side, the protrusion having the first width w1,
e. A central control ring comprising two ends and at least one cut at each end, the cut having a second width w2, larger or equal to the first width w1, measured along the curvature of the central control ring, the central control ring being of a diameter such that it can engage in both rings attached to the parts of the jaw in such a way that the cuts are penetrated by the protrusions,
f. A weighting control ring bearing an arm projecting outward, the weighting control ring having a diameter such that it can be penetrated by the central control ring,
wherein the male fastener and the female fastener, once mated, form an axis of rotation around which the ring bearing the first part of the jaw, the central control ring, and the ring bearing the second part of the jaw can rotate,
wherein the arm is attached to the weight measurement unit.
The widths w2 and w1 are preferably such that they friction fit. w2 is preferably equal to w1 or larger by less than 1%, preferably less than 0.2% such as from 0.03% of 0.2% or 0.03% to 0.1%.
When indentations are present in the holding unit to permit its engaging with an implement as discussed above, these indentations are preferably on the rings attached to the first and second part of the jaw.
In embodiments, the ring attached to a first part of the jaw and the ring attached to the second part of the jaw may each have an indentation for engaging with the implement of the release mechanism. These indentations may be positioned on the ring in such a way that once engaged with the implement, the jaw is in a position where the device is ready for use, i.e. with the jaw extending downward. Typically, this translates into having the indentations at positions on the rings attached to the first and second parts of the jaw which are visible to an observer looking at the folded device from above. This is illustrated in the first representation from the left in
Further indentations may also be present on the holding unit, and in particular on the rings attached to the first and second parts of the jaw, in order to engage with the implement when the device is folded (with a second surface of the handle covering a surface of the holding unit) and ready for transport.
Typically, this translates into having the indentations at positions on the rings attached to the first and second parts of the jaw which are visible to an observer looking at the unfolded device from below. This is illustrated in
In embodiments, the strain gauge may be connected to the arm of the weighting control ring. This permits the strain gauge to sense the weight exerted on the arm by the action of the container on the jaw attached thereto.
In embodiments, the weighting control ring bearing an arm may be in aluminium.
When, as mentioned before, the bottom part of the case has an opening at an extremity thereof for permitting the holding unit to penetrate the case, and when the hinge comprises a weighting control ring bearing an arm, the part of the holding unit which may be attached to the weight measurement unit may be the arm. In that case, the opening is preferably provided with a gasket allowing the case to remain water-tight while allowing the arm to displace itself vertically as a result of the weight exerted thereon. Also, the height of the opening serves as a stop to restraint excessive movement of the arm and to thereby prevent damaging the weight measurement unit.
In any embodiments of the present invention, the weight measurement unit may comprise a stop for limiting the possible movements of the holding unit. In embodiments where the holding unit comprises an arm, the weight measurement unit may comprise a stop for limiting the possible movements of the arm.
In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a toilet flushable container having:
In embodiments, the collar may be a strip. The strip may for instance be formed of a first and a second piece preferably formed of a same material. The first piece is preferably longer than the second piece. The long piece may for instance be folded in two equal parts by a fold at the front of the collar. The two extremities of the long piece may be attached (e.g. glued) to the short piece which forms the back of the collar (2). At rest, the collar (22) is typically flat due to the rest angle of the folds being less than 20° (e.g. about 0°). In embodiments, the collar (22) may be secured to the outside of a sidewall of the container via at least two attachment points and wherein a distance along the strip between two of the at least two attachment points is larger than a corresponding distance along the sidewall of the container along said two of the at least two attachment points, thereby forming a gap between the strip and the sidewall of the container. In embodiments, the collar may be a ring around the sidewall of the container. Preferably, the collar may run around the rim of the container, i.e. around the rim of the sidewall of the container. In embodiments, the collar may be secured to the rim of the container.
The rim folds and the at least one collar fold maintain the container relatively closed in absence of pinching of the collar fold. Preferably, each fold may form at rest an angle of less than 15°, more preferably less than 10°, yet more preferably less than 5°.
The shape of the opening when the collar makes an angle of 180° at the front side and when the rim makes an angle of from 50 to 90° at the back side is particularly well suited for fitting between the legs of the user. In particular, it is the back side of the opening that will be placed between the legs.
Increasing the angle of the at least one collar fold to 180° opens the container. Once open in that way, the container is ready for use. The collar opening thereby obtained has a pointy side and an opposite flat side. Opening the fold to 180° is typically done by pinching a collar fold. The container is particularly well adapted for use together with a portable urination weight measurement device which holding unit comprises a jaw suitable for pinching a fold and thereby opening the collar to 180°. A jaw having opposing parts comprising flat plates is particularly adequate for this purpose.
The rigidity of the collar is preferably such that it prevents torsion thereof when the container is filled with urine. In embodiments, the rigidity of the collar may be such that it maintains the top of the collar in a single plane even when the container is filled with urine.
As used herein and unless provided otherwise, the term “toilet flushable” when applied to a container refers to a container which, when full of urine, can be flushed in a typical toilet without blocking it. This can for instance be achieved by having the container made of flexible materials. Flexible materials can adapt to the shape of the toilet trap and waste pipe. For this purpose and in such embodiments, the collar is preferably made of a material assuring enough rigidity for it to prevent torsion thereof when the container is filled with urine but flexible enough for it to be flushable. A preferred characteristic of toilet flushable container is bio-degradability. Indeed, in many countries, bio-degradability is a legal requirement for anything meant to be flushed in a toilet. Toilet flushability can also be achieved by making the container water-soluble.
In any embodiment of the second aspect, the toilet flushable container may be water-soluble and suitable for containing fresh human urine for 40 seconds without leaking. Water solubility is advantageous as it either enables or improves toilet flushability. Suitable materials for forming the container include polyethylene glycol; alkylcellulose derivatives such as hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose; polyvinylacetate, polyvinylalcohol, carboxylated acrylic polymers, hydrosoluble polyurethane, copolymers thereof, derivatives thereof and combination of such materials. Preferably the material may be polyvinylalcohol partially or fully hydrolysed, such as 80-99% hydrolysed. Advantageously, the container may be formed of a plurality of hydrosoluble polymer sheets having the same or different solubilities. Advantageously, the container may be composed of two layers of polyvinylalcohol having the same or preferably different solubilities. Also usable are a combination of a soluble material and reinforcing fibres, preferably natural fibers. For instance, the container may be made of sodium carboxymethylcellulose that may be reinforced by natural fibers. Plasticizers may be added to the material to achieve the desired level of solubility.
In any embodiment of the second aspect, the toilet flushable container may have a capacity of from 600 ml to 1000 ml, preferably from 600 ml to 700 ml.
In any embodiment of the second aspect, the toilet flushable container may comprise means for attaching to a holding unit without penetration of the holding unit in the container. In embodiments, this means may be suitable for attaching the holding unit at the front side of the container. In an embodiment, this means may be the collar forming gap between the collar and the rim of the container. The holding unit can hold the collar while penetrating this gap, thereby not penetrating the container. The gap is preferably situated at one of the opposite sides of the collar opening. When the holding unit comprises a jaw, one of the opposite parts of the jaw may penetrate in the gap, thereby allowing the pinching of the fold upon closing of the jaw.
In any embodiment of the second aspect, the toilet flushable container may comprise a guard for protecting a holding unit from urine projections. In preferred embodiments, this guard may take the form of a wall at the front side of the container being higher than a wall at the opposite back side of the container. Preferably, the guard extends above the collar when the container is open and is foldable inside the container, below the collar, when the container is closed. This way, the guard can take minimal space when the container is closed and can be (automatically) deployed upon opening the container. In other words, in embodiments, when the jaw is closed on the fold, the opening of the collar causes the guard, which was up to that point folded inside the folded container, to pop up outside of the unfolded container.
In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a kit of parts comprising:
a. A portable urination weight measurement device according to any embodiment of the first aspect, and
b. A toilet flushable container according to any embodiment of the second aspect.
Typically, the portable urination weight measurement device and the toilet flushable container of the kit are configured such that the jaw can be closed on the fold of the collar thereby pinching it and opening the toilet flushable container.
Particular and preferred aspects of the invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features from the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims and with features of other dependent claims as appropriate and not merely as explicitly set out in the claims.
Although there has been constant improvement, change and evolution of devices in this field, the present concepts are believed to represent substantial new and novel improvements, including departures from prior practices, resulting in the provision of more efficient, stable and reliable devices of this nature.
The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.
In the different figures, the same reference signs refer to the same or analogous elements.
The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.
Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.
Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.
It is to be noticed that the term “comprising”, used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device comprising means A and B” should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.
Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term “coupled”, also used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to direct connections only. The terms “coupled” and “connected”, along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device A coupled to a device B” should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. “Coupled” may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.
Similarly it should be appreciated that in the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.
Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.
Furthermore, some of the embodiments are described herein as a method or combination of elements of a method that can be implemented by a processor of a computer system or by other means of carrying out the function. Thus, a processor with the necessary instructions for carrying out such a method or element of a method forms a means for carrying out the method or element of a method. Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention.
In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.
The following terms are provided solely to aid in the understanding of the invention.
The invention will now be described by a detailed description of several embodiments of the invention. It is clear that other embodiments of the invention can be configured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit or technical teaching of the invention, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
In
The bottom part (125b) encloses a battery holder. A battery (13) may be included in the battery holder. Also depicted is a piece of elastomeric polyurethane (1231) having an arc shape which end points are oriented toward the front of the handle (12), i.e. toward the holding unit (11).
The bottom part (125b) has an opening at an extremity thereof for permitting the holding unit (11) to penetrate the case (125) in which it is attached to the weight measurement unit (121, 122), e.g. via a strain gauge (121). The part of the holding unit (11) which penetrates the case (125) is the arm of the weighting control ring (1133). The opening is provided with a gasket (1252) allowing the case (125) to remain water-tight while allowing the holding unit (11) to displace itself vertically as a result of the weight exerted thereon. The height of the opening serves as a stop to restrain excessive movement of the holding unit (11) and to thereby prevent damaging the weight measurement unit (121, 122).
The weight measurement unit may comprise a strain gauge (121) and an electronic circuit (122) suitable for converting a strain measurement into a weight signal. The strain gauge is coupled to the holding unit (11) in such a way as to allow the measurement of a strain caused by a weight exerted on the holding unit (11). The strain gauge (121) is fixed to the bottom part (125b) of the handle case (125). The strain gauge (121) is coupled to the electronic circuit (122) in such a way as to allow converting the strain measurement into a weight signal.
The handle (12) further comprises a release mechanism (126) coupled to the holding unit (11) in such a way as to allow the release of the container (2). The release mechanism (126) comprises a pressure button (1261) for releasing the container (2). The pressure button (1261) is at the back of the handle (125), i.e. at the extremity away from the holding unit (11), and is accessible by a user. The pressure button (1261) acts via a spring (1265). The pressure button (1261) is connected to a rod (1262) so that a pressure on the pressure button (1261) translates into a movement of the rod (1262) along its length. The release mechanism further comprises a rocker mechanism (1263, 1265, 1266) and a fork (1264). The rocker mechanism (1263, 1265, 1266) is coupled to the rod (1262) and to the fork (1264) in such a way that a forward motion of the rod (1262) translates into a backward motion of the fork (1264). The rocker mechanism comprises a rocker lever axis (1263), a self-pressure spring (1265) and a rocker control lever (1266). The self-pressure spring (1265) and the rocker control lever (1266) are engaged on the rocker lever axis (1263). The rocker control lever (1266) is engaged with the rod (1262) and with fork (1264). The fork (1264) is coupled to the holding unit (11) in such a way as to control its opening.
Also visible in
Visible in
The male fastener (1132) and the female fastener (1134), once mated, form an axis of rotation around which the ring (43) belonging to the first part (1111) of the jaw, the central control ring (1131), and the ring (44) belonging to the second part (1112) of the jaw can rotate. The arm (47) is attached to the weight measurement unit via attachment to the strain gauge (121).
We now refer back to
The collar (22) is a strip (22) formed of a first and a second piece preferably formed of a same material. The first piece is longer than the second piece. The long piece is folded in two equal parts by a fold at the front of the collar (22). The two extremities of the long piece are glued to the short piece which forms the back of the collar (2). At rest, the collar (22) is flat. The collar (22) is secured to the outside of a sidewall of the container (2) and in particular to the rim (21) thereof, via at least two attachment points and the distance along the strip between two of the at least two attachment points is larger than a corresponding distance along the sidewall (or rim thereof) of the container (2) along said two of the at least two attachment points, thereby forming a gap (23) between the strip (22) and the sidewall of the container (2). The gap (23) is at the front side (f) of the container (2) and serves as a means (23) for attaching to a holding unit (11) without penetration of the holding unit (11) in the container (2). The toilet flushable container (2) comprises a guard (24) for protecting a holding unit (11) from urine projections.
The depicted container (2) has a capacity of 650 ml.
Hereafter is an example of procedure the device may follow making use of the user interface:
After the device is powered on using the power switch:
During tare measurement, the device may start to make acquisitions of the weight (A/D conversion of the weight sensor) and, at the same time, make acquisitions of the 3-axis acceleration. Using these data, the CPU (e.g. via its embedded software) can for instance:
Tell the user the tilt angle is too high if it applies;
Tell the user the movements are too high if it applies;
Tell the user he/she can start urinating;
During the urination, the CPU doesn't have to make any specific computation or acquisition for a simple measurement, but in embodiments, it may record continuously the weight and the angular position for further analysis. A simple logo tells the user to urinate and to press a button when urination is over.
When the diuresis is over and the user validates it with the button, the measurement process of the total weight (tare +diuresis) can start similarly to the tare measurement with the combined data from the weight sensor and 3-axis accelerometer. A difference is that since urine is present in the disposable part, liquid waves can occur because of the movements of the user's hand. These waves would then be present in the measured signals and a proper adaptive filtering may be done by the CPU in order to have a good balance between the precision of the measure and the necessary “quite” time of the liquid. The CPU may therefore be adapted for perform this filtering.
Once the final weight has been measured (user is quite enough and with reasonable angle form the horizontal), the CPU may compute the weight difference between after and before urination and store in non-volatile memory the weight with the time and date of the measurement. Optionally, the CPU may store the whole curve for further analysis by the person who will analyse the data.
Once the weight difference between the after and before urination has been computed, it may be transformed by the CPU into a volume and the urinated volume (or weight) may be confirmed and displayed.
The user can now shut the system down and release the disposable part.
It is to be understood that although preferred embodiments, specific constructions and configurations, as well as materials, have been discussed herein for devices according to the present invention, various changes or modifications in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of this invention. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17175293.4 | Jun 2017 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2018/065065 | 6/7/2018 | WO | 00 |
