Asymmetrical Cross-Section Liquid Transfer Device for Point-of-Care Tests
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diagnostic tests involving biological reactions require skilled technicians and complex equipment, making them costly and inaccessible to point-of-care facilities, necessitating systems for performing such tests without extensive training.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a liquid transfer device with a housing and a plunger assembly, configured to engage with a reaction chamber and fluid reservoir, allowing for vacuum creation and lockable engagement, enabling simple and reliable transfer and processing of biological samples with minimal technical knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex equipment and skilled technicians are used for diagnostic tests, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the diagnostic test into discrete, modular components including a reaction chamber, liquid transfer device, and fluid reservoir. Each component performs a specific function and can be independently handled, allowing untrained users to perform tests through simple sequential steps without needing to understand or manage complex integrated equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid transfer device automatically creates vacuum through its own mechanical action (pushing the housing down), and the reaction chamber automatically locks onto the device. The system performs its own alignment, sealing, and liquid transfer without requiring skilled technicians to manually adjust or control complex parameters.
2Reliability
If complex equipment and skilled technicians are used for diagnostic tests, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides auditory feedback through a speaker that emits a tone when the reaction chamber is properly locked onto the liquid transfer device, and visual feedback through a window showing liquid transfer progress. This immediate feedback confirms correct operation to users, building confidence and ensuring reliable test execution without requiring technical expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction chamber automatically aligns and locks onto the liquid transfer device through its asymmetric cross-section geometry. The liquid transfer device automatically creates vacuum and transfers liquid without requiring manual control or technical knowledge, making the system as easy to use as snapping components together.
3Device complexity
If manual liquid transfer is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid transfer device uses vacuum pressure (pneumatics) to automatically transfer liquid from the fluid reservoir to the reaction chamber. The vacuum is created by pushing the housing down, which draws liquid through the pipette tip without manual handling, ensuring precise and consistent liquid transfer volumes without requiring skilled technicians.
4Ease of operation
If prepackaged reagents are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction chamber combines multiple reagents and components into a single integrated unit that is pre-packaged and ready for use. The chamber includes the reaction vessel, reagent compartments, and locking mechanisms all integrated together, allowing users to simply attach it to the liquid transfer device without needing to handle separate components or understand the underlying complexity.
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 simple analysis of unprocessed biological specimens with minimal training, using auditory and visual indicators, and allows prepackaged reagents, facilitating point-of-care diagnostic tests.
Implementation Method 1
movement of the housing relative to the plunger assembly results in creation of a vacuum within the pipette tip
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, and methods for liquid transfer and performing reactions. In one aspect, a system includes a liquid transfer device having a housing having a pipette tip and a plunger assembly; and a reaction chamber, wherein the housing of the liquid transfer device is configured to sealably engage with the reaction chamber. In another aspect, a liquid transfer device including a housing having a pipette tip; and a plunger assembly disposed within the housing and the pipette tip, wherein a portion of the plunger assembly is configured to engage a fluid reservoir such that the plunger assembly remains stationary relative to the fluid reservoir and the housing moves relative to the plunger assembly.