Flow Test Unit With Sealed Housing For On-Site Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lateral flow tests are not suitable for performing detection reactions directly at the sample collection site due to the risk of contamination and the need for laboratory analysis, which delays results.
Innovation Solution
A flow test unit with a closed housing containing a test strip, allowing for a detection reaction in a hermetically sealed system, where the test strip is wetted with liquid through an admission opening, minimizing environmental contamination and enabling analysis at the sample collection site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If test strips are used to detect infectious material in a laboratory setting, then detection accuracy is maintained, but the time required for sample transport and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a flow test unit containing the test strip and a separate sample container. This segmentation allows the test strip to be transported separately from the sample, enabling rapid on-site testing without requiring the sample to be transported to a laboratory. The test strip can be quickly inserted into the sample container and used immediately.
Solution Approach 2:
The test strip is pre-prepared and packaged in a protective housing that allows for rapid deployment. The housing is designed to be easily opened and the test strip quickly inserted into the sample container, enabling the detection reaction to start immediately without delays for laboratory processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If test strips are used for detecting hazardous substances, then detection capability is provided, but the risk of environmental contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample container acts as an intermediary between the test strip and the hazardous sample material. The container with its closure system allows the test strip to be exposed to the sample in a controlled environment, preventing direct exposure of the operator to hazardous substances while still enabling the detection reaction to proceed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-contained with the test strip, housing, and sample container forming a closed system. The test strip automatically wets from the sample through capillary action when inserted, eliminating the need for manual handling of hazardous materials during the testing process.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a closed system is used for detection reactions, then contamination risk is reduced, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed as a simple, flexible container that can be easily opened and closed. The closure system uses basic sealing mechanisms that provide effective contamination prevention without requiring complex locking systems or specialized equipment. The test strip housing can be manually opened and closed by the user.
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 rapid and safe detection of substances in a closed system, reducing the risk of contamination and allowing for immediate analysis without the need for sample transport to a laboratory.
Implementation Method 1
the test strip is arranged inside the housing such that a wetting region can be wetted with liquid entering via the at least one admission opening
Data Source
AI summary
A flow test unit (1) with a housing (2) which is sealingly closed to the outside at least when coupled to a sample container. At least one test strip (3) is accommodated in the housing (2), and the housing (2) has at least one admission opening (4). The test strip (3) is arranged inside the housing (2) such that, after a liquid connection (22) to a sample container has been produced, a wetting region (5) can be wetted with liquid (6) entering via the at least one admission opening (4).