Membrane Unit Imaging Feedback for Fluidic Structure Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing membrane units in lateral flow tests suffer from positioning errors that cannot be detected, leading to deviations from predefined geometrical properties of the fluidic structure, which affects the precision and reproducibility of fluid management.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a primary production arrangement that uses a sensor arrangement and evaluation control to generate evaluation images of the fluidic structure, allowing for the detection of deviations from predefined geometrical properties, and a feedback loop to improve precision, with the option of adapting subsequent process steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera-based detection of reference points is used to support precision, then positioning accuracy is improved, but positioning errors after detection cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating evaluation images of the fluidic structure immediately after it is introduced into the membrane material, before subsequent processing steps occur. This allows positioning errors to be detected early in the process, enabling timely correction or rejection of defective membrane units while maintaining the benefits of camera-based reference point detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by creating a closed-loop system where evaluation images are generated and analyzed to detect positioning errors, and this information is used to adjust subsequent processing steps or reject defective units. The feedback loop connects the detection system back to the processing system, allowing continuous improvement of positioning accuracy while maintaining reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If evaluation images of fluidic structures are generated to detect deviations, then manufacturing precision is improved, but hardware investment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by generating optical evaluation images of the fluidic structure using a sensor arrangement. Instead of directly measuring the physical dimensions of the fluidic structure with complex measurement equipment, the system creates optical copies (images) that can be analyzed digitally to detect deviations from predefined geometrical properties, significantly reducing hardware complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems with an optical-based evaluation system. Instead of using physical measurement tools to assess the fluidic structure's geometry, the system uses optical imaging and digital image analysis to detect deviations, substituting mechanical complexity with optical and computational simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If reference image is generated from evaluation images of multiple membrane units, then measurement precision is improved, but systematic errors remain undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by offering different reference image generation options: using evaluation images from multiple membrane units (which improves precision through averaging) or using artificially generated reference images from planning data (which enables detection of systematic errors). The system can switch between these parameter settings depending on the specific quality control needs, allowing optimization between precision and systematic error detection.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a method for producing a roll (1) or sheet of membrane units (2) for a membrane product (3) such as a lateral flow test from a roll (6) or sheet of membrane material (7), by means of a primary production arrangement (9), wherein the roll (6) or sheet of membrane material (7) is processed into a roll (1) or sheet of membrane units (2) in a primary processing routine, wherein in the primary processing routine, for generating the membrane units (2), a fluidic structure (11), in particular a hydrophobic structure, for defining fluid flow through the membrane material (7) is introduced into the membrane material (7) by means of a processing tool (12), wherein an evaluation routine is performed by means of an evaluation arrangement (15) comprising a sensor arrangement (16) and an evaluation control (17). It is proposed that in the evaluation routine, evaluation images (18) of the fluidic structures (11) of the membrane units (2) are generated by means of the sensor arrangement (16) and evaluation data (19) are generated by means of the evaluation control (17) and that the evaluation data (19) represent the deviation in predefined geometrical properties of the fluidic structure (11) in the respective evaluation image (18) with respect to the fluidic structure (11) in a reference image (21).