Intestinal Microorganism Detection via Wave Sensing and Segmented Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting intestinal microorganisms, such as microbial culture and mass spectrometry, are time-consuming and require expensive equipment, making it difficult to rapidly and accurately identify pathogenic microorganisms in daily life.
Innovation Solution
An intestinal microorganism detection system that includes a feces collection unit, a storage unit with multiple accommodation units exposed to different environmental conditions, and a sensor unit using wave detection to estimate the type and concentration of microorganisms present, allowing for real-time analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microbial culture methods, mass spectrometry, or nuclear magnetic resonance techniques are used to accurately measure specific types of bacteria, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase, and loss of time increases due to lengthy sample preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection process by dividing fecal samples into multiple accommodation units (aerobic, anaerobic, and mixed environments) that can be processed simultaneously. This parallel processing approach maintains measurement precision across different microorganism types while significantly reducing total detection time compared to sequential analysis methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wave-based sensor unit as an intermediary detection method between sample collection and final analysis. This intermediary approach enables rapid initial screening and classification of microorganisms in different environmental conditions, reducing the time required for complete sample preparation and analysis while maintaining accuracy
2Measurement precision
If microbial culture methods, mass spectrometry, or nuclear magnetic resonance techniques are used to accurately measure specific types of bacteria, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs disposable or easily replaceable accommodation units with controlled environmental conditions (aerobic, anaerobic, mixed) that can be manufactured at low cost. These simple, modular units eliminate the need for expensive, complex equipment like mass spectrometers or NMR machines while maintaining the ability to accurately detect and differentiate various microorganisms through wave-based sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and chemical analysis systems (microbial culture methods, mass spectrometry, NMR) with a wave-based detection system. This substitution uses physical wave interactions to detect microorganisms, dramatically simplifying the equipment required while preserving measurement precision across different sample types
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple accommodation units with different environmental conditions are used to detect different target microorganisms, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection apparatus into distinct, modular accommodation units (aerobic chamber, anaerobic chamber, mixed environment chamber), each optimized for specific microorganism types. This segmentation provides high adaptability for detecting diverse microorganisms while keeping each individual unit structurally simple and easy to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
Each accommodation unit is designed with universal features including wave sensor integration and standardized environmental control, allowing the same basic structure to serve multiple detection purposes. This multi-functionality enables the system to adapt to different microorganism detection needs without requiring completely different device architectures for each application
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 rapid and cost-effective estimation of intestinal microorganisms, providing timely health information.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor unit configured to detect a microorganism in the fecal sample accommodated in each of the plurality of accommodation units and generate first information
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an intestinal microorganism detection system including: a feces collection unit configured to collect the feces of a user: a storage unit including a plurality of accommodation units configured to accommodate a fecal sample, the fecal sample being formed by mixing the feces collected by the feces collection unit with fluid; a sensor unit configured to detect a microorganism in the fecal sample accommodated in each of the plurality of accommodation units and generate first information; and a control unit configured to estimate, on the basis of the generated first information, the type of intestinal microorganism present in the user and a concentration thereof, wherein the plurality of accommodation units are respectively exposed to different environmental conditions.