Lateral Flow Assay Removable Barrier for Controlled Fluid Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lateral flow assays face challenges in precisely controlling conjugate time and flow time due to variations in capillary flow rates, making it difficult to achieve the required binding time for analytes and flow through the membrane, especially in handheld or portable devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a removable physical barrier or gap between the conjugate pad and the membrane, controlled by mechanisms like solenoids, electromagnets, or linear actuators, to regulate the flow of sample fluid, allowing for precise conjugate time and flow time management by removing the barrier or gap after a set time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a removable physical barrier or gap is incorporated between the conjugate pad and membrane to control flow, then conjugate time and flow time can be precisely controlled, but device complexity increases due to additional components like solenoids, electromagnets, or linear actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting the barrier or gap configuration during manufacturing to define specific conjugate and flow times. The barrier is positioned in advance to create a controlled flow path, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during operation. This allows precise time control through predetermined physical geometry rather than active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the flow path by introducing a removable barrier or gap between the conjugate pad and membrane. This segmentation creates distinct zones that can be independently controlled, allowing separate optimization of conjugate time and flow time. The barrier divides the continuous flow into controlled segments, enabling precise timing without requiring complex overall system redesign.
2Ease of operation
If capillary flow rate is relied upon for fluid transport, then the device remains simple and portable, but flow time becomes difficult to control precisely due to variations in capillary flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical geometry of the flow path through the barrier configuration. By adjusting the gap size, barrier position, or flow channel dimensions, the capillary flow rate is controlled to achieve precise flow times. This allows tuning of flow parameters while maintaining passive capillary action, combining portability with controlled flow characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier acts as an intermediary element between the conjugate pad and membrane, mediating the flow of sample fluid. It controls the flow rate and timing by creating a defined flow path with specific capillary properties. This intermediary structure enables precise flow time control while maintaining the simplicity of passive capillary transport, avoiding the need for active pumping mechanisms.
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 approach enables precise control over conjugate time and flow time, ensuring adequate binding of analytes and efficient fluid flow, even in portable devices, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of lateral flow assays.
Implementation Method 1
controlled by mechanisms like solenoids, electromagnets, or linear actuators
Implementation Method 2
controlled by mechanisms like solenoids, electromagnets, or linear actuators
Implementation Method 3
variations in capillary flow rates, making it difficult to achieve the required binding time
Data Source
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AI summary
A lateral flow assay device comprising a conjugate pad for receiving a quantity of fluid; and a membrane comprising a test line for determining whether the fluid comprises a target analyte. In a first state of the lateral flow assay device, the lateral flow assay device is configured with a removable gap between the conjugate pad and the membrane which is substantially filled with air and prevents the fluid from flowing from the conjugate pad into the membrane. In a second state of the lateral flow assay device, the removable gap is removed from between the conjugate pad and the membrane causing the conjugate pad to come in contact with the membrane, allowing the fluid to flow from the conjugate pad into the membrane and the test line by capillary action.