Integrated Liquid Specimen Testing Apparatus with Chromatographic Timing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing liquid specimens, such as urine, are cumbersome, prone to contamination, and difficult to read, with existing apparatuses like dipsticks being awkward and exposing operators and the environment to risks, and previous solutions like U.S. Pat. No. 5,119,830 facing challenges in accurately matching response portions with precalibrated indicator markings.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained apparatus with a container and integrated response chart inside, where the response chart is positioned on the lid and the result chart is outside, featuring a chromatographic time band that moves between response portions to indicate reading times, and includes aligning means and light-preventing features to protect chemical reagents and facilitate accurate color matching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a dipstick is used for testing liquid specimens, then the testing procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and exposes the operator to contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The response chart is integrated directly into the container structure, specifically on the inner surface of the lid, combining the specimen container and the testing interface into a single unit. This eliminates the need for separate dipsticks and result charts, making the device self-contained and easier to operate while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The response chart is nested within the container structure, with the chart positioned on the inner surface of the lid and response portions extending downward into the specimen chamber. This nested arrangement allows the testing interface to be embedded within the container itself, improving ease of operation without adding external components
2Device complexity
If response portions are arranged in a straight line on the dipstick, then the device structure is simple, but it becomes difficult to match response portions with indicator markings visually
Solution Approach 1:
The response portions are arranged in an arc rather than a straight line, following the curvature of the container lid. This arc arrangement naturally positions the response portions along a curved path that is easier to align with corresponding indicator markings on the result chart, improving visual matching while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The response portions extend in multiple dimensions - along the arc of the lid and downward into the specimen chamber. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows the response portions to be positioned both for structural integration and for optimal visual alignment with the result chart, solving the matching difficulty
3Area of stationary object
If pre-calibrated indicator markings are made small for compactness, then the device size is reduced, but the markings become difficult to read
Solution Approach 1:
A translucent result chart is introduced as an intermediary layer between the response portions and the observer. The result chart contains indicator markings that can be larger and more readable, while the translucency allows light to pass through to the response portions below. This intermediary enables improved readability without increasing the overall device footprint
4Device complexity
If chemical reagents are exposed to light and moisture, then the testing process is simpler, but the reagents become degraded and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
A translucent result chart made of light-blocking material serves as a protective film for the chemical reagents. The chart blocks light from reaching the reagents while remaining translucent enough to allow visual reading of the response portions through it. This thin film protection maintains reagent stability without adding complex protection mechanisms
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, no-touch, and accurate testing with reduced contamination risk, improving ease of use and accuracy by integrating the response chart within the container and using a chromatographic time band for clear reading, while protecting reagents from light and moisture.
Implementation Method 1
a chromatographic time band which operates consequent upon contact with the liquid specimen to move between the response portions such as to reach each one of the response portions in that predetermined time interval
Implementation Method 2
The response chart comprises response portions which are contacted by the liquid specimen, which become differently coloured to indicate different characteristics present in the liquid specimen
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus (2) for testing a liquid specimen, which apparatus (2) comprises a container (4) for the liquid specimen, a response chart (6) which is operable in response to contact with the liquid specimen, and a result chart (8) for use with the response chart (6), and the apparatus (2) being such that: (i) the container (4) comprises a body portion (10), a lid (12), a test chamber (14), and openable means (16) which is adapted to be broken in order to allow the liquid specimen to pass from the body portion (10) into the test chamber (14); (ii) the response chart (6) comprises response portions (18) which are contacted by the liquid specimen, which become differently colored to indicate different characteristics present in the liquid specimen, and which are read at predetermined time intervals; (iii) the result chart (8) comprises result sectors (22), each result sector (22) is for indicating the result of a different test for the liquid specimen, and each result sector (22) has a plurality of differently colored result portions (24), and the different colors of the result portions (24) in each result sector (22) indicate different degrees of result for the test afforded by the result sector (22); (iv) the response chart (6) is inside the container (4); and (v) the result chart (6) is mounted on the outside of the container (4).