Macro-Scale Lab-on-a-Chip Device for Point-of-Care Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) devices face challenges in manufacturing and handling due to micro-technology, leading to poor reproducibility and contamination issues, as they require high-quality ultrapure materials and complex manufacturing processes, making them unsuitable for practical, point-of-care applications.
Innovation Solution
A single-use, macro-scale LOC device with a chassis, liquid reservoir, and sliding sample preparation unit (SPU) that uses macroscopic mechanical components for sample standardization, filtration, and reagent addition, allowing for accurate sample measurement and biochemical assays without the need for micro-technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If micro-technology is used to create small LOC devices with micrometre-wide channels, pumps, and valves, then the device size is reduced and material usage is minimized, but manufacturing complexity increases, manufacturing costs rise, and reproducibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The LOC device is divided into separate functional modules (sample preparation unit, reaction chamber, detection unit) that can be manufactured independently using standard techniques and then assembled. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized separately while maintaining overall device compactness, resolving the contradiction between small size and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested structures where smaller functional components are integrated within larger housing structures. For example, micro-channels are embedded within a macro-scale housing, and reagent reservoirs are nested within the device body. This nesting approach achieves compact device volume while using manufacturable dimensions for each component.
2Volume of moving object
If micro-technology is used to manufacture LOC devices in ultrapure facilities, then device miniaturization is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses master molds and master patterns to create multiple replicas of the LOC device using standard injection molding or replication techniques. This allows mass production of micro-structured components using conventional manufacturing equipment rather than expensive ultrapure facilities, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining device miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from requiring ultrapure manufacturing conditions to standard manufacturing conditions by changing the precision parameters. Instead of requiring micrometre-wide channels to be manufactured with ultra-high precision in cleanrooms, the patent uses replication techniques that can produce equivalent geometries with standard tolerances, making the device economical to manufacture.
3Volume of moving object
If micro-technology components are used in LOC devices, then device size is reduced, but handling difficulty increases and contamination risks rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic sealing mechanisms and flexible membranes that automatically adapt to handling conditions. The device includes movable components that engage and disengage through simple macro-scale motions rather than requiring manipulation of tiny fixed parts. This dynamic design maintains compact size while dramatically improving ease of operation and reducing contamination risks during handling.
4Loss of substance
If micro-technology is used to create tiny disposable LOC devices, then material savings are achieved, but placement and manipulation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the handling difficulty by transitioning from two-dimensional planar manipulation to three-dimensional stacking and nesting. Multiple functional layers are arranged vertically rather than horizontally, allowing the device to be picked up and manipulated as a compact stack. This dimensional change maintains material efficiency while making the device as easy to handle as a standard-sized card or vial.
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 a versatile, easy-to-manufacture solution for conducting chemical and biochemical assays with high accuracy and quality, overcoming the limitations of micro-technology by using standard manufacturing methods and minimizing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
a piston (3) movable inside the chassis (1)
Implementation Method 2
a sample preparation unit (2) sliding along the piston (3)
Implementation Method 3
filtering a sample before entering the sample cavity
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3
AI summary
A lab-on-a-chip -device having macroscopic sliding components and a method to use the device is disclosed. The device allows measuring an exact predetermined volume of a sample and applying the measured sample on reagents, applying additional reagents on the sample, and measuring a biochemical or chemical reaction by recording a visual, fluorometric, colorimetric, spectrophotometric, luminometric and amperometric changes. The device enables chemical and biochemical tests requiring exact volumes to be conducted outside professional laboratory facilities. The device can be used in healthcare and in environmental applications. The device and the method are suitable for point of need situations.