Smart Container with Integrated Sensors for Menstrual Fluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable health monitoring devices provide limited information and are not specifically designed to address unique health issues affecting women, such as gynecologic disorders, which can be asymptomatic and require invasive or costly screenings.
Innovation Solution
A smart container with built-in sensors, including capacitance, conductance, and biological sensors, embedded in feminine hygiene products or other absorbent materials, that analyze menstrual fluid for health-related information without the need for intrusive sampling, using printable carbon-nanotube sensors and wireless communication for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive or costly screenings are used to detect gynecologic disorders, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables women to perform self-testing at home using a smart container with integrated sensors that automatically detect biological substances in menstrual fluid, eliminating the need for invasive clinical procedures while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical/invasive sampling methods are replaced with electronic sensors (capacitance, conductance, and biological sensors) that non-invasively detect substances in menstrual fluid, improving ease of operation while preserving measurement precision
2Ease of operation
If wearable health monitoring devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The smart container integrates multiple sensor types (capacitance, conductance, and biological sensors) into a single portable device, enabling it to detect multiple biological substances simultaneously, thus improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines different sensing technologies and materials (including printable carbon-nanotube sensors) to create a composite system that provides comprehensive health information beyond what single-type wearable devices can offer
3Measurement precision
If traditional screening methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor types and functions are merged into a single integrated smart container system, providing comprehensive detection capabilities while maintaining device simplicity through unified design and automatic operation
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 continuous, non-invasive, and cost-effective health monitoring for women, providing timely health insights and reducing the need for frequent medical visits, while also allowing for discreet and hygienic testing of body fluids.
Implementation Method 1
The sensors include one or more of: a capacitance sensor, a conductance sensor, a chemical sensor, and a biological sensor
Implementation Method 2
The sensors include one or more of: a capacitance sensor, a conductance sensor, a chemical sensor, and a biological sensor
Implementation Method 3
the sample comprises absorbent material that absorbs body fluid
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for analyzing substances included in a sample. The apparatus includes a physical enclosure for holding the sample and one or more sensors positioned on an inner surface of the physical enclosure. The sensors are configured to provide information associated with the substances included in the sample. The apparatus further includes electrical conductive traces positioned on the inner surface and coupled to the one or more sensors, thereby facilitating transmission of outputs of the sensors.