Microfluidic Platform Segmentation for Automated Blood Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic platforms for glucose determination in blood are complex to handle, prone to contamination, and require manual insertion and removal, with uncertainty about sufficient blood uptake until after insertion into a measuring device.
Innovation Solution
A device with individually separable and openable microfluidic platforms that can be used directly for sample liquid uptake and manipulation, allowing for immediate disposal after use, eliminating the need for manual insertion and removal, and enabling automated glucose determination without prior strip insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of individual test strips is used, then glucose determination can be performed, but handling complexity increases and contamination risk arises
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the test strip handling process into automated steps: the test strip is pre-loaded in a cartridge, the device automatically extracts and positions it, performs the measurement, and handles disposal. This segmentation transfers complex operations from the user to the automated device, simplifying user interaction while maintaining measurement functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-service by automatically executing the complete measurement sequence without manual intervention. The system autonomously handles test strip extraction, positioning, measurement execution, and disposal, eliminating the need for users to manually handle individual test strips and reducing operation complexity
2Reliability
If test strips are manually inserted and removed, then measurement can be performed, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the test strip from a sealed cartridge environment and immediately positions it in the measurement chamber, minimizing exposure to external contamination. The automated extraction and sealed transfer mechanism prevents contamination during the critical handling phase, maintaining measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed cartridge serves as an intermediary protective barrier between the test strip and the external environment. The automated extraction mechanism acts as a controlled intermediary transfer system, enabling the test strip to move from the sealed cartridge to the measurement chamber without direct user contact or environmental exposure, thereby preventing contamination
3Productivity
If blood uptake sufficiency is checked only after insertion, then measurement can proceed, but time is lost due to repeated procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary verification of blood uptake sufficiency through automated detection mechanisms before proceeding with the full measurement sequence. This preliminary check occurs during the automated extraction and positioning phase, allowing immediate detection and correction of insufficient sampling, thereby preventing time loss from procedure repetition and improving measurement efficiency
4Measurement precision
If individual test strips are handled separately, then precision is maintained, but handling difficulty increases for unpracticed users
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple functions into a single integrated system: the cartridge contains multiple test strips, the device automatically handles extraction, positioning, measurement, and disposal. This merging allows unpracticed users to benefit from automated precision handling while maintaining measurement accuracy, eliminating the need for users to master complex manual manipulation techniques
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
Simplifies user handling, ensures hygienic use by allowing immediate disposal of used platforms, and facilitates efficient glucose determination without the need for manual handling of test strips, reducing contamination risks and ensuring sufficient blood uptake.
Implementation Method 1
a sample carrier, test strip or the like, which can take up a sample liquid to be manipulated or studied especially by capillary forces
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a plurality of microfluidic platforms for taking up and especially studying or manipulating a sample liquid, a measuring instrument for use with the device and platforms, and a process for performing the studying or manipulating of the sample liquid. Very simple, hygienic and user-friendly handling is enabled in that the platforms which are connected to one another in a sealed state and can each be individually separated and individually, preferably simultaneously, opened for taking up of a sample, such as blood, for, e.g., performing a glucose determination.