Lab-on-Paper Sensor Cartridge for Explosives Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lab-on-paper systems require separate steps for sample preparation, application, and measurement, lacking a fully integrated solution for chemical analysis.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge with lab-on-paper type sensors is designed, comprising an upper and lower housing with chromatography paper in between, where the upper housing has a blister with solvent that dissolves the sample, and capillary forces transport the solution to the sensors on the paper for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate steps for sample preparation, application, and measurement are used, then each step can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the overall process complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sample preparation, application, and measurement functions into a single integrated cartridge system. The cartridge houses the sensor, sample chamber, and fluid transport mechanisms together, allowing all operations to occur in one device rather than requiring separate equipment for each step.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is designed as a multi-functional unit that simultaneously performs sample dissolution, fluid transport, sensor exposure, and measurement reading. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If separate steps for sample preparation, application, and measurement are used, then each step can be optimized independently, but the total measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge enables continuous operation where sample dissolution, fluid transport, and sensor measurement occur in an unbroken sequence without intermediate handling steps. The integrated design ensures that as soon as the sample dissolves, the solution immediately flows to the sensor for measurement, eliminating idle time between steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is pre-configured with all necessary components (sensor, fluid channels, sample chamber) before use. The sample is prepared and placed in the cartridge in advance, and upon activation, the entire measurement process proceeds without requiring intermediate preparation or setup steps.
3Device complexity
If manual sample application and sensor immersion are used, then simple equipment is required, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is designed to perform sample application and sensor exposure automatically once the sample is inserted. The capillary channels and fluid dynamics are engineered to self-regulate the flow of dissolved sample to the sensor without requiring manual manipulation or precise positioning by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge divides the measurement system into discrete, pre-assembled components (sample chamber, fluid channels, sensor area) that are manufactured separately and then integrated. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall operation through modular design.
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 solution provides a fully integrated measurement process, reducing the complexity and time required for chemical analysis, and enabling efficient detection of analytes such as explosives with high accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The solvent solution placed in the blister causes dissolution of the tested sample, and then it diffuses through the spacer enabling its contact with the chromatography paper
Implementation Method 2
The tested sample is transported by employing capillary forces of the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cartridge with lab on paper type sensors, characterized in that it consists of an upper cartridge housing (6) and a lower cartridge housing (10), detachably connected by a hinge (8), and a chromatography paper with the printed architecture of lab on paper sensors type (9) placed between the housings (6, 10), wherein the upper cartridge housing (6) is divided into an outer zone on which a slot (3) is located to which a blister with a solvent (1) is attached by a double-sided adhesive tape (2), and an inner zone containing a centrally positioned slot (7) equipped with a porous foil (5) around which symmetrically arranged openings (4) are located, additional aligning elements are located on the corners of each of the elements (6, 9, 10), and on the lower cartridge housing (10), at the inner side thereof, a spacer structure (11) is located of a shape being an envelope of the area that includes the central slot (7) and openings (4) so that when assembled, the cartridge forms a measuring system. The invention also relates to a measurement method carried out using said cartridge and its use for detection of explosives.