Disposable Fluid-Actuated Actuator for Point-of-Care Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in-vitro diagnostic tests require complex, expensive, and power-dependent devices, making them unsuitable for portable and cost-effective point-of-care applications.
Innovation Solution
A portable, disposable diagnostic apparatus using an expandable actuator member that transitions from a compressed to an expanded state upon fluid contact, driving fluid flow and mechanical actions without external power, allowing for sequential analysis of specimens within a self-contained or external system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex diagnostic devices are used, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable diagnostic device that integrates all necessary components (chambers, channels, actuator member, blisters) into a single-use unit. This eliminates the need for complex durable hardware devices while maintaining diagnostic functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between diagnostic accuracy and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic device is segmented into distinct functional modules: specimen chamber, reagent chamber, actuator member, and analysis chamber, each with specific functions. This segmentation allows for simplified individual components that collectively achieve accurate diagnostics without requiring a complex integrated system.
2Reliability
If durable hardware devices are used, then diagnostic reliability is improved, but portability and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable nature of the device eliminates the need for heavy durable hardware, making it highly portable while maintaining diagnostic reliability through integrated design. The device can be easily transported and disposed of after use, directly addressing the portability-reliability contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions (specimen handling, reagent delivery, fluid pumping, analysis) are merged into a single integrated disposable device, eliminating the need for separate durable hardware components. This consolidation improves portability while maintaining diagnostic reliability.
3Productivity
If external power sources are used, then device functionality is improved, but device portability and simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator member is designed to automatically pump fluids and activate test functions without external power sources. It utilizes the energy from fluid flow itself to drive the diagnostic process, making the device self-powered and eliminating complexity associated with batteries or external power connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses hydraulic principles where fluid flow through the channels directly actuates the actuator member to pump fluids and activate test functions. This passive hydraulic actuation eliminates the need for external power sources while maintaining full device functionality.
4Measurement precision
If sequential mechanical actions are performed, then diagnostic precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured with chambers, channels, and reagent blisters in specific positions before use. The actuator member is pre-positioned to sequentially activate functions in the correct order, ensuring diagnostic precision without requiring complex real-time control mechanisms during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components are nested within the disposable device structure, with reagent blisters positioned within or adjacent to chambers, and the actuator member integrated into the fluid pathway. This nested arrangement enables sequential mechanical actions while simplifying manufacturing through integrated molding.
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 quick, reliable, and economical point-of-care diagnostics by eliminating the need for durable hardware or external power, providing a cost-effective and portable solution for specimen analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an expandable actuator member that transitions from a compressed to an expanded state upon fluid contact
Implementation Method 2
A wicking element is provided in the first channel, with the wicking element causing fluid to flow through the first channel
Implementation Method 3
A wicking element is provided in the first channel, with the wicking element causing fluid to flow through the first channel into contact with the actuator member
Implementation Method 4
The actuator member pumps fluid outwardly from the first chamber through the second fluid channel during the transition from its compressed, deactivated state to its expanded, activated state
Data Source
AI summary
A portable, disposable in-vitro diagnostic apparatus and method of performing a point-of-care invitro-diagnostic test is provided. The method includes disposing a specimen to be analyzed in a disposable diagnostic apparatus. Then, channeling a first fluid through a first channel into a first chamber and causing an actuator member to expand upon contact with the fluid from a compressed, deactivated state to an expanded, activated state, thereby causing a second fluid to be pumped outwardly from the first chamber under bias of the actuator to a second chamber for analysis.