Expandable Storage Member for Liquid Sample Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional testing devices with entry ports for liquid samples become bulky due to the volume requirements, making them less portable and efficient in storing and handling liquid test samples.

Innovation Solution

A testing device with a storage member made of a shape elasticity material, such as a porous synthetic resin, that expands upon contact with the liquid sample, forming an open-cell structural body with high porosity and a water-soluble resin to store and transfer the sample efficiently, reducing the device's size and preventing leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a housing with an entry portion is used to store liquid sample, then the storage capacity is improved, but the device size becomes bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid sample storage capacityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage member transitions from a compressed state (small volume) to an expanded state (large storage capacity) dynamically upon contact with the liquid sample. This dynamic transformation allows the device to achieve both small initial size and adequate storage capacity without requiring a bulky housing entry portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical state of the storage member changes from compressed to expanded when it contacts the liquid sample. This parameter change in volume and shape enables the storage member to provide adequate storage capacity only when needed, eliminating the requirement for a large fixed-size entry portion in the housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of stationary object

If the storage member is compressed to reduce device size, then the device portability is improved, but the sample storage capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidliquid sample storage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The storage member is compressed during device assembly to minimize size, then automatically expands upon liquid sample contact to provide adequate storage capacity. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between compressed size for portability and expanded capacity for sample storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The storage member is pre-compressed to a compact state for device assembly and portability, then performs the expansion action automatically when the liquid sample is introduced. This preliminary compression followed by on-demand expansion allows the device to maintain small size while ensuring adequate storage capacity when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If a porous material is used for the storage member, then the sample transfer efficiency is improved, but the structural integrity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample transfer efficiencyVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The storage member is constructed as a composite material combining porous synthetic resin (for capillary action and sample transfer efficiency) with water-soluble resin (for structural support during compression). This composite structure maintains both high porosity for efficient sample transfer and adequate structural integrity to withstand compression and handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The storage member exhibits different local properties: highly porous regions for efficient capillary-driven sample transfer, and reinforced regions with water-soluble resin binding to provide structural integrity during compression and handling. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between porosity for transfer efficiency and structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 device effectively miniaturizes the testing system while maintaining the ability to store and transfer liquid samples without leakage, enhancing portability and usability by utilizing capillary phenomena for efficient sample transfer.

Implementation Method 1

a storage member for storing the liquid test sample to be supplied to the flow path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

utilizing capillary phenomena for efficient sample transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary phenomena: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS10184938B2Testing device, a transfer member, a method of the testing device, and a testing kit

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A liquid sample that is supplied to a detection device can be stored at the entry portion provided in a housing of the detection device having the housing; however, there is a problem that the detection device becomes bulky due to a volume of the entry. The testing device includes a flow path member for forming a flow path of a liquid test sample, a storage member for storing the liquid test sample to be supplied to the flow path, which contacts a portion of the flow path member, and a testing material for testing the liquid test sample supplied to the flow path. The storage member expands by contacting with the liquid test sample.