Lateral Flow Assay Device with Optical Sensor and Wireless Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lateral flow assays for medical diagnostics lack efficient and user-friendly methods for analyzing liquid samples for specific analytes, particularly in terms of data processing and transmission, often requiring manual inspection and lacking integrated solutions for remote evaluation.
Innovation Solution
A testing device equipped with a liquid sample receiving interface, a capillary wick, and an optical sensor system that includes a conversion unit and a transmitter unit for wirelessly transmitting digital data on light intensity or color changes, allowing for external analysis without the need for manual inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual inspection is used for analyzing lateral flow assay results, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and diagnostic efficiency are reduced due to time-consuming manual evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical detection system. An optical sensor detects light reflected from the test portion, converting optical information into electrical signals that are processed and transmitted digitally. This substitution eliminates manual evaluation while maintaining simplicity through integrated electronics and wireless communication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing device performs self-evaluation by automatically detecting, processing, and transmitting results without requiring user inspection. The optical sensor system autonomously captures data from the test portion, converts it to digital format, and wirelessly transmits it to external devices for interpretation, enabling the device to serve itself in the analysis process.
2Loss of information
If integrated optical sensor and wireless transmission components are added to the testing device, then data processing and remote evaluation capabilities are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device integrates multiple functions into a single platform: sample reception, optical detection, signal conversion, data processing, and wireless transmission. This multi-functionality ensures comprehensive data capture and transmission capabilities while avoiding the need for separate manual processes, ultimately simplifying the overall diagnostic workflow despite the increased component integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the optical sensor, conversion unit, and transmitter unit into an integrated system within the testing device. These components work together as a unified data acquisition and transmission subsystem, combining detection and communication functions that would otherwise require separate devices or manual operations, thereby improving information retention while managing complexity through integration.
3Measurement precision
If automated optical detection is implemented, then measurement precision and objectivity are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective manual visual assessment with objective optical detection. The optical sensor systematically measures light reflection from the test portion, converting it into quantifiable electrical signals that are processed digitally. This substitution eliminates human variability in interpretation while using established optical and electronic components that can be manufactured with standard industrial processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms optical parameters (light reflection intensity) into electrical parameters through the optical sensor and conversion unit. This parameter transformation enables precise, objective measurement of test results by converting visual information into digital data that can be accurately processed and transmitted, improving measurement precision while using conventional sensor technologies.
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
Enables efficient and remote analysis of liquid samples for specific analytes, reducing user interaction and enabling data transmission for external evaluation, thus improving diagnostic efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The technology is based on a series of capillary beds having the capacity to transport fluid spontaneously by, for example, capillarity effect
Implementation Method 2
The optical sensor is configured for responding to impeding light and for providing an electrical signal representing a property, e.g., intensity or color or polarization, of the impeding light
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a testing device with a testing assembly for lateral flow assay. The testing assembly comprises liquid sample receiving interface arranged on a support structure defining a plane. The liquid sample receiving interface is configured to receive a liquid sample. The testing assembly comprises at least one testing strip fluidly connected to the liquid sample receiving interface. The testing strip comprises a capillary wick fluidly connected to the liquid sample receiving interface and including at least one test portion, the test portion comprising at least one respective reacting material configured for reacting in a predetermined manner to at least one specific analyte. The testing device comprises an optical sensor, arranged and configured for detecting light reflected from the at least one test portion and for converting the detected light into an electrical signal representing an intensity and/or a color of the detected light. The testing device further comprises a conversion unit for converting the electrical signal into digital data representing the intensity and/or the color of the detected light, and a transmitter unit for wirelessly transmitting digital data.