Lateral Flow Device with Inclined Support for Multi-Analyte Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lateral flow devices for testing multiple analytes are complex, costly, and prone to inaccurate results when operated by untrained personnel, with issues of uneven sample distribution and excessive sample volume affecting test accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an upper and lower card with inclined supporting structures for even sample distribution across multiple test strips, using a liquid diversion element to manage sample flow and prevent excessive liquid from reaching the test strips, ensuring consistent and accurate results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple test strips are arranged to detect multiple analytes simultaneously, then the diagnostic capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple test strips into a single integrated device with a common sample application area. The sample application pad is positioned to simultaneously contact multiple test strips, allowing one sample application to initiate multiple parallel detection processes. This merging approach enables multi-analyte detection while maintaining a simple, unified device structure rather than requiring separate devices for each test.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample application pad serves multiple functions by being positioned to contact all test strips simultaneously. This single component performs the role of sample application for multiple different tests, making the device multi-functional. The same physical structure supports various detection functions, reducing overall device complexity while enhancing diagnostic capability.
2Ease of operation
If a single sample application area is used for multiple test strips, then the ease of operation is improved, but the sample distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs individual contact points or localized regions on the sample application pad that correspond to each test strip. Each local region is optimized to deliver the appropriate amount of sample to its specific test strip, ensuring uniform distribution. This local optimization allows the single sample application area to function effectively for multiple strips without compromising sample distribution precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample application pad is segmented into multiple contact regions, each responsible for contacting a specific test strip. This segmentation ensures that the sample is distributed evenly across all test strips while maintaining a unified sample application interface for the user. The segmented structure resolves the conflict between ease of operation and sample distribution uniformity.
3Ease of operation
If excessive liquid sample is applied, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts or removes the harmful effect of excessive liquid by incorporating a liquid diversion element that redirects excess sample away from the test strips. This allows users to apply generous amounts of sample without compromising test accuracy, as the diversion element prevents overflow from reaching the detection areas. The harmful aspect of excess liquid is separated and managed independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid diversion element converts the potentially harmful effect of excessive liquid application into a beneficial feature. By providing a designated path for excess liquid, the device encourages users to apply more sample without worry, while the diversion mechanism ensures only the appropriate amount reaches the test strips. The harm of excess liquid is transformed into a user-friendly feature that improves ease of operation.
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
The device enables accurate and rapid testing of multiple analytes with a single sample application, reducing the impact of excessive liquid on test results and making it suitable for home self-testing without requiring professional training.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid diversion element to manage sample flow and prevent excessive liquid from reaching the test strips
Implementation Method 2
the liquid buffer or the sample extends across a lateral flow path from the sample port to a downstream position via a lateral flow test strip
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a device for testing an analyte in a fluid sample, and the device includes: a housing combined with an upper card and a lower card, where a supporting structure for supporting a lateral flow testing element is arranged on the lower card, the lateral flow testing element is configured to test the analyte in the fluid sample and includes an application pad for receiving a liquid sample, the supporting structure includes a supporting structure for supporting an entire sample application pad, and part of the supporting structure for supporting the sample application pad is inclined.