Dry Stick Shadow Alignment for Precise Milk Sample Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of accurately aligning a needle with a narrow dry stick for applying a milk sample, especially when the dry stick width is reduced to 1-3 mm, poses a risk of misapplication, leading to failed biomarker measurements in lateral flow tests.
Innovation Solution
An arrangement that includes a carrier with a light source to create a shadow of the dry stick, a camera to capture the shadow, and a controller to analyze the image and align the dry stick with the needle, ensuring precise application of the milk sample by moving the carrier and dry stick into the correct position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a separate aligning device is used to align the needle and dry stick, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The aligning device is merged with the capillary tube holder to form an integrated assembly. The holder includes positioning elements that directly engage with the needle, eliminating the need for separate alignment tools while maintaining precise alignment during blood sample collection
Solution Approach 2:
A positioning element acts as an intermediary between the needle and the capillary tube holder. This element provides a mechanical interface that ensures proper alignment without requiring complex external alignment devices or procedures
2Manufacturing precision
If a separate aligning device is used to align the needle and dry stick, then alignment precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The aligning function is combined with the capillary tube holder, allowing the holder itself to perform alignment. This integration simplifies the operator's task by providing alignment capability as part of the standard device rather than requiring additional separate tools or steps
3Manufacturing precision
If the capillary tube holder is held stationary during blood uptake, then alignment precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary tube holder is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be held stationary during the critical alignment and blood uptake phase, then easily manipulated and moved after blood collection. The positioning elements provide stability when needed while allowing freedom of movement when the alignment function is no longer required
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Arrangement (100) for aligning a needle (150)/ dry stick (110) when applying an animal milk sample. The dry stick (110) indicates a biomarker value of the milk sample. The arrangement (100) comprises a carrier (115) with the dry stick (110); a tube element (155) for receiving the milk sample; the needle (150) connected to the tube element (155); a light source (160) illuminating the dry stick (110); a camera (120) configured to capture an image (300) of the dry stick (110) and its shadow (111); a drive unit (170) for moving the carrier (115)/ dry stick (110); and a controller (130). The controller (130) triggers the camera (120) to capture and provide the image (300). Image analysis of the image (300) is made and a signal is provided to the drive unit (170) to move the dry stick (110) into position wherein the needle (150) applies the milk sample.