Portable Urinalysis Reader With Integrated Light Distributor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Urine analysis strip chips face challenges in test accuracy due to difficulty in discriminating color changes with the naked eye, and existing digital readers are bulky and expensive, with non-uniform light distribution affecting test results.
Innovation Solution
A portable digital reader with a light emitter, integrated light distributor, and light receiver that uniformly distributes light to multiple test regions using a single light source, featuring a stem with branch parts for total reflection and a high-refractive index polymer, along with a controller for signal processing and data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a single light source is used in portable readers, then device portability and cost are improved, but light distribution uniformity to multiple test parts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light distributor is segmented into multiple branch parts (at least three) that extend from a stem part, with each branch part directing light to a specific test region. This segmentation allows a single light source to be divided into multiple directed light paths, achieving uniform illumination across multiple test parts while maintaining device portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The light distributor acts as an intermediary component between the single light source and the multiple test regions. It receives light from the emitter and redistributes it through its stem and branch structure, ensuring uniform light delivery to each test part without requiring multiple light sources.
2Measurement precision
If traditional readers are used for accurate reading, then measurement precision is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical reading systems with an optical-based measurement system. The light emitter, light distributor, and light receiver work together to optically detect color changes in test regions, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical components while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses photodiodes to convert optical parameters (light reflection intensity) into electrical signals, which are then processed to determine test results. This parameter transformation enables accurate measurement in a compact form factor.
3Device complexity
If naked eye observation is used for test results, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to color discrimination difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective human visual assessment with an objective optical detection system. Photodiodes measure light reflection intensity at each test region, converting color information into quantifiable electrical signals that are processed by a controller, eliminating personal bias and improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The light receiver acts as an intermediary between the test regions and the measurement system. It captures reflected light from each test region and converts it into electrical signals, serving as the interface between optical information and electronic processing.
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
The solution ensures accurate and uniform light distribution to each test region, enhancing test accuracy and usability with a compact, cost-effective device capable of remote result transmission.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated light distributor uniformly distributing the light from the light emitter to each test region of the chip
Implementation Method 2
a light receiver receiving the light reflected from each test region and converting the received light into an electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a portable digital reader for reading an analysis target chip including a plurality of test areas. The reader comprises: a light emitting section having light emitting elements for radiating light; an integral optical splitter for uniformly distributing the light from the light emitting section to each test area of the analysis target chip; a light receiving section for receiving light reflected from each test area so as to convert the same into electric signals; and a measuring section for measuring concentration according to the electric signals obtained from the light receiving section. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the generation of errors in signal measurement due to optical distribution failure by assembling branch sections of the optical splitter under the control of the number of the branch sections according to the number of test items in a test strip.