Assay Device with Pressing Unit for Even Solution Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing immunochromatography methods face challenges in achieving highly accurate and sensitive detection due to uneven distribution of solution components, such as enzyme substrate solutions and signal amplification solutions, across the stationary phase carrier, resulting in uneven reaction progress.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that involve injecting test reagent, amplification, and detection solutions into a clearance between an insoluble carrier and a facing member, utilizing capillary action to ensure even solution development and distribution, with a pressing unit creating a controlled clearance to facilitate this process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If solutions are dropped onto the detection portion of the insoluble carrier, then the operation is simple, but the solution components are not distributed evenly across the carrier
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid-holding member is introduced as an intermediary between the solution and the insoluble carrier. This member receives the dropped solution and transports it to the detection portion through capillary action, ensuring even distribution without requiring complex application mechanisms. The liquid-holding member acts as a mediator that converts simple dropping into uniform distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Capillary action, a hydraulic phenomenon, is utilized to transport the solution from the liquid-holding member to the detection portion. The capillary forces within the porous structure of the liquid-holding member automatically drive the solution flow without external pressure, achieving both simplicity and uniformity.
2Ease of operation
If conventional immunochromatography is used, then the method is simple and quick, but detection sensitivity is insufficient for extremely small amounts of analytes
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple functional components: the insoluble carrier with detection portion, the liquid-holding member for solution management, and the pressing member for contact control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state and distribution parameters of the solution are changed by introducing the liquid-holding member. The solution is transformed from a directly applied liquid into a controlled flow through capillary action, improving distribution uniformity and thereby detection sensitivity without complicating the operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If solution components are not evenly distributed, then the reaction progress becomes uneven, but achieving even distribution requires complex solution delivery mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid-holding member serves as a mediator that simplifies the solution delivery system while achieving uniform distribution. Its porous structure inherently provides capillary action, eliminating the need for complex pumps or pressure systems. The intermediary converts a complex delivery problem into a simple capillary flow process.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid-holding member performs self-service by using its own capillary properties to transport the solution. No external control mechanisms are needed - the porous material itself generates the driving force through capillary action, achieving uniform distribution automatically.
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 approach enables highly accurate and sensitive measurement by ensuring even distribution of solutions, enhancing the detection sensitivity and specificity of analytes, particularly for bioactive substances and environmental pollutants.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing capillary action to ensure even solution development and distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A device for assay can evenly develop solution, and performs highly accurate and sensitive measurement. A first device part (10) maintains a second insoluble carrier (12) and a third insoluble carrier (13) in such a manner that they overlap with each other at a detection portion (14) of a first insoluble carrier (11). These three carriers (11), (12) and (13) are housed not in contact with each other. A pressing unit (18) having a pressing surface (18a) that is parallel to the detection portion (14) is provided on an inner surface of the second device part (20) facing the detection portion (14). The pressing surface (18a) is displaced by being pressed toward the detection portion (14), and presses, from the upper side of the first insoluble carrier (11), the second insoluble carrier (12) and the third insoluble carrier (13) onto the first insoluble carrier (11). The first device part (10) and the second device part (20) are joined together.