Detachable Test Unit Locking Mechanism for Analyte Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rapid diagnosis test devices face challenges in distinguishing between different analytes, leading to confusion and incorrect testing, especially in home self-testing scenarios where multiple test items need to be evaluated, and there is a need for a system that prevents repeated testing or reading of test results.

Innovation Solution

A device with detachable and inseparable testing units that can be combined for initial use and then locked together to prevent reinsertion into a reading device, featuring easily breakable connections and locking structures to ensure single-use testing and accurate analyte identification through label sensing by a sensor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple testing units with the same external structure are used to detect different analytes, then the device can test various analytes, but it becomes difficult to distinguish which test card corresponds to which analyte, leading to confusion and incorrect testing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to test various analytesVSAvoiddifficulty to distinguish test cards
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing distinct visual characteristics (different colors or patterns) on specific parts of each test card, particularly on the connection columns. This allows each test card to be easily identified by its unique visual features while maintaining the same overall structure and functionality for testing different analytes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes color changes or color coding on the connection columns of test cards to indicate different analytes. Each test card has connection columns with specific color characteristics that correspond to the analyte it tests, enabling users to quickly distinguish between different test cards without changing the overall test card structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Ease of operation

If testing units are made detachable for separate reading, then testing convenience is improved, but testing units may be mistakenly reinserted into the reading device after use, leading to repeated testing errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting convenienceVSAvoidrisk of repeated testing errors
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by designing the connection columns with easily breakable structures that are intended to break during the normal testing process. This breakage serves as a pre-set mechanism that permanently prevents reinsertion of used test cards into the reading device, thereby eliminating the possibility of repeated testing errors while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements the disposable principle by making the connection columns designed to break after a single use. The test cards are intended to be used once and then discarded, with the broken connection columns serving as both a functional element and a visual indicator that the test card has been used and should not be reinserted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If professional testing personnel use multiple different test cards for various analytes, then comprehensive testing can be performed, but the personnel may become confused and prone to incorrect testing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive testing capabilityVSAvoidoperational accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing distinct visual characteristics (different colors or patterns) on specific parts of each test card, particularly on the connection columns. This allows each test card to be easily identified by its unique visual features while maintaining the same overall structure and functionality for testing different analytes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes color changes or color coding on the connection columns of test cards to indicate different analytes. Each test card has connection columns with specific color characteristics that correspond to the analyte it tests, enabling users to quickly distinguish between different test cards without changing the overall test card structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP4417137A1Device with multiple test units
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 ZHEJIANG ORIENT GENE BIOTECH CO LTD
  • EP4417137A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4417137A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4417137A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A device for detecting analytes in a sample includes a main body (700; 900; 923). The main body (700; 900; 923) includes a plurality of testing units (800; 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 999). Each testing unit (800; 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 999) is configured to detect one or more analytes in the sample. Each testing unit (800; 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 999) is separable from the main body (700; 900; 923), and/or the testing units (800; 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 999) are connected together through the main body (700; 900; 923). When testing needs to be performed, the testing units (800; 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 999) are separable from each other, or the testing units (800; 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 999) are separable from the main body (700; 900; 923). The testing units (800; 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 999) are inseparable from the main body (700; 923) after completing the testing and entering the main body (700; 923) again.