Integrated Fluidic Assay System with Plunger Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing point-of-care fluidic assays are complex for non-trained users, particularly patients, due to multiple components and hygiene concerns, and require precise metered delivery of fluid-assay samples, which is challenging without trained healthcare professionals.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, portable fluidic assay system with a housing that includes an inlet for sample inspiration, a fluid chamber for mixing, and an outlet for controlled expulsion of the assay sample mixture onto an assaying assembly, utilizing one-way valves and a reciprocable plunger assembly to ensure precise and hygienic sample handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate components (sampling rod, sampling receptacle, assaying assembly) are used for fluidic assays, then the assay can be performed with basic functionality, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases for non-trained users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sampling rod, sampling receptacle, and assaying assembly into a single integrated assembly. The housing contains both the fluid chamber for sample mixing and the assaying assembly with receptacle, eliminating the need for separate components that users must handle individually. This integration directly reduces device complexity and improves ease of operation for non-trained users.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual handling and manipulation of multiple components is required, then the assay process can be completed, but hygiene concerns increase and contamination risk rises
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the sampling and assaying functions into a single housed assembly, the patent minimizes the number of times samples and reagents are exposed to the external environment. The sealed fluid chamber and integrated transfer mechanism reduce handling steps, thereby lowering contamination risk and addressing hygiene concerns while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controlled fluid transfer mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the sampling receptacle and assaying assembly. This intermediary system manages sample and reagent transfer in a controlled manner, reducing direct user handling and minimizing contamination risk while maintaining ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If precise metered delivery of fluid-assay samples is required, then reliable assay results can be obtained, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases without trained professionals
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the sampling and assaying assemblies within a single housing enables built-in metering and controlled delivery mechanisms. The system automatically manages the precise transfer of measured sample volumes from the sampling receptacle to the assaying receptacle, eliminating the need for users to manually measure and transfer fluids with precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembled system performs self-metering and self-delivery of precise sample volumes through integrated mechanical or fluidic control mechanisms. The system automatically regulates the transfer of measured amounts from the fluid chamber to the assaying receptacle without requiring user intervention or expertise in measurement techniques.
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
Facilitates easy, controlled, and hygienic point-of-care fluidic assays by simplifying the process and ensuring precise sample delivery, making it more accessible for non-trained users while maintaining reliable results.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing one-way valves and a reciprocable plunger assembly to ensure precise and hygienic sample handling
Implementation Method 2
a reciprocable plunger assembly to ensure precise and hygienic sample handling
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and assemblies for performing point-of-care, fluidic assays having self-contained, portable fluidic assay systems or assemblies. A housing comprises an assaying assembly, an inspiration actuator, and an expulsion actuator. The inspiration and expulsion actuators may include one-way valves. The assaying assembly is configured to provide a visual indicator in response to being contacted by one or more target analytes within a fluid-assay sample mixture. The fluidic assay assembly has a reciprocal plunger disposed therewithin and, in some embodiments, the plunger has a resilient member to bias the plunger in one direction. Movement of the plunger in a first direction implements an inspiration stroke for drawing the assay sample such that it contacts the fluid from the fluid chamber and continued movement of the plunger implements an expulsion stroke for expelling the fluid-assay sample mixture through the outlet opening to the receptacle of the assaying assembly.