Viscometer with Optical Sensors for Blood Coagulation Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current viscometric analysis methods for blood or plasma, such as thromboelastography and thromboelastometry, measure viscosity and elasticity under non-physiological shear rates and use artificial activators, leading to inaccurate and non-comparable units of measurement, which hinder clinical assessment of coagulation processes.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device that simulates physiological shear rates and avoids artificial activators by using rotating disc elements and optical sensors to detect viscosity changes in a dynamic, continuous mode, allowing for measurements in units comparable to experimental viscosity data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If artificial activators (kaolin, tissue factor) are used to stimulate coagulation, then the coagulative process can be measured, but the measurement conditions become non-physiological and platelet function is artificially activated regardless of actual clinical status
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes artificial activators (kaolin, tissue factor) from the measurement system, extracting the harmful element that causes non-physiological platelet activation. The system measures coagulation without external stimulation, allowing natural physiological processes to occur and be measured accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system allows the blood sample to activate coagulation naturally through its own physiological mechanisms without external assistance. The system provides a controlled environment for self-activation while measuring the process, eliminating dependency on artificial stimulants.
2Measurement precision
If blood sample is made to rotate at a preset shear rate (0.5 sec^-1), then viscosity can be measured, but the shear rate does not correspond to physiological conditions in blood vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from static preset shear rate measurement to dynamic shear rate measurement that varies over time. The shear rate changes from initial high values to lower values as coagulation progresses, mimicking the natural physiological conditions in blood vessels where shear rate is not constant but varies with flow conditions and clot formation.
3Measurement precision
If conventional viscometric methods are used, then viscosity data can be obtained, but the units of measurement are arbitrary and not comparable to experimental viscosity data
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces arbitrary mechanical measurement units with optical detection that provides direct viscosity measurements in standard physical units (Poiseuille). The optical system measures light transmission or scattering properties that directly correlate with viscosity, eliminating the need for arbitrary calibration scales and enabling direct comparison with other viscosity measurements.
4Ease of operation
If static measurement conditions are used with preset shear rate, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but the analysis cannot explore coagulation dynamics in continuous mode
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements continuous measurement of viscosity throughout the entire coagulation process rather than static snapshots. The system continuously monitors changes in viscosity as coagulation progresses, providing a complete dynamic profile of the coagulative phase while maintaining operational simplicity through automated continuous monitoring.
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 accurate, dynamic, and continuous viscometric analysis of blood coagulation, providing measurements in directly comparable units, thereby improving the clinical assessment of coagulation processes without the need for artificial activators.
Implementation Method 1
operatively connected to optical means adapted to detect a speed change depending on the viscosity values
Implementation Method 2
sensor means adapted to measure viscosity values of the fluid; operable in rotation around an axis of rotation at a predefined rotational speed
Data Source
AI summary
The measuring device for viscometric analysis on a biological fluid, comprises a base frame and a support element associated with the base frame, having an elongated shape and with: a first ending part associable with motor means to set in rotation the support element around an axis of rotation (A); a second ending part opposite to the first ending pan and positionable in contact with a fluid to be analyzed contained in a collecting vessel; sensor means adapted to measure the viscosity values of the fluid; wherein the sensor means comprise a first sensor element and a second sensor element associated with the support element and operable in rotation around the axis of rotation (A) at a predefined rotational speed, and operatively connected to optical means adapted to detect a speed change between the sensor means depending on said viscosity values.