Measuring Device With Segmented Cavities For Multi-Analyte Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional measuring devices face challenges in accurately and promptly measuring multiple test items due to reagent dissolution affecting electrode measurements, and they are either complex and time-consuming or limited to specific disease markers.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with a simple configuration that performs both optical and electrochemical measurements by carrying reagents on the inner surface and electrodes on the outer surface, preventing reagent diffusion and allowing for multiple item analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If reagents are placed in a cavity with electrodes for optical measurement, then optical measurement capability is improved, but reagent dissolution affects electrode measurements and reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional zones: a first cavity for optical measurement containing reagents, and a second cavity for electrochemical measurement containing electrodes. This spatial segmentation prevents reagent diffusion between measurement types, resolving the contradiction by allowing both optical and electrochemical measurements without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
A partition wall is introduced as an intermediary structure between the first and second cavities. This partition prevents reagent dissolution from the first cavity from affecting the electrodes in the second cavity, while still allowing the sample to flow through both measurement zones sequentially.
2Adaptability or versatility
If large-sized automated devices are used for comprehensive testing, then versatility and test capacity are improved, but device complexity increases and operation becomes difficult for non-experts
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates multiple measurement functions (optical and electrochemical) into a single portable unit that can test various analytes including glucose, ketones, and other metabolic markers. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive testing capability while maintaining a simple, unified structure that is easy to operate.
3Ease of operation
If POCT devices are used for simple and prompt measurement, then ease of operation and measurement speed are improved, but ability to test multiple items is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges optical measurement (for items like ketones) and electrochemical measurement (for items like glucose) into a single integrated system. Both measurement types share the same sample introduction mechanism and processing flow, enabling multi-item testing while maintaining the simplicity and speed of POCT devices.
4Loss of information
If comprehensive testing of multiple items is performed, then information completeness for EBM is improved, but measurement time increases and feedback delay occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The sample flows continuously through both the optical measurement cavity and electrochemical measurement cavity in sequence. Reagents and electrodes are pre-positioned in their respective cavities, allowing uninterrupted measurement of multiple items from a single sample introduction, thereby reducing total measurement time while maintaining comprehensive testing.
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
Enables prompt and accurate measurement of multiple test items by preventing reagent interference and simplifying the measurement process, suitable for both optical and electrochemical analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a cavity into which a liquid sample flows by capillary action
Implementation Method 2
A wall of the cavity is transparent so that the cavity contents can be optically measured
Implementation Method 3
an electrode structure for measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the sample
Data Source
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AI summary
A measuring device for analyzing an analyte contained in a sample. The device includes a hollow housing, a sample holding part provided inside the housing for holding the sample, a sample supply inlet provided for the housing so as to communicate with the sample holding part, an optical measurement part provided for the sample holding part for making an optical measurement, a reagent holding part provided for the sample holding part for holding a reagent for the optical measurement, and at least one electrode provided on an outer surface of the housing.