Automated Diagnostic Cartridge with Carbon Array Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated in-vitro diagnostic systems face challenges in efficiently processing biological samples and reagents to achieve rapid and accurate diagnostic results.
Innovation Solution
A computerized automated diagnostic system that includes a cartridge with a carbon array assembly and an instrument that interacts with the cartridge to perform multiple steps in the diagnostic process, enabling rapid detection of nucleic acid target molecules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple detection regions are integrated into a single cartridge, then productivity and detection speed are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into multiple independent detection regions, each capable of simultaneous operation. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different samples or targets, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple detection regions are arranged in a spatial configuration within the cartridge, utilizing two-dimensional or three-dimensional space to accommodate parallel detection channels. This dimensional arrangement enables simultaneous detections without requiring sequential processing, thus improving productivity
2Measurement precision
If a carbon array assembly with multiple electrodes is used, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carbon array assembly uses a standardized electrode design that serves multiple functions: detection, signal generation, and potential reference functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for highly precise differentiation between electrode types, thereby lowering manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs carbon-based electrodes with specific electrochemical properties that enhance detection precision. By optimizing the material parameters (using carbon instead of traditional metals) and controlling the manufacturing process parameters, the patent achieves high measurement precision with relaxed geometric tolerance requirements
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 system achieves rapid and accurate diagnostic results by utilizing the carbon array assembly for simultaneous detection and the instrument for efficient processing of biological samples and reagents.
Implementation Method 1
an array of carbon resistors formed onto the substrate layer, an electrode array formed over the array of carbon resistors onto the substrate layer and defining a plurality of electrode arrays
Implementation Method 2
the cartridge includes reagents for carrying out amplification
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2A/2
AI summary
A computerized automated diagnostic system including a cartridge configured to contain reagents for carrying out a diagnostic biological process and to receive a biological sample to be tested using the reagents and an instrument operative to interact with the cartridge to carry out multiple steps in the diagnostic biological process, the cartridge having multiple operative states including a non-functionalized state in which the cartridge does not include the reagents and does not include the biological sample, a partially functionalized state in which the cartridge does include the reagents and does include the biological sample and in which a carbon array assembly is mounted onto the cartridge and forms part of the cartridge and a fully functionalized state upon insertion of the cartridge, onto which the carbon array assembly is mounted, into clamped engagement with the instrument.