Fluid Assay Device Venting for Consistent Sample Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid specimen testing systems suffer from inconsistencies due to variations in sample volumes and handling methods, leading to unreliable results.
Innovation Solution
An assay device with a vent hole mechanism that can be actuated to provide a metered amount of sample to test strips, combined with a reader apparatus that ensures proper orientation and automated image analysis to determine test results, including a laser to disrupt the vent hole and a camera to capture images of the test strips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual sample application methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to variations in sample volumes and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the specimen cup itself as the sample delivery mechanism. When the cup is inserted into the reader, gravity causes the specimen to automatically flow through the capillary action in the test strip, eliminating the need for external pumps or manual application devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sample delivery systems with passive capillary action and gravity-driven flow. The test strip's capillary structure naturally draws the sample without requiring active mechanical components.
2Measurement precision
If automated sample delivery mechanisms are added, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The specimen cup serves its dual purpose as both collection container and sample delivery system. The cup's geometry and positioning within the reader create a self-regulating flow mechanism that delivers consistent sample volumes without external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes capillary hydraulics within the test strip structure to control sample flow. The capillary action naturally regulates the rate and volume of sample delivery based on the strip's physical properties rather than external mechanical control.
3Measurement precision
If manual test strip handling is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to handling variations
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip is pre-assembled with the specimen cup in a single integrated unit. Users simply insert the complete assembly into the reader rather than handling separate components, reducing handling variations while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the specimen cup, cap, and test strip into a single integrated assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate handling of multiple components, ensuring consistent application while keeping the user interface simple.
4Reliability
If integrated assay device with automated delivery is used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device relies on passive self-service mechanisms where the specimen cup's position and the reader's insertion action automatically initiate the testing sequence without requiring complex control systems or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into distinct functional segments: the specimen cup for collection, the cap for sealing and sample delivery, and the test strip for detection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently through simple physical principles rather than complex integration.
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 system provides consistent and reliable detection of specified chemical components in fluid specimens by ensuring controlled sample delivery and accurate image analysis, reducing variability and improving test reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The vent hole in the closed state provides an airlock that prevents sample from flowing to wet the test strip
Implementation Method 2
a laser provided by the reader apparatus disrupts a seal covering the vent hole in the closed state to open the vent hole
Implementation Method 3
a mechanism to wet the test strip with an aliquot of the fluid specimen
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is technology relating to testing fluid specimens and particularly, but not exclusively, to apparatuses, devices, methods, systems, and kits for testing a fluid specimen, e.g. urine, saliva, or other body fluids, to detect specified chemical components in the specimen.