Exhaled Breath Hydration Estimation via ISB Volume Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current exhaled breath analysis methods focus on biomarker detection and do not effectively estimate hydration levels in subjects, as they rely on absolute exhaled breath condensate volume without considering the isothermic saturation boundary (ISB) in the respiratory system.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that determine the volume of air above the ISB in the respiratory system by measuring absolute humidity and volume of exhaled air over time, correcting for the subject's weight and ambient conditions, using sensors to estimate hydration levels by comparing the volume above the ISB to reference values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current exhaled breath analysis methods focus on biomarker detection using absolute exhaled breath condensate volume, then sample collection for biomarker analysis is achieved, but hydration level estimation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the exhaled breath analysis into two distinct measurement components: (1) total exhaled breath volume measurement for biomarker analysis, and (2) volume above ISB measurement for hydration assessment. This segmentation allows both biomarker detection and hydration estimation to be performed independently without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between maintaining biomarker detection accuracy and preserving hydration information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new measurement parameter (volume above ISB) that is fundamentally different from the traditional absolute condensate volume. By changing the measurement parameter from total breath volume to volume above ISB, the system can estimate hydration levels while the total volume measurement continues to support biomarker analysis, thus preventing information loss.
2Quantity of substance
If devices cool exhaled breath to induce condensation for biomarker analysis, then condensate sample collection is improved, but direct measurement of volume above ISB becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of the volume above ISB using humidity sensors during the exhalation process, before the breath is cooled and condensed. This preliminary action captures the hydration-relevant volume data before the condensation process alters the breath characteristics, thereby maintaining measurement precision while still achieving adequate condensate collection for biomarker analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses humidity sensors as intermediary devices to indirectly measure the volume above ISB without requiring direct measurement of the condensed breath. The humidity sensors detect water vapor concentration during exhalation, which serves as an intermediary indicator for calculating volume above ISB, thus preserving measurement precision while allowing condensate collection to proceed.
3Quantity of substance
If the volume of exhaled air is used for biomarker dilution calculation, then sample size adequacy is ensured, but hydration status indication is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the volume measurement into two functional uses: total exhaled breath volume for biomarker dilution calculations, and volume above ISB for hydration status indication. This segmentation ensures that the sample size adequacy for biomarker analysis is maintained while simultaneously preserving the hydration status information through the separate volume above ISB measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the exhaled breath measurement system universal by enabling it to serve multiple functions: (1) providing total volume data for biomarker analysis and dilution calculations, and (2) providing volume above ISB data for hydration status assessment. This multi-functionality prevents information loss while ensuring adequate sample collection.
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
Accurately estimates hydration status by determining the volume of air above the ISB, providing a reliable indication of dehydration levels, which is not achievable with existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the concentration of water vapour in the gas stream exhaled by the subject
Implementation Method 2
cool the exhaled breath down to induce condensation to allow subsequent analysis of biomarkers
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an aspect there is provided a method of determining the health of a subject, the method comprising determining the absolute humidity and volume of air exhaled by the subject over time; and analysing the determined absolute humidity and volume of air exhaled by the subject to determine a characteristic of the air that was above the isothermic saturation boundary, ISB, of the subject.