Portable Bodily Fluid Analysis Device with Integrated Reference Cell

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bodily fluid analysis devices are limited in their ability to perform continuous, real-time monitoring of physiological parameters, lacking the precision and portability needed for effective health monitoring and disease diagnosis.

Innovation Solution

A portable device with a capillary measurement cell and reference cell system, connected to an electronic measuring circuit, allowing for continuous and real-time analysis of bodily fluids by using ion-selective electrodes and differential measurements between the fluid and a standard solution to adjust for environmental variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a test strip device with separate compartments is used for electrochemical measurement, then precise point measurement of physico-chemical parameters is achieved, but continuous measurement for monitoring physiological evolution cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of physico-chemical parameter measurementVSAvoidduration of continuous measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the measurement and reference cells into a single integrated chip structure, allowing both cells to operate simultaneously and continuously. This integration enables continuous monitoring of physiological parameters while maintaining measurement precision through differential measurement between the two cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device enables continuous measurement by maintaining constant contact between electrodes and bodily fluid through the chip structure. The measurement cell and reference cell continuously monitor physiological parameters without requiring repeated sampling or manual intervention, achieving both precision and continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Ease of operation

If bodily fluid is collected beforehand using absorbent membranes, then sample collection is simplified, but real-time continuous analysis cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of fluid collectionVSAvoidtime delay between collection and analysis
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary collection of bodily fluid through absorbent membranes integrated into the chip, then immediately analyzes the collected fluid in real-time. This eliminates the time delay between collection and analysis by having the measurement system ready to process the fluid as it is collected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device enables self-service analysis where the bodily fluid is collected and analyzed automatically without requiring external laboratory equipment or personnel. The integrated system performs both collection and real-time analysis, eliminating time delays and providing continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If laboratory analysis is performed, then comprehensive biochemical analysis is achieved, but portability and real-time monitoring are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of biochemical analysisVSAvoidportability and real-time capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the biochemical analysis functions into multiple independent measurement cells, each capable of detecting specific physiological parameters. This segmentation allows comprehensive biochemical analysis to be performed in parallel, maintaining laboratory-level completeness while enabling portability through integrated chip architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device achieves universality by integrating multiple measurement capabilities into a single portable system. The chip can simultaneously perform electrochemical measurements of various biochemical parameters, providing comprehensive analysis with the portability and real-time capability previously only available in laboratory settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 precise, continuous, and non-invasive monitoring of physiological parameters, providing real-time data on bodily fluid composition and health status, overcoming limitations of prior art by allowing direct, on-board analysis.

Implementation Method 1

These ISE type electrodes ('ion selective electrode', ISE) react selectively to specific ions thanks to a sensitive layer optionally functionalized by a probe capable of complexing the specific ion.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon selective electrode response:

Implementation Method 2

The variation in the ionic conductivity or electrical resistance of sweat, a function of the concentration of ions, provides information on the physiological modifications of an individual.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity measurement: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

an electrochemical test strip device having two separate compartments makes it possible to assay the level of glucose in the blood by a differential measurement between the solution to be analyzed and a reference solution of known concentration.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDifferential measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP2216649B1Portable device for analysing a bodily fluid
Publication Date: 2015.10.21 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP2216649B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2216649B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2216649B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an embedded device for analyzing a body fluid (1) comprising a measuring cell (3) containing the body fluid (1) to be analyzed, at least one reference cell (4) containing a standard (5), and an electronic measuring circuit (6). The measuring cell (3) is equipped with at least one working electrode (9) and at least one reference electrode (9'). The reference cell (4) is equipped with at least one working electrode (11) made of the same material(s) as a working electrode of the measuring cell (9) and at least one reference electrode (11') made of the same material(s) as a reference electrode of the measuring cell (9').