Assay Reader Photoelectric Circuit with Dual Light Sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing assay detection devices face challenges with subjective result interpretation, sensitivity to optical path misalignment, and inconsistent fluid flow rates, leading to inaccurate readings and complex structures that are prone to interference.

Innovation Solution

A device with a simple photoelectric detection circuit using two light sources and a shared optical detector, optimized optical path, and a processor to transform light strength signals into discriminant values for accurate readings, minimizing interference and ensuring precise alignment through a T-shaped diaphragm and fixed test strip installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a reusable analytical device with optical detection is used, then cost-effectiveness and reusability are improved, but positioning accuracy and reading accuracy deteriorate due to easy dislocation during repeated insertions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoidreading accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically detects the position of the test strip detection zone relative to the optical detection zone and adjusts the optical detection parameters accordingly, eliminating the need for manual positioning and making the device insensitive to dislocation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The optical detection parameters (such as detection wavelength, integration time, or gain) are dynamically adjusted based on the detected position of the test strip, compensating for positioning variations and maintaining reading accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the optical detector is placed close to the test strip to capture sufficient light signal, then signal strength is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex and positioning becomes more critical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal strengthVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light source and optical detector are integrated into a single compact detection module that emits and detects light through the same optical path, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining sufficient signal strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated detection module serves multiple functions: emitting light, detecting reflected light, and determining test strip position, eliminating the need for separate positioning sensors and reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple optical paths are used for assay reading, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases and the device becomes prone to interference and misfortunes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidoptical path complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary optical paths from the detection system, retaining only the essential single optical path needed for accurate assay reading, thereby reducing complexity and potential points of failure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using multiple optical paths to achieve detection, the patent inverts the approach by using a single optimized optical path with enhanced detection algorithms and adaptive parameter adjustment to achieve the same or better detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 solution provides accurate, economical, and practical assay readings with reduced interference and high accuracy, maintaining strong signal strength and eliminating the need for light compensation, while ensuring precise alignment and consistent results.

Implementation Method 1

the lights emitted by the at least two light sources irradiate the detection zone and blank zone of the strip and are reflected therefrom, and then received by the optical detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an optical detector, configured to receive reflected lights from the detection zone and the blank zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2587249B1Analysis and reading device and analysis and reading method
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 GUANGZHOU WONDFO BIOTECH
  • EP2587249B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2587249B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2587249B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

An analyzing and reading device and an analyzing and reading method, for reading and analyzing a test strip for assay detection are disclosed. The test strip has a detection zone and a blank zone, the device includes a photoelectric detection circuit and a processor, wherein the photoelectric detection circuit includes at least two light sources which locate corresponding to the positions of the detection zone and the blank zone of the test strip and are able to emit lights corresponding to the detection zone and blank zone of the test strip, and at least one optical detectors which receive reflected lights from the above two zones; wherein lights emitted by the at least two light sources irradiate the detection zone and blank zone of the strip and are reflected therefrom, and then are received by the optical detector, which in turn feedback the detection information to the processor; the processor making analysis and decision based on the detection information received. The analyzing and reading device and method according to the present invention have high accuracy and less interference when reading.