Dermal Patch Microfluidic Tubules for Transdermal Blood Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current personal diagnostic devices lack the integration of MEMS, Bio-MEMS, and nano-based technologies to provide real-time patient diagnostic information without medical professional intervention, relying on complex lab equipment for blood or urine sample processing.
Innovation Solution
Development of an interactive dermal patch or bracelet with a skin/patch interface, analysis or processing layers, and user output interfaces using MEMS, Bio-MEMS, and nano-technologies for real-time diagnostic tests, capable of collecting and analyzing transdermal biological samples, detecting airborne agents, and providing user-friendly output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex lab equipment is used for blood or urine sample processing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional layers including sample acquisition layer, fluid processing layer, results detection layer, and signal processing layer. Each layer performs a specific function, allowing complex diagnostic capabilities to be distributed across simple, modular components that can be manufactured and assembled independently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate processing layers between sample collection and final detection. The fluid processing layer contains reagents and channels that mediate the interaction between the biological sample and detection elements, enabling complex analytical functions through controlled chemical and physical processes
2Measurement precision
If complex lab equipment is used for sample processing, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs sample processing automatically through integrated microfluidic channels and reagent layers that guide the biological sample through extraction, separation, and detection processes without requiring user intervention. The system self-regulates fluid flow, reagent mixing, and signal generation
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the diagnostic process into discrete functional layers, each handling a specific task, the device enables complex multi-step analysis to be performed through simple sequential operations that are automatically coordinated by the integrated system architecture
3Measurement precision
If medical professional intervention is required for diagnostic tests, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device autonomously performs complete diagnostic workflows from sample acquisition through result generation without requiring medical professional intervention. Integrated sensors, microfluidic systems, and signal processing circuits work together to automatically analyze samples and generate interpretable results
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual laboratory procedures with automated microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and microfluidic devices. Mechanical sample handling, chemical reagent delivery, and optical detection are all performed by miniaturized automated systems that maintain diagnostic accuracy while eliminating the need for trained operators
Data Source
AI summary
Personal diagnostic devices including diagnostic patches (bio-patches) and interactive medical bracelets (bio-bracelets) are provided with a skin/patch interface, at least one analysis layer, a signal processing layer, and a user output interface. Embodiments of the interactive diagnostic devices may include micro-fluidic circuits with reaction chambers, analysis chambers, mixing cambers, and various pre-disposed chemistries or reagents for performing a wide verity of tests by trans-dermal transport of blood or perspiration. Sample collection chambers for the fluidic circuit may include minimally invasive tubules that penetrate the skin surface to acquire blood samples from capillaries near the epidermis. Alternate implementations of the personal diagnostic device may be equipped with logic processing, input/output devices, acoustic microphones, cryogenic circuits, embedded processors, electrical control circuitry, and battery current sources or photovoltaic sources of electrical power.


