Detachable Oral Sampling Tip for Repeated pH Plaque Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Saliva-based diagnostics face challenges due to low biomarker concentration, fluctuating salivary secretion, and difficulty in repeated localized sampling, making it difficult to accurately assess dental conditions like tooth decay.
Innovation Solution
A handheld oral sampling device with a detachable tip that provides a visual indication of pH levels, allowing users to repeatedly sample saliva and plaque for dental condition assessment without requiring multiple clinic visits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional saliva-based diagnostics are used, then dental conditions can be assessed, but the low biomarker concentration and fluctuating salivary secretion make accurate assessment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and concentrates specific biomarkers from saliva using solid-phase extraction cartridges. The saliva sample passes through a cartridge that selectively binds and concentrates target biomarkers, separating them from the bulk saliva fluid. This extraction process overcomes the low biomarker concentration problem by enriching the analytes for accurate detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nucleic acid amplification techniques that change the concentration parameter of biomarkers through exponential replication. By amplifying specific DNA or RNA sequences from saliva, the system transforms trace biomarker concentrations into detectable levels, directly addressing the low biomarker concentration issue while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
2Reliability
If multiple clinic visits are required for repeated sampling, then accurate baseline can be established, but time consumption and patient convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to perform self-sampling using a handheld device with integrated sampling and analysis capabilities. The device includes automated sample collection, biomarker extraction, and detection functions that patients can operate independently at home. This self-service approach eliminates the need for repeated clinic visits while maintaining reliable baseline data through consistent home-based sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent facilitates continuous monitoring through repeated home sampling over time. The system enables patients to collect multiple samples at different time points, creating a continuous dataset that establishes reliable baselines. This continuous action replaces discrete clinic visits with ongoing self-monitoring, reducing time loss while maintaining diagnostic reliability.
3Measurement precision
If localized sampling is performed, then accurate dental condition assessment is possible, but repeated sampling is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides patients with self-contained sampling devices that can be easily operated at home. The device includes pre-loaded sampling cartridges and automated analysis functions that patients can use independently to perform repeated localized sampling without requiring dental professional assistance, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the sampling system into modular components including detachable sampling tips, interchangeable cartridges, and separate analysis modules. This segmentation allows patients to easily replace sampling tips and cartridges between uses, facilitating repeated localized sampling without difficulty while maintaining accurate measurement through consistent modular components.
4Ease of operation
If a handheld device is used for oral sampling, then ease of operation and repeated sampling are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single handheld device including sample collection, biomarker extraction, detection, and data analysis capabilities. By merging these separate functions into one unified portable device, the system improves ease of operation for repeated sampling while managing device complexity through functional integration rather than multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the handheld device as a universal platform that can perform multiple sampling and analysis functions. The device includes interchangeable sampling cartridges that can target different biomarkers and adapts to various oral cavity locations, providing multi-functionality that improves ease of operation for different sampling scenarios while containing complexity through a universal design framework.
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 easy and frequent sampling of oral fluids and solids for accurate dental condition monitoring, establishing a reliable baseline for diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
The visual indication is representative of a pH value of the fluids or solids located within the oral cavity
Implementation Method 2
the oral sampling tip is comprised of an adsorbent material
Data Source
AI summary
An oral sampling device includes a handle configured to be gripped by a user, and an oral sampling tip extending outwardly from the handle. The oral sampling tip is sized to be inserted into an oral cavity of the user and provide a visual indication of biological data for fluids or solids located within the oral cavity.