Reusable Medical Tester With Bio-Fluid Rechargeable Micro Battery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional medical devices, especially those used for home testing like pregnancy tests, are expensive and non-reusable, requiring external power sources and lacking in compact, long-lasting battery solutions suitable for miniature implantable devices.

Innovation Solution

A reusable testing device equipped with a self-rechargeable bio-fueling micro battery powered by bio-fluids such as lemon juice, which generates electricity to power the device without external sources, allowing for easy and reliable home pregnancy testing and potential detection of other diseases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If conventional batteries are used in medical devices, then the devices can be powered, but the physical size is large and useful life is short

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuseful lifeVSAvoidphysical size

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition and structure of the battery by incorporating solid-state electrolyte materials and nanostructured electrodes, fundamentally altering the physical and chemical parameters to achieve both miniaturization and extended lifespan

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials combining multiple functional layers including conductive polymers, ceramic electrolytes, and nanomaterials to create a battery that achieves both small size and long duration through synergistic material properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Weight of moving object

If miniature batteries are used in implantable medical devices, then the physical size is reduced, but the power output is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical sizeVSAvoidpower output

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs porous electrode structures with high surface area to volume ratio, allowing increased reaction sites and ion transport pathways within a miniature form factor, thereby maintaining high power output despite reduced physical size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional liquid electrolyte systems with solid-state electrolyte membranes, eliminating mechanical limitations and enabling higher energy density and power output in a compact configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If disposable medical testing devices are used, then they are simple to use, but they are expensive and cannot be reused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoidreusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a rechargeable battery system with automatic charging capability through body heat or external chargers, allowing the device to serve itself and be reused multiple times, eliminating the need for disposal while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the testing device with a universal reusable platform that can perform multiple types of medical tests through interchangeable test strips or cartridges, maintaining simplicity of use while enabling repeated utilization across different diagnostic needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables cost-effective, repeated home pregnancy testing and potential detection of other diseases like heart attack, coronavirus, and malaria, with the device being rechargeable and capable of powering itself using bio-fluids, reducing the need for external power sources.

Implementation Method 1

The micro battery has a bio-membrane configured to diffuse at least one bio-fluid to generate electron flow for recharging the micro battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

The micro battery is a self-rechargeable bio-fueling micro battery that generates electricity from bio-fluids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy conversion: Fuel Cell

Implementation Method 3

the electrolyte is configured to create a conductive path for electrons emitted by an anode electrode and a cathode electrode to generate electricity to recharge the micro battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolyte conduction: Electrolyte

Data Source

PatentUS11249074B1Reusable diagnostic medical tester

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 MESSINGER SAMUEL

AI summary

A multi-use testing device is disclosed that is able to test a user fluid or dissolved tissue samples for a medical condition comprising, e.g.: blood related, heart (FABS enzymes); liver and kidney function; gene mutations; COVID-19; and pregnancy status. The testing device is positioned in a bio-fluid chamber configured to store at least one electrolyte or charging fluid to create a conductive path for electrons emitted by an anode electrode and a cathode electrode to generate electricity to recharge the micro battery. The generated electricity is transferred to power the testing device. The reusable testing device further comprises a computing device configured to control the communication between a user electronic computing device and the testing device. The reusable testing device is dipped into a sample in a container and outputs the encrypted test result for wireless transmission to electronic computing devices.