Multi-layer Urine Sediment Slide with Capillary Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current urine sediment analysis methods, such as manual microscopy and microfluidic techniques, are either labor-intensive or costly, and lack accuracy, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective approach for visual inspection of urine particles and sediments.
Innovation Solution
A three-layer slide with optically clear layers of high surface energy (at least 0.05 newton/meter or 50 dynes/cm) is used, where the urine sample flows through a capillary passageway into a viewing chamber, allowing particles and sediments to be immobilized and visually inspected, utilizing the difference in surface energy to facilitate separation and adhesion for easy analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual microscopy is used for urine sediment analysis, then accuracy is improved, but labor intensity increases and requires trained technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The slide system enables self-service operation where the urine sample automatically flows through the capillary passageway into the viewing chamber without requiring manual manipulation. The high surface energy materials cause particles to automatically adhere to the chamber walls, eliminating the need for trained technicians to perform complex manual procedures while maintaining accurate visual analysis capability
2Extent of automation
If microfluidic devices are used for urine sediment analysis, then automation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface energy parameter of the slide materials to be at least 0.05 newton/meter (50 dynes/cm), which is significantly higher than conventional microfluidic devices. This parameter change enables automatic particle separation and immobilization through capillary action alone, achieving automation without requiring complex microfluidic pumps, valves, or controlled flow systems, thereby dramatically reducing manufacturing costs
3Productivity
If high centrifugal force is used for particle separation, then separation efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical centrifugal force system with a surface energy-based capillary action system. The high surface energy materials (≥0.05 N/m) create strong adhesive forces that automatically separate and immobilize particles as the sample flows through the capillary passageway, eliminating the need for centrifuges or other mechanical separation devices while achieving efficient particle separation
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
This method provides a cost-effective and accurate visual analysis of urine sediments by immobilizing particles and sediments on the slide's surfaces, enabling clear inspection without the need for high centrifugal force or expensive microfluidic devices, while maintaining high resolution for accurate identification.
Implementation Method 1
a middle layer, wherein the middle layer contains at least one set of cutouts forming at least one inlet chamber, at least one viewing chamber and at least one capillary passageway
Implementation Method 2
the optically clear layers are expected to be highly hydrophilic. Particles and sediments will adhere to the optically clear layers when the surface energy of a surface relative to the bulk liquid of the sample is greater than the surface energy of the particles and sediments relative to the surface minus the surface energy of the particles and sediments relative to the bulk liquid
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Visual analysis of urine samples is carried out with the use of a slide consisting of three layers containing an enclosed viewing chamber which receives a urine sample deposited by pipette into an opening on the outer layer of the slide. From the inlet opening the sample enters an inlet chamber in the middle layer and passes through a capillary passageway into the viewing chamber where it is inspected for particles and sediments.