Bodily Fluid Indicator Device Using Absorbent Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bodily fluid testing methods are lengthy and uncomfortable for subjects, often taking several minutes to determine the amount and composition of bodily fluids, which is not efficient for indicating health concerns such as disease indicators.
Innovation Solution
Bodily fluid indicator devices with a flexible substrate and absorbent material, featuring a graduated scale or reactive features printed with FDA-approved ink, allowing for quick migration and analysis of bodily fluids within less than one minute to determine the amount and composition of saliva, sweat, nasal fluid, breast milk, or vaginal fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional bodily fluid testing methods are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but test duration becomes prolonged (several minutes or longer)
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device is segmented into distinct functional zones: an absorbent region for fluid collection and a graduated scale region for measurement. This segmentation allows fluid to be absorbed and measured simultaneously in different areas, reducing test duration while maintaining accuracy through the structured progression of fluid movement across the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent material acts as an intermediary between fluid collection and measurement. It facilitates rapid fluid transport to the graduated scale while preserving the fluid's physical properties for accurate measurement, enabling quick results without compromising measurement reliability.
2Ease of operation
If conventional testing procedures are used, then comprehensive fluid analysis is achieved, but subject comfort deteriorates due to prolonged testing
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs fluid absorption and measurement automatically without requiring subject intervention after initial application. The absorbent material self-absorbs the fluid and transports it to the measurement zone, eliminating the need for prolonged subject participation and improving comfort while reducing test duration.
3Loss of time
If rapid fluid measurement is implemented, then test duration is reduced, but result readability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device concentrates measurement information in a specific localized region - the graduated scale area. This region is optimized with clear markings and appropriate sizing to ensure high readability. The absorbent region handles fluid collection while the graduated scale region handles precise measurement display, allowing rapid results without sacrificing readability through dedicated functional zones.
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
These devices provide quicker and more easily readable results, enabling healthcare providers or individuals to assess bodily fluid production and composition efficiently, facilitating timely health assessments and potentially improving disease detection.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a bodily fluid with the indicator device for a period of time sufficient to cause the bodily fluid to migrate over a portion of the graduated scale
Data Source
AI summary
Bodily fluid indicator devices, systems, and methods are provided. Such devices, systems, and methods can effectively indicate whether the amount of bodily fluid being produced is within a measurable range, or can characterize various components or features of a bodily fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, a bodily fluid indicator device includes a substrate having a surface. Some portions of the surface are covered with a region of absorbent material and other portions of the surface are devoid of the absorbent material. A graduated scale or a reactive feature can be printed on the absorbent material. The device is configured to indicate an amount and/or a composition a bodily fluid present on an area of a patient or subject.