Two-Part Fluidic Assembly for Valve-Free Diagnostic Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic testing methods are hindered by long response times, high costs, requirement for large sample sizes, and the need for specialized equipment and trained personnel, with point-of-care solutions often limited in sensitivity and reproducibility compared to laboratory testing.
Innovation Solution
The development of a device comprising a first portion with a fluidic pathway, a fluid actuator, and an introducer, and a second portion with wells, allowing for movable assembly to facilitate sample handling and analysis, enabling two-way fluid flow without valves, which enhances testing protocols and reduces manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory testing methods are used, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but response time and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate portions: a first portion containing the fluidic pathway and actuator, and a second portion containing the well with material. This segmentation allows for simplified point-of-care testing while maintaining laboratory-grade precision through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable introducer acts as an intermediary between the well containing material and the fluidic pathway. The introducer transfers material from the well to the fluidic pathway, enabling automated sample handling that improves both precision and reduces response time.
2Measurement precision
If separate systems are used for each point of use test, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a universal fluidic pathway and actuator system that can work with different materials stored in wells. The same basic structure supports multiple testing protocols by simply changing the material in the well, eliminating the need for separate systems for each test while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable second portion allows the well containing material to be repositioned relative to the fluidic pathway. This dynamic configuration enables a single device to perform multiple functions by adjusting the position of the well, reducing the need for multiple specialized systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex valve systems are implemented for fluid control, then fluid flow precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a fluid actuator that employs pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to control fluid flow through the fluidic pathway. This approach replaces complex mechanical valve systems with simpler pressure-based flow control, maintaining precision while reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs.
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
This configuration allows for rapid, cost-effective, and versatile diagnostic testing with enhanced sensitivity and reproducibility, accommodating various protocols without altering the device configuration and enabling efficient sample and reagent management.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid actuator configured to move at least a portion of the material in the fluidic pathway
Implementation Method 2
the introducer is configured to obtain at least a portion of the material from the at least one well and deliver it to the fluidic pathway
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A device that includes a first portion, the first portion including at least one fluid channel; a fluid actuator; and an introducer; a second portion, the second portion including at least one well, the well containing at least one material, wherein one of the first or second portion is moveable with respect to the other, wherein the introducer is configured to obtain at least a portion of the material from the at least one well and deliver it to the fluid channel, and wherein the fluid actuator is configured to move at least a portion of the material in the fluid channel.