Flexible Integrated Urine Diagnostic Device with Visual Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Urine-based diagnostic devices face challenges in integrating user interface, collection, and testing portions into a single format, require electronic components for results, are difficult to use, especially for women, and contribute to landfill waste due to non-biodegradable materials and rigid structures.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, integrated diagnostic device with microfluidic channels and immunoassays that provides a visual readout without electronics, is flushable or biodegradable, and can be folded for discretion and ease of use, incorporating embossed patterns for sample collection and volume indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single integrated format is used for user interface, collection, and testing portions, then ease of manufacture and ease-of-use are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the user interface, collection portion, and testing portion into a single integrated device format. The collection portion and testing portion are combined in one device, eliminating the need for separate rigid structures and multiple components, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to perform multiple functions within a single integrated structure: sample collection, sample testing, and result display. This multi-functionality approach allows one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, improving ease of manufacture without sacrificing capability.
2Measurement precision
If electronic components are used for result readout, then measurement precision is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic readout components with a visual readout system. Instead of using electronic displays or sensors, the device uses visual indicators such as color changes or visible signals that can be directly observed by the user. This substitution eliminates the need for batteries, circuits, and electronic processing while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for diagnostic purposes.
3Strength
If rigid body structures are used for device support, then structural strength is improved, but ease of operation and discretion are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible support structure instead of a rigid body. The flexible structure provides sufficient structural support to maintain device integrity during use while allowing the device to be folded or bent for convenient carrying and storage. This flexibility improves ease of operation and user discretion without compromising the structural strength needed for proper function.
4Strength
If non-biodegradable materials are used for device construction, then device strength is improved, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using biodegradable materials instead of conventional non-biodegradable plastics. These biodegradable materials are engineered to maintain sufficient structural strength and durability during the device's operational life, then naturally decompose after disposal. This parameter change in material composition reduces environmental harm and landfill waste while preserving the necessary device strength for proper function.
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
Simplifies manufacturing, improves user experience by eliminating electronic components, enhances ease-of-use, and reduces waste by allowing for discreet disposal and compact transportation.
Implementation Method 1
Each diagnostic channel includes an immunoassay for reacting with an analyte in a sample
Implementation Method 2
A flexible, integrated diagnostic device with microfluidic channels
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible, integrated, urine-based diagnostic device designed such that one or more diagnostic channels are integrated into the body of the device. Each diagnostic channel is designed to contain an immunoassay to detect the presence of a selected analyte so that the device can return a visible readout indicating the presence of the analyte. The flexibility of the device aids the user in the sample collection process.