Biological Sample Preparation Device With Automated Fluidics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for preparing biological samples for testing require significant manual user handling, leading to potential user errors, health risks, and contamination, particularly with samples like fecal matter, which can compromise test accuracy and safety.

Innovation Solution

A device with a series of chambers and fluidic communication mechanisms that automate the preparation process, minimizing user interaction by using compliant materials and actuation to move the sample through buffer, filter, and reagent chambers, reducing contamination risks and waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If manual user handling is used for sample preparation, then ease of operation is maintained, but contamination risk and user exposure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination riskVSAvoidmanual handling requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables self-service sample preparation where the biological sample automatically moves through buffer, filter, and reagent chambers via fluidic communication mechanisms without requiring manual user handling at each stage, thereby reducing contamination risk while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an automated device as an intermediary between the user and the sample preparation process. The device includes chambers and fluidic mechanisms that mediate the transfer of sample through multiple stages, eliminating direct user contact with the sample during preparation while maintaining ease of operation through automated functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If automated device with multiple chambers is used, then contamination risk is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser exposureVSAvoidchamber and fluidic mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional chambers (receiving chamber, buffer chamber, filter chamber, reagent chamber) that are connected through fluidic communication mechanisms. Each chamber performs a specific function in the sample preparation process, allowing the complex automated system to be divided into manageable, purpose-specific modules that reduce overall complexity while maintaining automation benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If manual sample preparation is performed, then device complexity is low, but manufacturing precision and consistency of sample preparation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample preparation consistencyVSAvoidautomation system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated device performs sample preparation self-service through programmed fluidic communication mechanisms that consistently transfer the sample through buffer, filter, and reagent chambers with precise control, eliminating variability introduced by manual handling while maintaining a relatively simple device structure through automated functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated fluidic communication mechanisms that precisely control sample transfer between chambers. This substitution of manual mechanical handling with automated fluidic systems ensures consistent sample preparation precision while keeping the device structure relatively simple through the use of standardized fluidic connections and chambers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 device efficiently prepares biological samples with reduced manual handling, minimizing contamination and user exposure, while ensuring consistent sample preparation for various imaging protocols and tests.

Implementation Method 1

filtering the emulsified biological sample via the porous membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

displacing and emulsifying the biological sample from the receiving chamber to a buffer chamber via a first fluidic communication mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure displacement: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20250334491A1Methods, Systems, and Devices for Preparing a Biological Sample

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 IDEXX LABORATORIES INC

AI summary

A device for preparing a biological sample. The device includes a receiving chamber. The device also includes a buffer chamber, wherein the buffer chamber comprises a fluid buffer and a first fluidic communication mechanism between the receiving chamber and the buffer chamber. The device also includes a filter chamber, wherein the filter chamber comprises a porous membrane, and wherein the buffer chamber comprises a second fluidic communication mechanism between the buffer chamber and the filter chamber. The device further includes a reagent reservoir, wherein the reagent reservoir comprises a fluid reagent and a third fluidic communication mechanism between the filter chamber and the reagent reservoir.