Diagnostic Test Device Illumination and Fluid Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diagnostic test devices face challenges in providing effective user communication, ease of use, and reliability, particularly in determining sufficient sample volume and interpreting analog test results.
Innovation Solution
The diagnostic test device incorporates digital features such as a fluid sensor, timer, light source, and memory component, which provide visual and electronic feedback to the user, ensuring proper sample application and improving result interpretation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If digital indicia are used to provide improved ease of reading the test result, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
A light source is introduced as an intermediary element that illuminates the test result area, enabling digital-like readability without requiring a full digital display system. The light source acts as a mediator between the analog test result and the user's visual perception, improving readability while avoiding the complexity of electronic readout systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic display systems with a simpler optical illumination system. Instead of using digital indicators, screens, or electronic readout mechanisms, the invention uses a light source to enhance the visibility of analog test results, substituting mechanical/electronic complexity with optical simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If digital indicia are used to provide improved ease of reading the test result, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability decreases due to increased opportunity for failure of the electronic readout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic readout systems with an optical illumination system. By using a light source to enhance the visibility of analog test results instead of relying on electronic displays, sensors, or digital processing, the invention eliminates the reliability issues associated with electronic components while maintaining improved readability.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source represents a simple, low-cost component with no moving parts or electronic complexity. It provides the necessary function of enhancing test result visibility without the reliability concerns of electronic systems, effectively using a simple optical element instead of complex electronics.
3Reliability
If analog tests are used to provide reliability with less opportunity for malfunction, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to visual difficulties in viewing the analog test result signal
Solution Approach 1:
A light source is introduced as an intermediary that enhances the visibility of analog test result signals. The light illuminates the test area, making the analog indicators (such as color changes or agglutination patterns) more visible and easier to interpret, while preserving the reliability advantages of analog testing without electronic readout systems.
4Reliability
If analog tests are used to provide reliability with less opportunity for malfunction, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity decreases, however the ease of operation decreases due to inability to know when sufficient sample volume has been applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-changing indicators that provide visual feedback to users about sample application status. When sufficient sample volume is applied, the indicator changes color or becomes visible, guiding users on proper sample application without requiring complex electronic sensors or digital displays. This maintains the simplicity and reliability of analog testing while improving ease of operation.
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 integration of digital features enhances user communication, simplifies the testing process, and increases user confidence in the reliability of the test results, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to provide illumination that is externally visible
Implementation Method 2
a fluid sensor in communication with the sample receiving member and configured to provide a signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to diagnostic test devices that provide improved communication to a user of one or both of proper functioning of the test device and an analog test result that is provided by the test device. The diagnostic test devices particularly can include one or more sensors effective to indicate application of a sufficient volume of a test fluid and/or can include one or more light sources positioned to illuminate an analog test result for improved visibility and understanding of the analog test result.