Curved Lateral Flow Testing Strip for Compact Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lateral flow assay devices face limitations in versatility and size reduction, with traditional configurations requiring larger spaces due to straight, parallel arrangement of testing strips, which restricts their applicability and portability.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a testing assembly with curved testing strips that extend at an angle less than 90 degrees to the support structure, allowing for a shorter effective extension without reducing the center line length, enabling a compact design and improved space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If testing strips are arranged in a straight, parallel configuration on the support structure, then the testing assembly provides sufficient center line length for accurate testing, but the overall size and footprint of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing strip is configured in a curved arrangement on the support structure, specifically extending at an angle less than 90 degrees to the support structure. This curvature allows the testing strip to maintain its required center line length while fitting within a smaller overall device footprint, resolving the contradiction between sufficient testing length and compact device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a traditional straight, one-dimensional arrangement of testing strips to a curved, multi-dimensional configuration. By bending the testing strip at angles less than 90 degrees relative to the support structure, the design utilizes spatial dimensionality to achieve both long center line length and compact footprint simultaneously.
2Area of stationary object
If the testing assembly is reduced in size for portability, then the device becomes more portable and versatile, but the center line length of the testing strip may be reduced affecting test accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The curved configuration of the testing strip, extending at angles less than 90 degrees to the support structure, enables the maintenance of adequate center line length within a reduced device footprint. This curvature allows the testing strip to 'pack' more efficiently into the compact space without sacrificing the length required for accurate testing.
3Area of stationary object
If testing strips are arranged at angles less than 90 degrees to the support structure, then space utilization is improved and device size is reduced, but the complexity of the testing assembly configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved arrangement of testing strips at angles less than 90 degrees to the support structure achieves compact space utilization. While this introduces some configurational complexity, the principle provides a systematic and reproducible method for achieving the desired compact layout, making the complexity manageable and worthwhile given the significant reduction in device footprint.
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 configuration allows for a smaller size of the testing assembly while maintaining the same center line length, enhancing applicability and versatility by accommodating longer strips within a reduced footprint, and enabling easier integration with optical inspection systems.
Implementation Method 1
The testing strip includes a capillary wick fluidly connected to the liquid sample receiving interface
Implementation Method 2
The test portion of the testing strip comprises at least one respective reacting material configured to react in a predetermined manner to at least one respective pre-specified analyte
Data Source
AI summary
A testing assembly for lateral flow assay comprising a liquid sample receiving unit arranged on a support structure defining a plane and configured to receive a liquid sample via the liquid sample receiving interface, at least one testing strip having, in a planar state, a testing strip center line length (L) in a longitudinal direction, a testing strip width in a width direction and a testing strip thickness, and comprising a capillary wick that includes a test portion that comprises a reacting material configured to react in a predetermined manner to a pre-specified analyte, wherein the width direction of the testing strip extends at an angle smaller than 90° with respect to a normal of the plane, and wherein the testing strip is curved, resulting in an effective extension being shorter than the testing strip center line length in the planar state.