Lateral Flow Test Device with Optical Tracking for Point-of-Care Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lateral flow test devices are expensive, complex, and unreliable due to environmental light interference and the need for large equipment, making them unsuitable for cost-effective point-of-care diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A compact, cost-effective lateral flow test device with a manual test strip feeding mechanism and optical detector that uses tracking features to ensure accurate detection of test lines, minimizing ambient light interference and employing digital image correlation for precise strip positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a mobile phone camera is used as a detector placed in proximity to a test strip, then the device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to environmental light conditions causing variability
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a controlled test chamber for the reaction, a separate detection aperture for optical measurement, and a manual feeding mechanism. This segmentation allows the detection to occur in a controlled environment while keeping the overall device simple.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary optical system is introduced between the test strip and the detector. The detection aperture and associated optics act as an intermediary that isolates the measurement from environmental light interference while maintaining device simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If large equipment with pre-defined movement paths is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip itself serves as the reference framework. Tracking features printed on the test strip enable the system to self-determine positioning without requiring external complex positioning equipment. The test strip 'services' its own positioning needs.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex mechanical positioning systems are replaced with an optical tracking system. Instead of using large equipment with pre-defined movement paths, the invention uses optical detection of tracking features to determine position, substituting mechanical complexity with optical simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If environmental light conditions are not controlled, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful environmental light factor is extracted and isolated from the measurement process. The detection aperture creates a controlled optical path that excludes ambient light interference, allowing the measurement to proceed independently of environmental lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Light control is applied locally at the detection aperture rather than requiring global environmental control. The aperture and its associated optical elements create a localized controlled environment for measurement, leaving the rest of the device and environment unchanged.
4Measurement precision
If automated positioning systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the test strip's own tracking features to self-determine positioning. The optical detector automatically identifies the tracking features and calculates position, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external automated positioning equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
Automated mechanical positioning systems are replaced with optical field-based positioning. The system uses optical detection of tracking features and image correlation algorithms to determine position, substituting mechanical automation with optical and computational methods.
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 provides reliable, accurate, and affordable test results with minimal components, enabling point-of-care diagnostics and detecting various analytes, including coronavirus and antibodies.
Implementation Method 1
an optical detector configured to receive light from an assay test strip through the detection aperture
Implementation Method 2
A lateral flow assay includes a series of capillary beds, such as pieces of porous paper, nitrocellulose membranes, microstructured polymer, or sintered polymer for transporting fluid across a series of pads by capillary forces
Data Source
AI summary
A lateral flow test device includes a test chamber having a detection aperture. The lateral flow test device also includes an optical detector configured to receive light from an assay test strip through the detection aperture when the assay test strip is provided in the test chamber. The test chamber is configured for manual feed of at least a portion of the assay test strip passed the detection aperture. The optical detector is configured to detect one or more tracking features associated with the assay test strip so as to determine when at least a test line on the assay test strip is detectable through the detection aperture.