Assay Device Non-Rectangular Slot for Multi-Analyte Drug Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug detection devices are complex, vulnerable to tampering, and often limited in the number of analytes they can test, with high manufacturing costs and inefficiencies, particularly in the detection of multiple drugs of abuse.
Innovation Solution
An assay device with a chamber and reservoir system that includes a non-rectangular sample passage slot, a membrane-free design, and multiple test strips for simultaneous testing of 14 or more drugs of abuse, featuring a sample validity testing strip and improved resistance to flooding, allowing for efficient and cost-effective detection of drugs in biological samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple test strips are added to detect more drugs of abuse, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple test strips are integrated into a single assay device with a unified chamber and reservoir system. The device combines multiple detection functions (testing for 14 or more different drugs of abuse) into one integrated unit, allowing simultaneous analysis of multiple analytes without requiring separate devices for each test
Solution Approach 2:
The assay device is designed as a universal platform that can detect multiple classes of drugs of abuse including opioids, stimulants, sedatives, and hallucinogens. The single device performs functions that would traditionally require multiple separate test devices, achieving multi-functionality through a standardized design
2Ease of manufacture
If a rectangular sample passage slot is used, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the resistance to flooding decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample passage slot is designed with a non-rectangular cross-section featuring asymmetrical dimensions where the width varies along the length of the slot. This asymmetrical geometry creates capillary pressure that prevents flooding while maintaining manufacturability through standard molding techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The dimensions and geometry of the sample passage slot are specifically optimized with non-rectangular parameters. The slot width, length, and cross-sectional area are carefully controlled to create appropriate capillary forces that regulate sample flow and prevent flooding of the reservoir, improving reliability without significantly complicating manufacturing
3Manufacturing precision
If a membrane is added to the reservoir floor, then the sample flow control is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane component is completely removed from the reservoir design. Instead of using a membrane on the reservoir floor to control sample flow, the invention relies on the non-rectangular sample passage slot geometry and capillary forces to achieve the same flow control function, thereby eliminating the membrane and reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sample flow control is achieved through the inherent geometry of the non-rectangular sample passage slot rather than requiring an additional membrane component. The slot design itself provides the flow regulation function through capillary pressure, making the system self-regulating without needing extra parts
4Adaptability or versatility
If the device is designed to test for 14 or more drugs of abuse, then the versatility is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple test strips for detecting different drugs of abuse are combined into a single integrated assay device. The device includes test strips for detecting various classes of drugs (opioids, stimulants, sedatives, hallucinogens) all within one unit, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate devices into a single manufacturable product
Solution Approach 2:
The assay device is designed as a universal testing platform capable of detecting 14 or more different drugs of abuse simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized tests, achieving versatility while maintaining cost-effectiveness through standardized manufacturing processes
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 assay device provides enhanced sensitivity and efficiency in detecting multiple drugs of abuse with improved resistance to flooding and reduced manufacturing costs, enabling effective and reliable drug detection in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a non-rectangular sample passage slot fluidly connecting the chamber and the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
a test device for testing the sample for the presence, absence, and/or quantity of an analyte
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is technology relating to detecting one or more analytes in a sample and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, methods, systems, and kits for detecting one or more drugs-of-abuse analytes in a biological sample.