Flow-Guiding Channel Slope for Small Liquid Sample Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample collection and testing apparatuses face challenges in detecting analytes in liquid samples with poor fluidity and small sample sizes, as they often lead to flooding issues and inability for second confirmatory testing.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a cup body featuring a flow-guiding channel with a sloped bottom surface and a secondary sampling port, allowing for efficient collection and secondary sampling of liquid samples, preventing flooding and enabling detection even with small or poorly fluid samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large amount of liquid sample is poured into a slot or channel, then the test strip can be used for detection, but flooding phenomenon occurs affecting normal detection
Solution Approach 1:
The cup body is divided into multiple functional areas: a first receiving area for initial sample collection and detection, and a second receiving area for confirmatory testing. The flow-guiding channel segments the sample flow path, directing samples sequentially to different areas based on detection needs, preventing flooding in any single area while enabling both initial and confirmatory testing.
2Device complexity
If the apparatus is designed for initial detection only, then the structure is simple, but it cannot be used for second confirmatory detection
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to perform both initial detection and second confirmatory detection. The cup body contains both a first receiving area for initial testing and a second receiving area for confirmatory testing, along with a flow-guiding channel that can direct samples to either area, making the single apparatus adaptable to multiple detection scenarios without requiring separate devices.
3Ease of manufacture
If the sample is collected at the bottom of the cup body, then the collection is simple, but large-scale retention of liquid samples occurs which is not conducive to collection
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates a tiltable design where the cup body can be inclined at an angle. During normal operation, the cup body is horizontal for stable detection. When confirmatory testing is needed, the cup body is tilted to enable samples to flow from the first receiving area through the flow-guiding channel to the second receiving area, dynamically adapting the sample collection and retrieval process based on operational needs.
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 apparatus effectively collects and detects analytes in liquid samples with poor fluidity and small sizes, facilitating second confirmatory testing without wasting samples and ensuring efficient sample handling.
Implementation Method 1
the bottom surface of the flow-guiding channel is a slope, and the first receiving area is at the lowest end of the slope, such that the liquid sample can quickly enter the first receiving area along the flow-guiding channel
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an apparatus for detecting analyte in a liquid sample, comprising a cup body; a first receiving area for receiving a liquid sample; a flow-guiding channel through which a sample can be added or collected; the flow-guiding channel is in communication with the first receiving area, the bottom surface of the flow-guiding channel is a slope; wherein, the first receiving area and the flow-guiding channel are disposed in the cup body; the apparatus further comprises a secondary sampling port; the flow-guiding channel is a groove, in which is provided with a second receiving area; and the second receiving area includes a corner area for collecting samples for secondary sampling. The present invention further provides a method of using the apparatus for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample. The apparatus of the present invention can be used for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte in a liquid sample. When a liquid sample has extremely poor fluidity and/or the sample size is very small, the apparatus is still capable of detecting liquid samples, to facilitate operators to draw liquid samples for second confirmatory detection.