Folding Strip Housing for Lateral Flow Test Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of lateral flow test devices is complex and energy-intensive due to the use of injection molding with multiple molds and geometrically complex structures, requiring separate housing parts and undercuts.
Innovation Solution
A folding strip is used to create a device for lateral flow tests, comprising a base section with a fastening region and a cover section with viewing and application windows, allowing for a simple, cost-effective assembly by folding, which can accommodate any commercially available test strip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If injection molding with multiple molds and complex housing structures is used, then the device can be manufactured with secure test strip fixation and housing connection, but the production process becomes complex and energy-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple housing parts into a single folding strip structure that forms the complete housing when folded. The folding strip integrates the housing body, test strip fixation elements, and connection features into one continuous piece of material, eliminating the need for separate injection-molded parts and their complex assembly requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a folding strip made from flexible material (such as cardboard or thin plastic) that can be folded and shaped to form the rigid housing structure. This flexible starting material is transformed into a stable, box-like housing through folding and gluing, replacing traditional rigid injection-molded plastic parts.
2Reliability
If injection molding with geometrically complex structures is used, then the housing can provide secure fixation and connection features, but the mold geometry becomes complex requiring multiple molds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the housing structure into a series of folded sections created from a single flat folding strip. Instead of using complex 3D molds to create integrated features, the design breaks down the housing into planar sections that are easily formed by folding, with connection features created through simple gluing operations rather than complex mold geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 3D complex mold geometry to 2D flat pattern design. All the housing features, including fixation elements and connection points, are designed as 2D elements on the folding strip that achieve their 3D functionality through folding. This dimensional reduction simplifies manufacturing from complex mold making to simple cutting and folding operations.
3Strength
If separate housing parts are used for injection molding, then the device can be assembled with proper structural integrity, but the production requires multiple molds and becomes cost-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate housing components into a single integrated folding strip. The folding strip contains all housing elements (sides, bottom, fixation features) as continuous sections that are joined through simple folding and gluing, replacing multiple separate injection-molded parts and their complex assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable folding strip made from inexpensive material (such as cardboard or thin plastic) that is folded and glued to form the housing. This single-use approach eliminates the need for expensive, durable injection molds while maintaining sufficient housing strength for the application, making the process more cost-effective and efficient.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a folding strip (1, 1A-F) for producing a device (23) for a lateral flow test, comprising a base section (2) and a cover section (3), a folded edge (16, 16a-c arranged between the base section (2) and the cover section (3) in an unfolded state of the folding strip (1, 1A-F), wherein the base section (2) has a fastening region (4) for fastening a test strip (5), wherein the cover section (3) has a viewing window (9) and an application window (8), and wherein, in a folded state of the folding strip (1, 1A-F), a first part (10a) of the fastening region (4) is arranged between the base section (2) and the application window (8) and a second part (10b) of the fastening region (4) is arranged between the base section (2) and the viewing window (9).