Fluid Analysis Cartridge with Pressure-Driven Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid analysis procedures are prone to errors and contamination due to the manual handling of blood samples, requiring multiple steps and skilled operators, which can lead to dispersion, spilling, or contamination of samples during collection and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A fluid analysis cartridge assembly with a sample collecting member and a fluid analysis cartridge that includes a sample receiving chamber with buffer solution, patches to cover holes, and a sealing member, allowing for automatic mixing and transfer of samples to a test chamber using pressure differences, reducing manual intervention and contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling of blood samples is used, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to errors and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid analysis cartridge is designed to automatically perform multiple test steps without manual intervention. The cartridge self-regulates fluid flow through integrated channels, automatically mixes reagents with samples using magnetic agitation, and sequentially processes multiple analytes without requiring operator intervention between steps, thereby eliminating manual errors while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple test functions and操作步骤 are integrated into a single cartridge unit. The cartridge combines sample reception, reagent storage, mixing chambers, separation media, and detection zones into one integrated structure, allowing all test steps to be performed sequentially within a single automated operation, improving reliability without increasing operational complexity
2Reliability
If multiple manual steps are performed, then comprehensive analysis is achieved, but loss of substance increases due to dispersion and spilling
Solution Approach 1:
The entire analysis workflow from sample reception to final measurement is integrated within a single sealed cartridge structure. Sample fluid flows continuously through interconnected channels without requiring transfer between separate vessels, eliminating the dispersion and spilling that occur during manual handling while maintaining comprehensive multi-analyte analysis capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge enables continuous, uninterrupted flow of sample and reagents through integrated microfluidic channels. The automated system maintains continuous mixing, separation, and detection processes without manual intervention, preventing sample loss that occurs during discrete manual transfer steps while achieving comprehensive analysis
3Reliability
If skilled operators perform manual steps, then test accuracy is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge incorporates built-in automated mechanisms that replace skilled operator functions. Magnetic particles with encoded information automatically guide the system through the correct sequence of operations, the microfluidic channels self-regulate flow rates and mixing, and integrated sensors automatically detect results, maintaining test accuracy while keeping the external device interface simple
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic particles serve as intermediaries that carry encoded test protocol information through the cartridge. These particles interact with magnetic fields to control fluid flow, mixing, and separation processes, effectively encoding complex operational sequences in a simple physical medium that guides the automated system without requiring complex external control mechanisms
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 solution simplifies the sample collection and analysis process, minimizes user variability, and reduces errors by automating the mixing and transfer of samples, enabling non-experts to perform tests accurately and efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for automatic mixing and transfer of samples to a test chamber using pressure differences
Implementation Method 2
allowing for automatic mixing and transfer of samples to a test chamber using pressure differences
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid analysis cartridge with improved test reliability and an associated fluid analysis cartridge assembly are disclosed herein. A fluid analysis cartridge assembly includes a sample collecting member having a sample collecting chamber and a fluid analysis cartridge configured to be connected to the sample collecting member. The fluid analysis cartridge includes a sample receiving chamber configured to receive a sample collected by the sample collecting member and at least one hole arranged on one side of the sample receiving chamber and opened by connection of the sample collecting member to the fluid analysis cartridge to the at least one hole. The sample receiving chamber stores a buffer solution to be mixed with the sample.