Elongate Member Viscosity Detection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the viscosity of fluids, particularly for individuals with dysphagia, are inaccurate and cumbersome, often requiring multiple syringes, subjective assessments, and do not account for temperature or time variations, leading to potential swallowing issues and increased risk of dysphagia-related conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device with an elongate member that remains upright in fluids of correct viscosity, utilizing physical attributes like shape, center of gravity, and density, and potentially incorporating weighted elements and sensors to provide easy, one-handed viscosity measurement and adjustment, allowing for quick discrimination between different viscosity levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the IDDSI syringe flow test is used to assess liquid viscosity, then a standardized method is provided for viscosity assessment, but measurement precision deteriorates due to syringe manufacturing variations, nozzle blockages, and subjective assessment of flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical syringe system with a simple elongate member that relies on basic gravitational and viscous forces. The member's ability to remain upright or fall over provides an objective binary indication of viscosity, eliminating the need for subjective flow rate assessment and mechanical syringe components that vary between manufacturers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual indicators (such as colored bands or markings on the elongate member) that change position or become visible based on the member's orientation. This provides an objective, easily observable result that eliminates subjectivity in viscosity assessment while maintaining standardized testing procedures.
2Reliability
If multiple syringes are used for viscosity testing to prevent contamination, then measurement reliability improves, but device complexity and loss of substance increase due to requiring multiple syringes and discarding samples
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the testing instrument and the indicator device. A single reusable member can be used for multiple viscosity assessments by simply rinsing between tests, eliminating the need for multiple disposable syringes while maintaining test reliability through the member's consistent physical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding entire syringes and liquid samples after single use, the patent employs a reusable elongate member that can be easily cleaned and reused. This recovers the testing instrument for repeated use while minimizing waste of the test liquid, as only minimal rinsing is needed between tests.
3Measurement precision
If the syringe test requires two-handed operation to hold syringe and cover nozzle, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates for patients with limited dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential viscosity assessment function from the complex two-handed syringe procedure. The elongate member's orientation response to viscosity requires only simple insertion and observation, eliminating the need for finger placement, plunger removal, and coordinated two-handed manipulation while preserving the ability to assess viscosity accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate member performs the viscosity assessment automatically through its own physical response (remaining upright or falling over) when placed in the liquid. This self-indicating mechanism eliminates the need for operator dexterity in manipulating components, as the member itself provides the measurement indication through its orientation.
4Measurement precision
If initial liquid volume is reduced by syringe testing, then viscosity assessment is enabled, but loss of substance increases making it difficult to assess additional thickener requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses only the minimal liquid volume needed to surround the elongate member for orientation assessment, rather than requiring large volumes for syringe filling. This partial action approach enables viscosity assessment while preserving the majority of the liquid sample for subsequent adjustments and retesting.
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
The device significantly reduces measurement errors, enables faster and more reliable viscosity assessment, and is reusable, reducing the risk of dysphagia and associated conditions by providing a simple, cost-effective method for ensuring fluids are within safe viscosity ranges.
Implementation Method 1
an elongate member which will remain in or assume a substantially upright or pre-determined position when placed in a fluid having at least the desired viscosity and which is unable to remain in or assume a substantially upright or in the pre-determined position when placed in a fluid having less than the desired viscosity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for determining the correct viscosity of a liquid, comprising member which either remains in or assumes a substantially upright or pre-determined position when placed in a fluid having at least the desired or specified viscosity and is unable to remain in a substantially upright or pre-determined position if a fluid has less than the desired or specified viscosity. The invention also relates to methods and uses of particular devices and is particularly suited to assisting patients suffering from dysphasia (or similar conditions) and who wish to thicken liquids to enable them to allow safe swallowing without aspiration to take place.