Radio-Frequency Bifilar Helix Sensor for Creatinine Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biomarker detection methods are not fast and accurate enough for point-of-care applications, particularly in measuring biomarkers like creatinine in blood or urine.

Innovation Solution

A radio-frequency sensor with a two-port bifilar helix structure, utilizing a modified inner design and concentrically wrapped cylindrical layers, enhances volumetric sensitivity for instantaneous wireless biomarker detection, particularly creatinine levels in urine and blood, by leveraging electromagnetic wave radiation and regression modeling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional biomarker detection methods are used, then the detection process is simpler, but the detection speed and accuracy are insufficient for point-of-care applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiomarker detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor employs a concentric cylindrical structure with multiple layers nested within each other: an inner cylinder containing the sample, surrounded by a dielectric layer, then a helical antenna, and finally an outer protective layer. This nested configuration maximizes the sensing volume and electromagnetic field interaction with the sample while maintaining a compact form factor, thereby improving measurement precision without excessive size increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from conventional planar or linear sensor designs to a three-dimensional volumetric sensing approach using a cylindrical geometry with helical antenna elements. This dimensional change enables the sensor to interact with the sample throughout its entire volume rather than at a surface or line, significantly enhancing detection accuracy and sensitivity for point-of-care applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If fast and accurate biomarker detection is achieved, then point-of-care applications become viable, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection speedVSAvoidsensor design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor replaces complex mechanical or chemical detection mechanisms with an electromagnetic field-based detection system. The helical antenna generates electromagnetic fields that interact with the dielectric properties of the sample, allowing for rapid, label-free, and contactless detection of biomarkers. This substitution eliminates the need for complex sample preparation, reagents, or mechanical actuation, thereby improving detection speed while managing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor achieves fast detection by tuning electromagnetic parameters such as frequency, impedance, and resonant characteristics of the helical antenna. By optimizing these parameters, the sensor can rapidly respond to changes in sample properties, enabling instantaneous biomarker detection without requiring complex temporal or spatial scanning mechanisms, thus improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 sensor achieves high sensitivity and accuracy in detecting creatinine concentrations with a Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD) of around 7.3% in human urine and 3.28% in human plasma, demonstrating its effectiveness for point-of-care biomarker detection.

Implementation Method 1

A method for instantaneous wireless detection of biomarkers, comprises: using a two-port bifilar helix antenna-based structure, and including a modified inner structure to enhance sensing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction