Automated Urine Test Strip Analysis Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current urine analysis methods using urine test strips are complex and require manual handling, involving immersion in containers, which is inefficient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a supply and removal system to automate the process of feeding and removing urine from an analysis chamber on the test strip, combined with a detection system to optically analyze changes in the test strip's composition, simplifying the analysis process and integrating it with a sanitary facility for convenient urine analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling of urine test strips is used, then the procedure is simple to implement, but the complexity of the analysis process increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically supplying urine to the test strip, detecting the analysis results, and removing the test strip without requiring manual intervention at each step. The automated feed and discharge elements work in coordination with the detection device to create a self-operating analysis system.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling of test strips is replaced by an automated mechanical system consisting of movable feed and discharge elements. These elements automatically position and remove test strips from the analysis chamber, substituting human operations with automated mechanical actions.
2Ease of operation
If automated supply and removal devices are implemented, then the analysis process becomes more efficient, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a supply element for introducing urine, a removal element for discharge, and a detection device for analysis. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall operation despite the increased automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable feed and discharge elements serve multiple functions: they supply urine to the analysis chamber, position test strips, and remove used strips. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If open reservoirs are used in test strips, then the structure is simpler, but the risk of contamination and fluid loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip employs a membrane structure that acts as a flexible barrier to contain urine within the analysis chamber. This thin film structure provides reliable fluid containment while maintaining the simplicity of the test strip design, preventing contamination and fluid loss without requiring complex rigid enclosures.
4Reliability
If multiple encapsulation element sections are used, then the sealing reliability improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation element is divided into multiple sections that can be manufactured and assembled separately. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for specific sealing requirements while simplifying the manufacturing process, as each section can be produced using standard techniques and then combined to form the complete sealed structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device enables a straightforward and integrated analysis of urine, eliminating the need for manual handling and improving the efficiency of urine testing by automating the supply and detection processes, allowing for on-site analysis within a sanitary facility.
Implementation Method 1
the lower encapsulation element section is designed to be elastic in such a way that it sealingly encloses this perforating feed and/or discharge element penetrating into the feed and/or discharge area
Implementation Method 2
a detection device which is used to detect an at least sectional change in at least one optically detectable parameter, which changes in an optically detectable manner depending on the composition of a quantity of urine that comes into contact with it
Data Source
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AI summary
Device (2) for urine analysis, comprising: - a feed and discharge device (7) which is configured to feed a specific quantity of urine into an analysis chamber (9) of a urine test strip (10) having at least one analysis area (8) and to discharge a specific quantity of urine from an analysis chamber (9) of a urine test strip (10) having at least one analysis area (8), wherein the feed and discharge device (7) comprises at least one movably mounted feed and/or discharge element (28, 29) for feeding a specific quantity of urine into a feed area (33) of the analysis chamber (9) of the urine test strip (10) and/or for discharge a specific quantity of urine from a discharge area (34) of the analysis chamber (9) of the urine test strip (10), and - a detection device (11) which is configured to detect at least a partial change in at least one optically detectable parameter,which changes optically depending on the composition of a quantity of urine contacting it, of the or a corresponding analysis area (8) of the or a corresponding urine test strip (10) and is equipped to generate detection information which describes at least one optically detected parameter of the or a corresponding analysis area (8) or a change thereof.