Dehydration Estimation Device Using Sweat Electrolyte Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for monitoring dehydration in individuals, such as biochemical tests, require blood sampling and are not suitable for continuous measurement, making it difficult to effectively assess dehydration state without invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A dehydration estimation device and method that estimates blood electrolyte concentration using sweat amount and electrolyte concentration, measured by wearable sensors, to determine dehydration status without blood sampling, incorporating units for sweat measurement, electrolyte concentration estimation, heart rate, temperature, and humidity analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If biochemical tests are used to measure electrolyte concentration in blood, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to required blood sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sweat as an intermediary substance to indirectly measure blood electrolyte concentration. Instead of directly sampling blood, the device collects sweat and measures its electrolyte concentration, which serves as a proxy indicator for blood electrolyte status. This mediator approach enables continuous monitoring without repeated blood draws.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive blood sampling process with a non-invasive sweat collection and analysis system. By substituting the blood sampling mechanism with sweat-based measurement, the system achieves continuous monitoring capability while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If blood sampling is performed for electrolyte measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to repeated sampling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous sweat collection and electrolyte measurement, eliminating the intermittent nature of blood sampling. The system continuously monitors electrolyte levels through sweat analysis, providing uninterrupted data without requiring repeated sampling events that consume time.
Solution Approach 2:
By using sweat as a continuous intermediary medium, the system avoids the time-consuming repeated blood sampling process. Sweat can be collected continuously or at frequent intervals without the logistical constraints of blood draws, significantly reducing time loss.
3Ease of operation
If sweat electrolyte concentration is measured to estimate blood electrolyte concentration, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to individual differences in sweat electrolyte content
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to account for individual variations in sweat electrolyte concentration. By continuously monitoring and adjusting measurements based on individual baseline data and environmental factors, the system compensates for variability and maintains estimation accuracy despite differences between individuals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts measurement parameters and calculation models based on individual characteristics and environmental conditions. By dynamically changing measurement parameters to account for individual differences in sweat composition, the system maintains precision while using the convenient sweat-based measurement approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A dehydration estimation device includes one or more processors and a storage device storing a program to be executed by the one or more processors, the program including instructions for estimating a blood electrolyte concentration of a measurement subject, and determining presence or absence of dehydration of the measurement subject on a basis of the blood electrolyte concentration.