Lateral Flow Diagnostic Apparatus with Inclined Cartridge and Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lateral flow diagnostic tests are slow due to reliance on capillary phenomena, leading to prolonged diagnostic times and potential decision errors, necessitating an enhancement in reactivity and sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an inclined cartridge structure with adjustable inclination angles, a heating unit, and a physical vibration unit to facilitate faster specimen flow and reaction, thereby accelerating the diagnostic process and improving sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If capillary phenomenon is used for lateral flow, then the test can be performed without external power, but the diagnostic time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibration unit that vibrates the cartridge in a lateral flow direction. This vibration accelerates the movement of specimen and reagents through the porous membrane, significantly reducing diagnostic time while maintaining the simplicity of operation. The vibration force overcomes the slow capillary flow without requiring complex mechanical pumping systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the lateral flow process by using adjustable vibration parameters (frequency, amplitude, duration). This allows the system to optimize flow speed dynamically during the test, balancing between maintaining operational simplicity and reducing diagnostic time based on specific test requirements.
2Device complexity
If conventional lateral flow method is used, then the device structure is simple, but the reactivity and sensitivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration unit enhances reactivity and sensitivity by increasing the contact frequency between specimen particles and reagents on the porous membrane. The mechanical vibration promotes more thorough mixing and binding reactions, improving detection sensitivity without significantly complicating the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the lateral flow process by introducing controlled vibration and adjusting flow velocity. These parameter changes enhance the reaction kinetics between antigens and antibodies, improving sensitivity while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple through the use of a compact vibration motor.
3Speed
If faster flow speed is achieved, then diagnostic time is reduced, but the mixing and reaction efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration unit simultaneously achieves both faster flow speed and improved mixing efficiency. The vibrational motion creates micro-turbulence that enhances mixing while the overall lateral flow continues at an accelerated pace, resolving the trade-off between speed and reaction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic vibration cycles during the lateral flow process. During vibration phases, mixing is enhanced; during non-vibration phases, rapid lateral flow continues. This periodic action optimizes both flow speed and mixing efficiency throughout the diagnostic process.
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 solution significantly reduces diagnostic time and enhances sensitivity by optimizing the flow and reaction conditions between the specimen and reagents, leading to faster and more accurate test results.
Implementation Method 1
a structure which is inclined in a lateral flow direction of a cartridge to facilitate control of a lateral flow after a specimen is input
Implementation Method 2
a heating unit may be provided in the cartridge to adjust a temperature of the cartridge to an optimal reaction temperature
Implementation Method 3
a physical vibration unit is provided so that energy may be supplied from the outside to facilitate a reaction between a specimen and a reagent
Data Source
AI summary
A lateral flow diagnostic testing apparatus including a measurement assembly in which a cartridge is loaded and which is inclined with respect to a main body housing in a lateral flow direction of the cartridge is disclosed. The main body housing and the measurement assembly is rotatably hinge-coupled to adjust an inclination angle. The inclination of the measurement assembly is adjustable by an inclination driving unit. A vibration actuator can be further included on a cartridge loading surface. In addition, a heating unit fixed to face the cartridge can be further included.