A microfluidic chip for human urine detection

Abstract

This invention relates to a microfluidic chip for human urine detection. The chip body has a sample dispensing channel, a flow distribution chamber, and a quantitative chamber. A row of flow indicators is arranged on the display panel, and a one-way groove is formed on the display panel. A slider that moves within the one-way groove is arranged on the chip body, and a syringe is mounted on the slider. The input end of the syringe is connected to the quantitative chamber, and a semi-permeable membrane is provided inside the syringe. The unidirectional movement of the slider within the one-way groove drives the output end of the syringe to connect sequentially to each flow indicator. The syringe delivers a quantitative amount of urine from the quantitative chamber through the semi-permeable membrane to the flow indicators. The flow indicators display the change in flow based on the volume of liquid inside them. This invention corresponds multiple urine test results to a set of sequentially arranged flow indicators, and the change in flow of each indicator directly reflects the water content of a single urine sample. This linear array layout facilitates direct observation of the dynamic change trend of urine water content over time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of microfluidic detection technology, specifically to a microfluidic chip for detecting human urine. Background Technology

[0002] Laboratory on a chip (LOC) is an important detection technology in fields such as medicine and analytical chemistry, where analytes are detected using on-device technology. Microfluidic chips are one of the more important detection devices in LOC detection technology. In existing microfluidic chips, the channel diameter is typically only 100 nanometers to 100 micrometers. The analyte needs to flow through the channel into a small split chamber, requiring highly precise instruments to generate a certain driving force to propel the analyte flow.

[0003] With increasing public awareness of health issues, more and more people hope to conveniently monitor their health at home, thereby making targeted improvements to their routines and lifestyles to enhance their overall well-being. Urine testing, as a basic and widely applicable health checkup, can detect and indicate most abnormalities in the body.

[0004] For example, the "microfluidic chip for detecting diseases based on urine" disclosed in patent publication number CN114669338B solves the problem of unstable temperature in urine detection by setting up an independent heating tank and a conductive rod control system driven by heat-sensitive liquid, and realizes high-precision detection under constant temperature reaction conditions.

[0005] Assessing urine concentration and dilution capabilities is a fundamental and crucial aspect of clinical laboratory testing, primarily reflected by two key indicators: urine specific gravity and urine osmolarity. This assessment accurately reflects the body's hydration status and the kidney's core concentrating function. However, most current microfluidic chip-based urine analysis technologies can only perform single-sample tests and cannot continuously monitor urine water content, thus making it difficult to capture its dynamic changes over time. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a microfluidic chip for human urine detection to solve the aforementioned problems.

[0007] This invention provides the following technical solution:

[0008] A microfluidic chip for detecting human urine includes a chip body, which has a sample dispensing channel, a flow splitter, and a quantitative chamber. One end of the sample dispensing channel is connected to the flow splitter, and the flow splitter and the quantitative chamber are connected through the flow splitter.

[0009] The chip body is provided with a ventilation channel, one end of which is connected to the metering chamber. A one-way valve is provided on the diversion channel, and an exhaust liquid-blocking membrane is provided on the ventilation channel.

[0010] It also includes a display panel with a row of stroke indicators and a one-way groove. The chip body has a slider that moves unidirectionally within the one-way groove. The slider has a syringe, the syringe input end of which is connected to a metering chamber. The syringe has a semi-permeable membrane inside.

[0011] The slider moves unidirectionally within the unidirectional groove, causing the syringe output end to connect sequentially with each stroke display.

[0012] The syringe delivers a measured amount of urine from the metering chamber through a semi-permeable membrane to the flow indicator; the flow indicator controls and displays the flow changes according to the volume of liquid inside it.

[0013] Preferably, the chip body is provided with a sample section, the sample section and the shunt cavity are connected by a sample addition channel, and it also includes a first pressure cover for opening and closing the sample section opening, the first pressure cover being provided with an airbag.

[0014] Preferably, the chip body is provided with an air inlet, the air inlet and the metering chamber are connected by a ventilation channel, and it also includes a second pressure cover for opening and closing the air inlet, the second pressure cover being provided with an airbag.

[0015] Preferably, the syringe includes a needle body, a needle tip, and a return spring. One end of the needle tip slides in a liquid-sealed manner within the needle body. The needle body is connected to a metering chamber. The return spring pushes the inlet of the needle tip to be normally isolated from the inner cavity of the needle body.

[0016] Preferably, the unidirectional chute includes a vertical chute and an oblique chute connected alternately end to end, and a step is provided at the junction of the vertical chute and the oblique chute; the extension direction of the vertical chute is consistent with the movement direction of the needle.

[0017] Preferably, the semi-permeable membrane is disposed inside the needle tip.

[0018] Preferably, the slider is provided with an elastic push rod, which is kept in contact with the inner wall of the one-way groove by its elastic force.

[0019] Preferably, the travel indicator includes a movable cylinder and a fixed cylinder with interconnected inner cavities forming a telescopic structure. The fixed cylinder is fixed to the display panel, and the open end of the fixed cylinder is provided with a spherical rubber stopper. The needle of the syringe passes through the rubber stopper and communicates with the inner cavities of the movable cylinder and the fixed cylinder.

[0020] Preferably, an indicator is provided on the outside of the movable cylinder, and the display panel is provided with scales that correspond one-to-one with the indicator.

[0021] Preferably, it also includes a pull rope that passes through each indicator in sequence, with a wire clamp at each end of the pull rope, and a tension spring between the wire clamp and the adjacent indicator, the tension spring being sleeved on the outside of the pull rope.

[0022] The present invention has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0023] This invention maps multiple urine test results to a set of sequentially arranged flow displays, with the flow changes of each display visually reflecting the water content of a single urine sample. This linear array layout facilitates direct observation of the dynamic changes in urine water content over time.

[0024] This invention employs a sliding block and a one-way groove mechanism to ensure that the syringe connects to each stroke indicator in a predetermined order. This one-way sequential mechanism forcibly guarantees that the indicator arrangement order matches the usage order, effectively preventing confusion.

[0025] In this invention, the various indicators are linked by a pull cord. This design integrates these discrete indicators into a whole, allowing for a more intuitive presentation of their continuous changing trends. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the chip body and its cooperating components of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the syringe of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the slider structure of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the display panel and its mating components of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a partial schematic diagram of the unidirectional chute of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional sectional view of the travel display of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the various travel displays and pull ropes of the present invention.

[0034] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0035] 1. Chip body; 11. Sample section; 12. First pressure cover; 13. Air inlet; 14. Second pressure cover; 15. Sample dispensing channel; 16. Diversion channel; 17. Ventilation channel; 18. One-way valve; 19. Exhaust liquid-blocking membrane; 2. Diversion chamber; 3. Quantitative chamber; 4. Display panel; 41. One-way slide; 411. Vertical slide; 412. Angled slide; 5. Slider; 51. Elastic push rod; 6. Syringe; 61. Needle body; 62. Needle tip; 621. Liquid inlet; 622. Semi-permeable membrane; 63. Return spring; 7. Stroke indicator; 71. Movable cylinder; 72. Fixed cylinder; 73. Rubber stopper; 8. Indicator; 81. Pull rope; 82. Wire clamp; 83. Tension spring. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] Example:

[0038] A microfluidic chip for detecting human urine, such as Figures 1-8 As shown, it includes a chip body 1 and a display panel 4.

[0039] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, a one-way slide groove 41 is provided on one side of the display panel 4. The one-way slide groove 41 includes a vertical slide groove 411 and an inclined slide groove 412 connected end to end in sequence. The free end of the elastic push rod 51 in the slider 5 abuts against the inner sidewall of the vertical slide groove 411 and the inclined slide groove 412. The tail end of the vertical slide groove 411 is connected to the head end of the inclined slide groove 412 and forms a step (such as...). Figure 6 (As shown by the red line in the image), the tail end of the inclined slide 412 connects to the head end of another set of vertical slides 411 and forms a step (as shown by the red line in the image). Figure 6 (As shown by the red line in the image), the steps have a height difference, which causes the free end of the elastic push rod 51 in the slider 5 to move unidirectionally on the inner sidewalls of the vertical slide groove 411 and the inclined slide groove 412, making it impossible to cross the steps in the opposite direction.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, the slider 5 is provided with an elastic push rod 51. The elastic push rod 51 has its own elastic force. Under the action of the elastic force of the elastic push rod 51, its end is kept in contact with the inner side wall of the vertical slide groove 411 and the inclined slide groove 412. The slider 5 is provided with a roller. The roller guides the slider 5 to move on the display panel 4 along the arrangement direction of the stroke display 7. At the same time, the roller can move on the slider 5 (in the same direction as the movement of the needle 62).

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown, a row of equally spaced stroke indicators 7 is arranged on one side of the display panel 4. The number of stroke indicators 7 corresponds one-to-one with the number of vertical slides 411 and they are used in conjunction. Figure 7 As shown, the stroke indicator 7 includes a movable cylinder 71, a fixed cylinder 72, and a rubber stopper 73. The fixed cylinder 72 is fixed to the side wall of the display panel 4. The movable cylinder 71 slides linearly relative to the fixed cylinder 72 in a liquid-sealed manner. A liquid storage space is formed between the movable cylinder 71 and the fixed cylinder 72. The movable cylinder 71 has an exhaust port with a corresponding exhaust liquid-resistant membrane inside. The fixed cylinder 72 has an opening at one end near the syringe 6 and contains a rubber stopper 73. The rubber stopper 73 has a spherical structure and can move freely in all directions within the opening end of the fixed cylinder 72. The direction of movement of the movable cylinder 71 relative to the fixed cylinder 72 is consistent with the extension direction of the vertical sliding groove 411. A spring is also included, which pushes the length of the movable cylinder 71 and the fixed cylinder 72 to tend to decrease.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the chip body 1 is provided with a sample section 11, a first pressure cover 12, an air inlet 13, a second pressure cover 14, a sample dispensing channel 15, a flow splitting channel 16, a ventilation channel 17, a flow splitting chamber 2, and a quantitative chamber 3.

[0043] The shunt chamber 2 is connected to the sample section 11 through the sample addition channel 15. The shunt chamber 2 is connected to the quantitative chamber 3 through the shunt channel 16. A one-way valve 18 is provided in the end of the shunt channel 16 connected to the quantitative chamber 3. The quantitative chamber 3 is connected to the air inlet 13 through the ventilation channel 17. An exhaust liquid-blocking membrane 19 is provided in the end of the ventilation channel 17 connected to the quantitative chamber 3. The exhaust liquid-blocking membrane is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0044] The first pressure cover 12 is detachably threaded to the sample part 11. The first pressure cover 12 is provided with a corresponding airbag. The airbag is located on one side of the first pressure cover 12 in the axial direction. When the airbag is pressed and deformed, urine flows from the diversion chamber 2 to the quantitative chamber 3.

[0045] The second pressure cover 14 is detachably threaded to the air inlet 13. The second pressure cover 14 is provided with a corresponding airbag. The airbag is located on one side of the second pressure cover 14 in the axial direction. When the airbag is pressed and deformed, the urine in the metering chamber 3 is discharged to the flow display 7 through the syringe 6.

[0046] like Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, it also includes a syringe 6, which includes a needle body 61, a needle tip 62, and a return spring 63. The needle body 61 is connected to the metering chamber 3. One end of the needle tip 62 slides linearly within the needle body 61 in a liquid-sealed manner, forming a telescopic structure. A return spring 63 is provided between the needle body 61 and the needle tip 62. The elastic force of the return spring 63 pushes the needle body 61 and the needle tip 62 to tend to extend to... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, the inlet 621 of the needle 62 is in a state of being disconnected from the inner cavity of the needle body 61; a semi-permeable membrane 622 can be provided at the outlet of the needle 62 or inside the needle body 61.

[0047] like Figure 5 , Figure 8 As shown, a scale (not shown in the attached figure) is provided on the outer wall of the display panel 4. The scale and the indicator 8 are used to display the stroke change of the corresponding stroke display 7. An indicator 8 is fixedly provided on the outer wall of the movable cylinder 71. An indicator needle is provided on the indicator 8 and points to the scale. A pull rope 81 is also included. The pull rope 81 moves through each indicator 8 in sequence according to the arrangement of the stroke display 7. A wire clamp 82 is fixedly provided at both ends of the pull rope 81. The wire clamp 82 cannot pass through the indicator 8 for positioning. A tension spring 83 is provided on the pull rope 81. The tension spring 83 is located between the outermost indicator 8 and the wire clamp 82. The elastic force of the tension spring 83 keeps the pull rope 81 in a taut state.

[0048] Working principle:

[0049] The urine sample to be tested flows through the sample section 11 and the sample application channel 15 into the diversion chamber 2. The first pressure cap 12 is threadedly connected to the opening of the sample section 11. At this time, the opening of the air inlet 13 is open. Pressing the air bladder of the first pressure cap 12 pushes the urine in the diversion chamber 2 to flow unidirectionally into the quantitative chamber 3 through the diversion channel 16, so that the quantitative chamber 3 is filled with the urine sample to be tested. During this process, the gas is discharged from the air inlet 13 through the ventilation channel 17. During this process, the urine overflow is prevented by the exhaust liquid-blocking membrane 19 of the ventilation channel 17.

[0050] Then, the second pressure cover 14 is threadedly connected to the air inlet 13. An external force is applied to push the free end of the elastic push rod 51 of the slider 5 to move in the vertical slide groove 411 to the head end of the downstream adjacent inclined slide groove 412. During this process, the syringe 6 is pushed to move along the length direction of the vertical slide groove 411, so that the needle 62 in the syringe 6 is inserted into the corresponding rubber stopper 73. During this process, the needle 62 is pushed to move relative to the needle body 61 to reduce its length, so that the liquid inlet of the needle 62 is connected to the needle body 61. The return spring 63 generates a reverse elastic force, which can block the reverse elastic force of the return spring 63 under the action of the step between the vertical slide groove 411 and the inclined slide groove 412.

[0051] Pressing the air bladder of the second pressure cap 14 pushes the urine in the metering chamber 3 through the syringe 6 into the inner cavity of the movable cylinder 71 and the fixed cylinder 72. Under the action of the semi-permeable membrane 622, the solute in the urine is blocked, allowing only water to pass through. Water molecules flow into the inner cavity of the movable cylinder 71 and the fixed cylinder 72. Under the action of the water molecules, the movable cylinder 71 moves relative to the fixed cylinder 72, expanding its length.

[0052] The movement of the active tube 71 is determined by the indicator 8 and the scale on it, thereby determining the water content of the urine sample.

[0053] An external force is applied to push the free end of the elastic push rod 51 of the slider 5 from the head end of the inclined slide 412 to the head end of another set of vertical slides 411 downstream. During this process, since the length direction of the needle 62 forms a certain angle with the inclined slide 412, and since the free end of the elastic push rod 51 of the slider 5 and the one-way slide 41 have a point-to-surface cooperation relationship, the slider 5 can move relative to the display plate 4 within a certain range; and the rubber stopper 73 rotates relative to the opening end of the fixed cylinder 72, which together prevents the needle 62 from being damaged during the process of being pulled out of the rubber stopper 73.

[0054] Then repeat the above steps to filter a certain amount of urine through the semi-permeable membrane 622 and deliver it to another set of adjacent flow displays 7.

[0055] Users can measure the water content of urine at set time intervals, thereby measuring the water content of urine sequentially on a row of flow displays 7 in chronological order. This allows for a direct comparison of the water content of urine measured before and after, and a clear indication of changes in urine water content over a period of time, providing a basis for users' health analysis.

[0056] The different extension distances of each stroke display 7 can be further observed by the zigzag line formed by the always taut pull rope 81, which shows the rising and falling trend of moisture content.

[0057] In another embodiment, to avoid the effects of mixing urine from the beginning and end, the shunt chamber 2 and the metering chamber 3 can be configured separately to form a single component. After one use, the shunt chamber 2 and the metering chamber 3 can be pried off the chip body 1 and replaced with a new one.

[0058] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of specific implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A microfluidic chip for detecting human urine, comprising a chip body (1), wherein the chip body (1) has a sample application channel (15), a shunt chamber (2), and a quantitative chamber (3), one end of the sample application channel (15) is connected to the shunt chamber (2), and the shunt chamber (2) and the quantitative chamber (3) are connected through a shunt channel (16), characterized in that: The chip body (1) is provided with a ventilation channel (17), one end of the ventilation channel (17) is connected to the metering chamber (3), a one-way valve (18) is provided on the diversion channel (16), and an exhaust liquid-blocking membrane (19) is provided on the ventilation channel (17). It also includes a display panel (4), on which a row of stroke displays (7) are provided. A one-way groove (41) is provided on the display panel (4). A slider (5) that moves unidirectionally in the one-way groove (41) is provided on the chip body (1). A syringe (6) is provided on the slider (5). The input end of the syringe (6) is connected to the metering chamber (3). A semi-permeable membrane (622) is provided inside the syringe (6). The syringe (6) includes a needle body (61), a needle tip (62), and a return spring (63). The slider (5) moves unidirectionally within the one-way groove (41), driving the output end of the syringe (6) to connect sequentially with each stroke display (7); the one-way groove (41) includes a vertical groove (411) and an oblique groove (412) connected sequentially and alternately, and a step is provided at the connection between the vertical groove (411) and the oblique groove (412); the extension direction of the vertical groove (411) is consistent with the movement direction of the needle (62); The syringe (6) delivers a quantitative amount of urine from the quantitative chamber (3) through a semi-permeable membrane (622) to the flow display (7); the flow display (7) controls and displays the flow change according to the size of the internal liquid volume; the flow display (7) includes a movable cylinder (71) and a fixed cylinder (72) with interconnected inner cavities forming a telescopic structure. The fixed cylinder (72) is fixed on the display panel (4), and the open end of the fixed cylinder (72) is provided with a spherical rubber stopper (73). The needle (62) of the syringe (6) passes through the rubber stopper (73) and communicates with the inner cavities of the movable cylinder (71) and the fixed cylinder (72).

2. The microfluidic chip for detecting human urine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chip body (1) is provided with a sample section (11), and the sample section (11) and the shunt cavity (2) are connected by a sample addition channel (15). It also includes a first pressure cover (12) for opening and closing the opening of the sample section (11), and an airbag is provided on the first pressure cover (12).

3. The microfluidic chip for detecting human urine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chip body (1) is provided with an air inlet (13), and the air inlet (13) and the metering chamber (3) are connected by a ventilation channel (17). It also includes a second pressure cover (14) for opening and closing the opening of the air inlet (13), and an airbag is provided on the second pressure cover (14).

4. The microfluidic chip for detecting human urine according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the needle (62) slides in a liquid seal inside the needle body (61). The needle body (61) is connected to the metering chamber (3). The reset spring (63) pushes the liquid inlet (621) of the needle (62) to be normally separated from the inner cavity of the needle body (61).

5. A microfluidic chip for detecting human urine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The semi-permeable membrane (622) is disposed inside the needle (62).

6. The microfluidic chip for detecting human urine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slider (5) is provided with an elastic push rod (51), which is kept in contact with the inner wall of the one-way groove (41) by its elastic force.

7. A microfluidic chip for detecting human urine according to claim 1, characterized in that, An indicator (8) is provided on the outside of the movable cylinder (71), and a scale is provided on the display panel (4) that corresponds to the indicator (8).

8. A microfluidic chip for detecting human urine according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a pull rope (81) that passes through each indicator (8) in sequence. Each end of the pull rope (81) is provided with a wire clamp (82). A tension spring (83) is provided between the wire clamp (82) and the adjacent indicator (8). The tension spring (83) is sleeved on the outside of the pull rope (81).

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