Handheld Urinalysis Device Merging Optical and Conductivity Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current urinalysis methods in medical laboratories face challenges such as delayed diagnosis due to time-consuming processes, require expensive equipment and trained staff, and often result in inaccurate results with urine test strips, necessitating a need for a point-of-care device that can instantaneously and reliably measure multiple parameters in a urine sample.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held urinalysis device equipped with a conductivity probe, multispectral optical sensor, and lighting module capable of visible, near-infrared, and autofluorescence spectrometry, allowing for simultaneous measurement of conductivity, NIR-Vis, and fluorescence spectra, providing a thorough and accurate analysis without sample degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If urinalysis is performed in medical laboratories using multiple machines and chemical dosage, then comprehensive parameter measurement is achieved, but the time to generate results is excessively long (4h to 48h)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (optical sensor for spectrometry, conductivity probe for electrical measurements, temperature sensor) into a single integrated handheld device. This merging eliminates the need to transfer samples between multiple laboratory machines, enabling comprehensive urinalysis parameters to be measured simultaneously in one device, thus reducing result generation time from 4-48 hours to instantaneous while maintaining measurement comprehensiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical dosage-based laboratory analysis system with an electronic measurement system using optical sensors, conductivity probes, and digital signal processing. This substitution enables rapid electronic detection of urinalysis parameters without the time-consuming chemical reactions and manual processing required by traditional laboratory methods
2Loss of time
If urine test strips are used for rapid testing, then result generation time is reduced to less than 10 minutes, but measurement accuracy deteriorates leading to false positives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal handheld device that performs multiple measurement functions simultaneously - optical spectrometry across multiple wavelengths, electrical conductivity measurement, and temperature sensing. This multi-functional approach provides comprehensive and accurate urinalysis analysis without relying on single-parameter test strips, achieving both rapid results (<10 minutes) and high measurement accuracy by cross-validating multiple parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures multiple physical parameters (optical absorption at different wavelengths, electrical conductivity, temperature) simultaneously to characterize the urine sample. By changing and measuring multiple parameters rather than relying on a single chemical reaction endpoint, the system achieves higher accuracy and reliability while maintaining rapid result generation
3Measurement precision
If chemical dosage is used for measuring parameters, then comprehensive analysis is achieved, but sample deterioration occurs requiring careful handling and timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical dosage methods with physical measurement techniques - optical spectrometry and electrical conductivity measurement. These physical methods do not alter or consume the sample, eliminating chemical reactions that cause sample deterioration. The sample remains stable and can be repeatedly measured without degradation, while still achieving comprehensive parameter analysis
4Measurement precision
If multiple separate machines are used for different parameters, then measurement comprehensiveness is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple measurement systems (optical sensor with multiple wavelength capability, conductivity probe, temperature sensor, microprocessor for data processing) into a single handheld device. This consolidation provides comprehensive urinalysis measurement capability while simplifying the system from multiple separate laboratory machines to one portable unit, reducing operational complexity and training requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device is designed as a universal instrument that can measure multiple urinalysis parameters (optical properties, electrical conductivity, temperature) simultaneously using a single sample. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized machines and complex sample handling procedures, achieving measurement comprehensiveness while simplifying the overall system
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 instantaneous, accurate, and reliable diagnosis by combining multiple analytical techniques in a single device, reducing false positives and negatives, and allowing for repeated measurements without sample deterioration, thus improving diagnostic efficiency and patient care.
Implementation Method 1
a conductivity probe; configured to measure conductivity with DC or AC current
Implementation Method 2
a lighting module configured to emit light in said urine sample; comprises a NIR-Vis light source and emits light over a range from 390 nm to 1100 nm
Implementation Method 3
a multispectral optical sensor configured to receive light emitted by said urine sample and/or light transmitted through said urine sample
Implementation Method 4
autofluorescence spectrometry; receive light emitted by said urine sample
Data Source
AI summary
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