Liquid-Sample Analyte Tester With Non-Absorbent Carrier
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing testing devices for liquid samples, particularly urine, are limited in their ability to perform multiple tests simultaneously and safely, often requiring manual operation and leading to unsanitary conditions due to direct contact with the liquid sample.
Innovation Solution
A device with a non-absorbent support carrier that allows testing elements with spaced absorbent areas to be inserted into a detection chamber, where the testing areas are kept dry until contacted with the liquid sample, enabling multiple tests without absorption, and results are read using a colorimetric card.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reagent strip is placed directly into the liquid sample for testing, then the testing area can contact with the liquid sample for reaction, but the manual operation becomes unsafe and unsanitary due to direct contact with the liquid sample
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated liquid sample delivery system that acts as an intermediary between the liquid sample and the testing area. The system uses a robotic arm with a dropper to automatically deliver the liquid sample to the reagent strip, eliminating direct manual contact with the sample while ensuring accurate delivery. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining testing accuracy through precise sample delivery while improving hygiene and safety through automation.
2Productivity
If multiple testing areas are provided on a test strip for simultaneous testing, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise positioning and multiple testing zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the testing function into multiple independent testing areas on a single test strip, each equipped with its own reagent layer and reaction zone. The automated delivery system can selectively deliver sample to different testing areas or deliver sample once for simultaneous reaction across multiple areas. This segmentation enables parallel testing of different analytes, improving productivity while the modular design keeps the overall structure manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The test strip is designed with multiple testing areas that can detect different analytes using the same basic structure and automated delivery mechanism. The system performs multiple testing functions (different analytes, different tests) using a single integrated platform, avoiding the need for separate devices for each test type. This multi-functionality improves productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the liquid sample is absorbed by the carrier for testing, then the testing area can obtain the liquid sample, but the carrier absorbs excess liquid causing uneven distribution and potential false negatives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a non-absorbent carrier material for the test strip that prevents unwanted liquid absorption. The carrier is specifically designed to be hydrophobic or non-absorbent to maintain precise liquid distribution. Only the designated testing areas with their specific reagent layers interact with the liquid sample, ensuring that liquid is delivered exactly where needed without being absorbed elsewhere. This local quality control prevents uneven distribution and false negatives while maintaining 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
Enables simultaneous testing of multiple analytes in a liquid sample while maintaining hygiene and safety by preventing direct liquid contact with the testing areas, reducing the risk of false negatives through controlled exposure to the sample.
Implementation Method 1
The testing area includes an absorbent material, and the non-absorbent carrier does not have water absorption capacity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention discloses a device for testing an analyte in a liquid sample, and the device includes: a sample chamber for receiving the liquid sample, where the sample chamber includes an opening and side walls enclosing a chamber; a detection chamber, where the detection chamber is in fluid communication with the sample chamber, the detection chamber is provided with the opening through which a testing element is inserted into the detection chamber, and the testing element has a testing area; and a first cover, where the first cover is used for sealing the opening of the detection chamber. The device can be used for testing the analyte in the liquid sample and especially suitable for home self-testing.