Portable Semen Analysis Device with Integrated Microscope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semen quality control devices are not suitable for field use due to their fixed installation and the need for multiple interconnected components, which complicates setup and can cause compatibility issues, making them less effective for immediate analysis after sample collection.
Innovation Solution
A compact portable device with a microscope unit and computing processor integrated within a single housing, featuring a sample storing unit on top, a camera, optical unit, and LED light source, allowing for easy transportation and operation without the need for component interconnection, with options for heated analysis and data storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixedly installed systems are used for semen quality control, then analysis accuracy can be maintained, but portability and field usability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the microscope unit, camera unit, light source, processor unit, and sample storing unit into a single integrated housing. This merging of previously separate components into one portable device enables field usability while maintaining analysis accuracy through the integrated optical and processing systems.
2Ease of operation
If multiple physically separated units are used for portability, then field transport becomes easier, but device complexity and setup complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates all necessary components (microscope, camera, light source, processor, sample storing unit) within a single housing structure. This eliminates the need to interconnect multiple separate units at the field location, reducing setup complexity while maintaining portability.
3Ease of operation
If sample transport time is extended, then field analysis becomes possible, but sample quality degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a sample storing unit with temperature control capability that can be activated before and during sample transport. This preliminary action of cooling the sample storing unit prevents sample quality degradation during the extended transport time required for field analysis.
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 convenient, immediate semen quality analysis at the collection site, reducing the impact of sample transport and storage factors, and providing a cost-effective solution for both animal and human fertility examinations.
Implementation Method 1
an optical unit connected to the camera unit and a light source illuminating the sample transporting cell during use
Implementation Method 2
a light source illuminating the sample transporting cell during use
Data Source
AI summary
A portable device for quality control of semen having a housing and within an inner space of the housing, a battery, a processor and a sample storing device for fixing a sample transporting cell. The device further has a microscope having a camera secured to the housing, an optical device connected to the camera and a light source illuminating the sample transporting cell during use. The sample storing device is arranged in the upper side of the housing or adjacent thereto. The light source is arranged on the outer side of the sample storing device and connected to the housing. The camera is arranged in the inner space of the housing, on the inner side of the sample storing device such that the distance between the supporting plane of the sample storing device and the light sensor of the camera is at most 35 mm.