Self-Contained Analyte Detection Apparatus for Field Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lateral flow tests are cumbersome and prone to operator error due to the need for multiple components and steps, making them difficult to use in mobile or field settings for surface, air, and fluid testing.
Innovation Solution
An analyte detection apparatus with a compact, self-contained design that includes a housing with a mixing chamber, a testing chamber, and a scoop storage chamber, allowing for the collection, preparation, and testing of substances within a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components and steps are used in lateral flow tests, then the testing capability is comprehensive, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate lateral flow test components (collection device, transfer mechanism, test strip, buffer solution container) into a single integrated apparatus. The housing unifies these elements, allowing sample collection, preparation, and testing to occur in one device rather than requiring multiple separate components and steps.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used in lateral flow tests, then the testing function is complete, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to operator error
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated apparatus eliminates the need for operators to manually transfer samples between separate components using wicks or eye droppers. The unified design with pre-positioned components and automated fluid transfer mechanisms reduces the number of manual steps, thereby minimizing operator error.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to perform fluid transfer and mixing automatically once the sample is introduced. The buffer solution is pre-loaded in a container, and the lateral flow mechanism automatically transports the sample through the test strip without requiring manual intervention for each step.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used in lateral flow tests, then the testing capability is sufficient, but the productivity deteriorates due to multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating sample collection, buffer addition, and test execution into a single apparatus, the patent eliminates the time required to move between separate components and prepare samples manually. The unified design allows the entire testing process to occur in one continuous operation, improving productivity.
4Ease of operation
If a compact self-contained design is used, then the ease of operation and mobility improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single housing structure that contains the collection chamber, buffer solution container, test strip holder, and fluid transfer mechanisms. This consolidation creates a compact, self-contained device that is easy to operate and transport while maintaining all necessary testing capabilities.
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 apparatus enables quick and easy detection of target analytes, providing a user-friendly, compact solution that reduces operator error and improves mobility in testing environments.
Implementation Method 1
A typical lateral flow test utilizes the concept of lateral liquid or suspension flow in order to transport a given sample to the test
Data Source
AI summary
An analyte detection apparatus is disclosed and configured for testing a substance for the presence or absence of at least one target analyte. In at least one embodiment, a housing provides a mixing chamber and a testing chamber in selective fluid communication with the mixing chamber. During use of the apparatus, an end cap is disengaged from the housing, a volume of the substance is collected via a collection scoop provided by the end cap, the end cap is re-engaged with the housing, thereby introducing the substance from the collection scoop into the mixing chamber, the substance is mixed with a delivery fluid within the mixing chamber, and a mixing valve is rotated into an open position, allowing the substance to travel into the testing chamber and come into contact with a test medium, with a resulting visual indication from the test medium being viewable via a result window.