Integrated Buffer Reservoir Rupture Mechanism for Immunoassay Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing immunoassay devices face errors due to manual dispensing of buffer solution, which can lead to inconsistent test results due to variations in drop volume and angle of dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A test device with a sealed reservoir filled with buffer solution integrated into the housing, featuring a pivotable opener that applies pressure to rupture and dispense the solution onto sorbent strips, ensuring consistent solution delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual dispensing of buffer solution is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to variations in drop volume and dispensing angle
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer reservoir is designed to self-regulate buffer dispensing through its internal structure. The reservoir automatically controls the volume and flow of buffer solution without requiring manual intervention, eliminating variations caused by manual dispensing while maintaining simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer reservoir incorporates design features that control physical parameters such as buffer volume, pressure, and flow rate. By pre-configuring these parameters within the reservoir, the system ensures consistent buffer delivery to the test strip, improving measurement precision without adding complex external control mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If manual dispensing of buffer solution is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to inconsistent test results
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer reservoir performs the dispensing function autonomously based on its internal design, eliminating the need for users to manually control buffer delivery. This self-service mechanism ensures consistent operation and reliable results while requiring minimal user intervention.
3Measurement precision
If a sealed reservoir integrated into the housing is used, then the measurement precision is improved through controlled solution delivery, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer reservoir is integrated directly into the device housing, combining the buffer storage and dispensing functions into a single unified structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate buffer bottles and manual dispensing mechanisms, achieving precise solution delivery while maintaining simple device architecture.
4Ease of operation
If an opener element is added to rupture the reservoir, then the ease of operation is improved through automated buffer dispensing, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opener element is designed to work automatically as part of the device operation sequence. Once activated, it self-regulates the reservoir rupture and buffer dispensing process without requiring additional user intervention, improving ease of operation while keeping the added complexity minimal and integrated.
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
This solution mitigates measurement uncertainty by providing a controlled and consistent volume of buffer solution, improving the reliability and accuracy of immunoassay results.
Implementation Method 1
the opener element is constructed as a press feature that may be used to apply pressure to the reservoir sufficient to cause the reservoir to rupture or otherwise open to dispense the volume of buffer solution stored in the reservoir
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2D
AI summary
A test device for use with a liquid solution includes a housing that houses a plurality of sorbent strips. At least one strip has a location for receiving the solution. The housing defines at least an opening in said housing wherein said opening is aligned with the location for receiving the solution. The device includes a sealed reservoir filled with the liquid solution, the sealed reservoir being disposed in alignment with the opening and coupled to the housing. The device includes an opener coupled to the housing. The opener is arranged to rotate from a first position, in which the opener is not in contact with the sealed reservoir, to a second position, in which the opener causes the sealed reservoir to effect a release of the solution from the reservoir and into the opening and onto the sorbent strip housed within the housing.