Automated Biomarker Analysis and Dispensing System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining and addressing nutrient deficiencies and medical conditions rely on time-consuming and labor-intensive blood testing, often resulting in over- or under-supplementation due to a one-size-fits-all approach, as individuals may not receive tailored dietary supplements or medicaments based on their specific biomarker levels.

Innovation Solution

A device that analyzes a blood sample for biomarkers using miniature spectrometers or photonic lab-on-a-chip sensors, processes the data to determine individual needs, and dispenses customized dietary supplements or medicaments in metered doses through a cartridge system, enabling personalized nutrition and therapy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional one-size-fits-all supplement approach is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision of dosage is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddosage precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from uniform supplementation to personalized supplementation based on individual biomarker profiles. Each user receives a customized dosage regimen tailored to their specific nutrient deficiencies and health conditions, achieving local optimization of dosage precision for each individual while maintaining ease of operation through automated analysis and dispensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If blood testing is performed manually in laboratories, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiomarker measurement precisionVSAvoidtime for blood testing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual laboratory blood testing with automated analysis integrated into the dispensing device. The system incorporates automated sample processing, biomarker analysis, and data interpretation capabilities that perform previously manual tasks automatically, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically reducing the time required for testing and result delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the blood testing, analysis, and supplement dispensing functions into a single integrated device. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate laboratory visits and manual processing steps, allowing the entire workflow from sample collection to personalized supplement dispensing to occur in one location and time, thus reducing time loss while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If over-supplementation occurs, then reliability of nutrient intake is improved, but loss of substance is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenutrient intake reliabilityVSAvoidwastage of supplements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback loop where biomarker levels are continuously monitored and used to adjust supplement dosages. By analyzing current nutrient status and comparing it against optimal ranges, the system dynamically adjusts supplementation levels to match individual needs, ensuring reliable nutrient intake while preventing over-supplementation and the associated waste of resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This solution allows for precise, efficient, and personalized delivery of nutrients and medications based on individual biomarker analysis, reducing wastage and improving clinical outcomes by providing the right nutrients at the right time, thus enhancing user health and well-being.

Implementation Method 1

a sample analysis unit; The sample analysis unit may be selected from, for example, a miniature mass spectrometer, a miniature optical spectrometer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS11532388B2Analysis and dispensing system
Publication Date: 2022.12.20 HILTON ERIC
  • US11532388B2 patent drawing
  • US11532388B2 patent drawing
  • US11532388B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device for dispensing a medicament and/or dietary supplement to a user comprises a housing; a sample inlet unit; a sample analysis unit; a data processing unit; and a dispensing assembly including a cartridge holder and a dispensing mechanism comprising means for dispensing a metered dose of said medicament or dietary supplement. The device may be used in a method for the customised provision of medicaments and/or dietary supplements to a user.