Flexible Cover Panel Deflection for Biologic Fluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing biologic fluid samples, such as whole blood, require dilution and fluid flow, which can lead to inaccurate results due to settling of constituents over time, and are not cost-effective or technician-dependent.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge with a base plate, chamber walls, and an optically transparent flexible cover panel that uses capillary forces to hold and analyze undiluted samples without fluid flow, allowing for accurate particulate component analysis and cost-effective evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If impedance or optical flow cytometry is used to analyze biologic fluid samples, then constituents can be evaluated, but sample dilution and fluid flow handling apparatus are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential analysis function from complex flow cytometry systems by removing the fluid flow handling apparatus and dilution requirements. The analysis chamber allows direct observation of undiluted samples using simple optical imaging, eliminating the need for pumps, tubing, and flow control mechanisms while maintaining measurement precision through controlled sample presentation to the imaging device.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is designed as a disposable single-use device with an integrated analysis chamber. The chamber allows undiluted sample to be loaded and analyzed directly, with the entire cartridge being discarded after one use. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex fluid handling apparatus that would otherwise be required for reusable systems, while maintaining analysis accuracy through consistent, pre-manufactured chamber geometry.
2Loss of time
If biologic fluid samples are quiescently held for extended periods, then sample processing time is reduced, but constituents settle out and stratify leading to inaccurate results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elements into the previously static sample holding chamber. The flexible cover panel can be deflected to agitate the sample and redistribute settled constituents. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain accurate constituent distribution even after extended quiescent holding periods, enabling faster processing without sacrificing measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameters of the sample chamber by making the cover panel flexible rather than rigid. This allows the chamber to transition from a static configuration to a dynamically adjustable one, where the cover panel can be deflected to change sample distribution patterns. This parameter change enables rapid redistribution of constituents without requiring complete sample replacement or complex mechanical agitation systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid cover is used for the analysis chamber, then structural stability is maintained, but sample agitation to prevent settling cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid cover with a flexible thin film cover panel that maintains the sealed chamber structure while enabling sample agitation. The flexible material provides sufficient structural stability to maintain chamber integrity during handling and analysis, while simultaneously allowing deflection to agitate the sample and prevent constituent settling. This flexible shell approach resolves the contradiction between structural stability and operational flexibility.
4Ease of manufacture
If undiluted samples are analyzed directly, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but accurate analysis requires preventing constituent settling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the sample to essentially analyze itself by allowing direct loading of undiluted samples into the analysis chamber without requiring external dilution reagents or complex preparation steps. The flexible cover panel provides self-agitation capability that prevents settling during the analysis period, maintaining accuracy while eliminating the costs associated with dilution reagents and complex sample preparation procedures.
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
Enables accurate analysis of undiluted biologic fluid samples with improved reliability and cost-effectiveness by utilizing capillary forces to maintain sample distribution and facilitate analysis without the need for fluid flow, enhancing the precision and efficiency of biologic fluid analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The cover panel is sufficiently flexible to deflect and contact a central region of the chamber surface when subjected to capillary forces from sample quiescently residing between the cover panel and the base plate chamber surface
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge for analyzing a biologic fluid sample is provided that includes a base plate, a sample inlet port, a first chamber wall, a second chamber wall, and an optically transparent cover panel disposed in contact with the first and second chamber walls. The base plate has a body with a chamber surface, a body passage, and a chamber entry passage. The body passage is in fluid communication with the chamber entry passage, and the chamber entry passage extends through to the chamber surface. The sample inlet port has an inlet passage in fluid communication with the body passage. The first and second chamber walls each have a height extending outwardly from the chamber surface, and the two walls are spaced apart from one another. The cover panel is sufficiently flexible to deflect and contact a central region of the chamber surface.