Wearable Fluid Analysis via Colorimetric Light Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable devices are limited in their ability to measure and analyze bodily fluids, such as sweat, which can indicate health issues like hypertension due to their reliance on light-based technologies that are ineffective for fluid analysis.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device equipped with a fluid collection component, including an adhesive patch or microfluidic chamber, that collects bodily fluids and uses light-emitting components to determine the presence or concentration of substances through color changes in measurement channels, allowing for accurate analysis and display of health data to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light-based devices are used in wearable devices, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device is unable to collect and accurately analyze bodily fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines light-based measurement components with fluid collection components (adhesive patch, microfluidic chamber) into an integrated wearable device. This merging enables the device to both collect bodily fluids and analyze them using light-based detection, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device is designed to perform multiple functions: collecting bodily fluids through adhesive patches or microfluidic chambers, transporting the fluids through microfluidic channels, and analyzing the fluids using light-based detection. This multi-functionality allows a single device to address both fluid collection and analysis needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional light-based devices are used, then the device is easy to operate, but the device is limited in what physiological parameters it can measure
Solution Approach 1:
The device measures multiple physiological parameters including salt concentration, hydration levels, and other substances in bodily fluids using light-based detection. The adhesive patch and microfluidic chamber design maintains ease of operation while enabling comprehensive physiological monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The device detects changes in light properties (absorption, reflection, scattering) as bodily fluids pass through the measurement channel. By monitoring these optical parameter changes, the device can determine various physiological parameters such as salt concentration and hydration status without complicating the user interface.
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 users to make informed health decisions by accurately detecting and monitoring substances in bodily fluids, potentially preventing or mitigating health problems like hypertension.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting, using a light-emitting component proximate to the measurement channel, a light associated with one or more wavelengths and receiving, using a photodetector proximate to the measurement channel, the light from the light-emitting component
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for analyzing fluid using a wearable device are described. The method may include collecting a bodily fluid of a user using a fluid collection component that includes one or more measurement channels configured to change color when exposed to the bodily fluid. Further, the method may include transmitting light associated with one or more wavelengths and generating one or more signals based on the light reflected off the one or more measurement channels of the fluid collection component and received by a wearable device. Moreover, the method may include determining a color of the one or more measurement channels based on the one or more signals and determining a presence or concentration of one or more substances within the bodily fluid based on the color.