Lateral Flow Reader Optics Module for Low-Glare Rapid Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analyte detection systems are cumbersome, costly, and prone to fraudulent use in non-laboratory settings, requiring improvements for speed, ruggedness, and ease of use while ensuring valid test results.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel lateral flow reader system with a self-contained optics module, microcontroller, and interchangeable modules for efficient analyte detection, featuring a non-planar optics module, direct lighting assembly, and incubator for rapid test result generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional analyte detection systems are used in non-laboratory settings, then testing can be performed outside controlled environments, but the systems are cumbersome, costly, and prone to fraudulent use
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: a disposable assay module containing the test strip and reagents, and a reusable reader device. This segmentation allows the complex detection functionality to be pre-packaged in a simple-to-use disposable unit, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The assay module is designed as a disposable component that is pre-prepared and discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning, calibration, and maintenance procedures, making the system easy to operate in non-laboratory settings while containing complexity within the reusable reader.
2Productivity
If traditional testing systems are used, then comprehensive analyte detection can be achieved, but the testing speed is slow and equipment cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The assay module is pre-prepared with all necessary reagents, binders, and capture agents in their optimal configurations before use. This preliminary preparation eliminates setup time and allows immediate testing, significantly improving testing speed while reducing the time loss associated with traditional system preparation.
3Measurement precision
If conventional optical detection methods are used, then analyte detection can be performed, but specular reflection interferes with measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system uses wavelength-specific illumination and detection tailored to the specific optical properties of the assay module's development area. By optimizing the optical path and detection parameters for the local characteristics of the test region, the system achieves high measurement precision while minimizing the impact of specular reflection.
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 rapid, reliable, and cost-effective analyte detection in non-laboratory settings with minimal specular reflection and improved ruggedness, reducing the risk of fraudulent use.
Implementation Method 1
The sample is carried to the opposite end of the membrane strip by a mobile phase that traverses the membrane strip, for example by capillary action.
Implementation Method 2
The presence and, in some cases, the concentration, of an analyte on a reagent strip may be determined by measuring the optical reflectance from an area of development on the strip.
Data Source
AI summary
Analyte testing devices, assemblies, methods, operations, and systems are shown and described. In a lateral flow reader to generate a test result from an assay when contacted with a sample and having a camera multiplexer circuit and a host controller. An assembly includes an interface connector; a self-contained optics module having a microcontroller in electrical communication with the interface connector and a host controller. Typically, an optical imaging device being in communication with an interface connector but independent of a microcontroller.