Contact Area Diffusion Factor for Fat Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a reliable diagnostic apparatus to measure the amount of fat entering the bloodstream during liposuction, which increases the risk of fat embolism syndrome (FES), a potentially fatal complication.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the calculation of the contact area diffusion factor (CADF) from images of liquid droplets placed on a water-repellent surface, where the change in contact area over time indicates the presence and quantity of free fatty acids or LDL, allowing for early detection of fat in body fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional diagnostic apparatuses are used, then general medical diagnostics can be performed, but measurement of fat content in body fluids is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from direct fat content analysis to contact area diffusion factor (CADF) measurement. By measuring the change in contact area of liquid droplets over time on a hydrophobic surface, the system indirectly quantifies fat content through the relationship between surface tension and fat concentration, achieving fat measurement capability without requiring complex spectroscopic or chromatographic equipment.
2Measurement precision
If complex analytical methods like gas chromatography are used, then accurate fat analysis can be achieved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical and chemical analytical systems (gas chromatography, HPLC) with a simple optical measurement system. By capturing images of liquid droplets and calculating CADF values through image processing, the system achieves fat content measurement using only a camera and basic computational algorithms, eliminating the need for complex chromatographic columns, detectors, and sample preparation equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates an optical copy (image) of the liquid droplet's contact area on the hydrophobic surface. By measuring the contact area from the captured image and calculating CADF, the system derives fat content information from this visual representation, replacing the need for direct chemical analysis with an optical measurement approach.
3Reliability
If no diagnostic method is available, then liposuction procedures can be performed without monitoring, but risk of fat embolism syndrome increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a hydrophobic surface as an intermediary between the liquid sample and the measurement system. This surface selectively interacts with fat-containing liquids by altering droplet contact area based on surface tension changes caused by fat concentration. The hydrophobic surface acts as a mediator that translates invisible fat content into measurable contact area changes, enabling fat detection in body fluids for patient safety monitoring during and after liposuction procedures.
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 the quantitative measurement of fat in body fluids, facilitating the prevention of FES during liposuction and other procedures, and provides a non-invasive means to monitor fat metabolism for obesity management and healthcare.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a contact diameter, d (t) , after the lapse of predetermined time (t) from said magnified image
Implementation Method 2
placing liquid on a water-repellant surface as a droplet
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a method for determining the presence of fats in the body fluid by photographing a body fluid droplet and calculating the change of the contact area of the body fluid droplet and the contact area diffusion factor. In addition, according to the present invention, fats may be easily detected by using a simple filming equipment where it is required to detect fats such as liposuctions, various orthopedic operations, obesity managements, etc.