WO-2026096231-A1 - INTELLIGENT FLUID MONITORING CUP SYSTEM FOR HEALTHCARE SETTINGS

Abstract

An intelligent fluid monitoring cup system for healthcare settings comprises a cup body with at least 750mL capacity, double handles, and a twist-on lid providing rotational access for patients with limited mobility. The system incorporates a capacitive sensor capable of detecting fluid level changes less than 0.5mm, providing sub-millimeter precision measurement. A computing device with integrated screen displays real-time fluid intake data, NPO status indicators, and remaining allowances. The system features direct integration with hospital electronic medical records via HL7/FHIR interoperability standards, barcode patient-device association, and nurse verification workflows. Hospital-grade hygiene protocols include sterilizable shells or disposable liner systems for multi-patient clinical environments.

Inventors

• SIEBER, Alyssa

Assignees

• HYDROHEART LLC

Dates

Publication Date

20260507

Application Date

20251021

Priority Date

20241029

Claims (20)

1. CLAIMS
2. I claim:
3. 1. A fluid monitoring cup system for healthcare settings comprising:
4. a) a cup body having a capacity of at least 750mL;
5. b) a twist-on lid providing access through rotational motion;
6. c) a computing device with an integrated screen;
7. d) a sensor capable of measuring fluid level changes of less than 0.5mm;
8. e) a communicative link configured to transmit data to a patient's electronic medical records;
9. f) at least one spill-proof feature;
10. g) double handles affixed to the cup body for enhanced grip; and
11. h) a hygienic component selected from the group consisting of a sterilizable shell and a disposable liner system.
12. 2. The fluid monitoring cup system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a capacitive sensor that detects changes in dielectric constant of contents within the cup body.
13. 3. The fluid monitoring cup system of claim 2, wherein the capacitive sensor has a flexible design with self-adhesive backing applied to an exterior surface of the cup body.
14. 4. The fluid monitoring cup system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is selected from the group consisting of a capacitive sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a laser sensor, and a pressure sensor. 5. The fluid monitoring cup system of claim 1, wherein the twist-on lid is configured to require less force than vertical lifting motion for patient access.
15. 6. The fluid monitoring cup system of claim 1, wherein the cup body capacity of at least 750mL reduces refilling frequency while maintaining manageable weight for patients with weakened grip strength.
16. 7. The fluid monitoring cup system of claim 1, wherein the integrated screen displays:
17. a) remaining fluid available for consumption within a set limit;
18. b) time remaining before fluid intake limit resets; and
19. c) an NPO (Nil Per Os) mode indicator when activated.
20. 8. The fluid monitoring cup system of claim 1, further comprising a barcode positioned on the cup for scanning and linking to a patient's electronic medical records.

Description

PA TENT COOPERAT ION TREATY (PCT) PATENT APPLICATION INTELLIGENT FLUID MONITORING CUP SYSTEM FOR HEALTHCARE SETTINGS Inventor: Alyssa Sieber CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U. S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/713,488, filed October 29, 2024, titled "Intelligent Fluid Monitoring Cup System for Healthcare Settings," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF T HE INVENT ION [0002] The present invention relates generally to medical monitoring devices and healthcare information systems. More particularly, the invention relates to fluid intake monitoring systems for clinical healthcare settings that integrate with electronic medical records and provide realtime patient data management. The invention further relates to intelligent monitoring apparatus and methods for tracking and recording patient fluid consumption in hospital and clinical environments. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Fluid intake monitoring is a critical aspect of patient care, particularly for individuals with conditions such as congestive heart failure, kidney failure, or those preparing for surgery. Accurate tracking of fluid consumption is essential for several reasons. For congestive heart failure patients, excessive fluid intake can exacerbate their condition, potentially leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs and other parts of the body. Proper fluid management is crucial for these patients' recovery and well-being. Inaccurate fluid tracking can result in prolonged hospital stays, increasing both patient discomfort and healthcare costs. A typical mild exacerbation of congestive heart failure may require a 2-3 day hospitalization, costing tens of thousands of dollars per day in the United States. [0004] Current fluid monitoring methods face several challenges that have persisted despite technological advances in healthcare. The search of existing solutions reveals that while consumer-grade "smart." hydration bottles have existed for years, they fail to address the unique requirements of the clinical environment, such as robust hygiene protocols, direct EMR integration, and patient-specific workflow features. Manual recording of fluid intake remains prone to errors and inconsistencies, with patients often needing to ask nurses about their remaining fluid allowance, which strains nursing resources. [0005] Existing consumer smart cups, such as those disclosed in US 2017/0340147 Al to Leech and US 9,382,107 B2 to Pacey, each of which are incorporated herein by reference, are fundamentally designed for personal wellness tracking rather than clinical applications. These devices lack essential features for hospital use, including: (1) ergonomic design elements such as double handles for weakened patients; (2) sterilizable shells or disposable liner systems for hospital hygiene protocols; (3) dedicated NPO (Nil Per Os) mode with clear on-screen indicators; (4) barcode systems for linking devices to specific patient EMRs; (5) direct communicative links using healthcare standards like HL 7 or FHIR for integration with systems like Epic or Cerner; and (6) nurse verification workflows for data integrity. [0006] Traditional cup designs present additional challenges for patient populations requiring fluid monitoring. Standard hospital cups are often too large and heavy for weakened patients to handle comfortably, and conventional lids that must be pulled up create accessibility barriers for patients with limited dexterity or strength. The updated twist-on lid design addresses these limitations by providing easier access through rotational motion rather than vertical lifting, which is particularly beneficial for patients with weakened grip strength or mobility issues. [0007] Measurement accuracy represents another significant challenge in existing approaches. Early measurement systems relied on estimation-based methods or external measurement devices like measurement tape that provided limited precision and were subject to user error. The transition to sensor-based measurement systems addresses these limitations through automated, high-precision monitoring capabilities. [0008] Traditional liquid sensing approaches face significant limitations that have not been adequately addressed in the prior art. Estimation-based measurement methods rely on visual assessment or timing mechanisms that are inherently imprecise and subject to substantial user error, particularly in clinical settings where accuracy is critical. External measurement devices, such as measurement tape systems, provide only limited precision and require manual intervention that introduces additional opportunities for error. Conventional liquid level detection systems suffer from susceptibility to environmental interference, including proximity effects from users or external objects, which can cause measurement drift and compromise accuracy. These approaches fail to achieve