Bioassay Device Using Fixed Pillars for Precise Volume Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bio/chemical assays face challenges in accurately determining analyte concentration in small sample volumes, require specialized equipment, and are time-consuming due to diffusion limitations and deformation of spacers, leading to inaccurate volume calculations and prolonged reaction times.

Innovation Solution

A device using fixed, uniformly spaced pillars between plates to accurately calculate sample volume and enhance diffusion control, allowing rapid binding and mixing without fluidic isolation, utilizing an amplification surface for high sensitivity detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If spherical spacers are used to separate plates, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to deformation and random distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidvolume measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer structure is segmented into multiple rigid pillars arranged in a fixed pattern, replacing the single spherical spacer. This segmentation allows each pillar to maintain a fixed position and height, preventing deformation while keeping the device simple to manufacture using standard micropositioning techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a soft, deformable spherical spacer that relies on elastic recovery, the invention inverts the approach by using rigid, non-deformable pillars. This inversion eliminates the deformation problem entirely while achieving the same plate separation function through a different physical mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Device complexity

If spherical spacers are randomly distributed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision worsens due to varying inter-spacer distances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidvolume calculation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by creating zones of uniform spacing between pillars. Each region between adjacent pillars has a consistent, known distance, allowing accurate volume calculation for that specific zone. This localized uniformity enables precise measurements while maintaining overall device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If plate spacing is not controlled uniformly, then the device is simpler to operate, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to sample thickness variation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidsample thickness measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid pillar spacers provide self-service by automatically maintaining uniform plate spacing without requiring external control mechanisms. Once the plates are assembled, the pillars self-maintain the gap distance, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or active control systems while ensuring measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If diffusion distance is not reduced, then the device structure is simpler, but the productivity worsens due to prolonged reaction times

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidassay speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention exploits the vertical dimension by using tall rigid pillars to create a controlled, uniform gap between plates. This vertical structuring allows the sample to be confined to a thin layer, dramatically reducing the diffusion distance for analytes while maintaining a simple overall device structure that requires no complex actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 rapid, accurate determination of analyte concentration in small samples with high sensitivity, reducing assay time to minutes and enabling multiplex assays without fluidic isolation, suitable for non-professional use with smartphone readout.

Implementation Method 1

The reduced sample thickness speeds up the incubation time

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP3335042B1Bio/chemical assay devices and methods for simplified steps, small samples, accelerated speed, and ease-of-use

Publication Date: 2025.06.25 ESSENLIX CORP

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Figure 2(a)~2(d)
Figure 3(a)~3(d)

AI summary

The present invention is related to the field of bio/chemical sampling, sensing, assays and applications. Particularly, the present invention is related to how to make the sampling/sensing/assay become simple to use, fast to results, highly sensitive, easy to use, using tiny sample volume (e.g. 0.5 uL or less), operated by a person without any professionals, reading by mobile-phone, or low cost, or a combination of them.