Membrane Unit Roll Inspection for Fluidic Structure Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing membrane units, such as those used in lateral flow tests, face challenges in achieving high reproducibility due to positioning errors during the introduction of fluidic structures, which cannot be detected effectively, leading to deviations from predefined geometrical properties.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a sensor arrangement and evaluation control to generate evaluation images of the fluidic structures, allowing for the detection of deviations from predefined geometrical properties, enabling a feedback loop to improve precision and adapt subsequent process steps with minimal hardware investment.
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 occurring after detection cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor arrangement captures images of the fluidic structure after it has been introduced into the membrane material, and the evaluation control compares the actual position with the predefined position to detect and correct positioning errors that occur after the initial detection of reference points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical camera-based reference point detection system with an optical sensor arrangement that directly images the fluidic structure itself, allowing for continuous monitoring and detection of positioning errors throughout the process
2Measurement precision
If evaluation images of fluidic structures are generated using sensor arrangement and evaluation control, then detection precision is improved, but hardware investment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arrangement serves multiple functions: it detects reference points, images the fluidic structure, and provides data for evaluation, eliminating the need for separate specialized detection systems and reducing overall hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidic structure itself serves as the object of detection, eliminating the need for separate reference markers or additional detection components, as the structure's own geometric properties are used for evaluation
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
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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).