Microfluidic Sample Fluid Collection and Analysis Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for collecting and analyzing sample fluids, such as blood, urine, and saliva, are inaccurate, unreliable, and prone to contamination due to the use of separate devices for each process, which complicates the collection and analysis and fails to analyze multiple properties effectively.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a sample well plate with microfluidic channels that channelize the sample fluid to sensors, a lid part with a compressible region to exert pressure for sample flow, and a device with a controller to obtain indicator values from the sensors, allowing for efficient and precise collection and analysis of sample fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for collecting, sensing and analyzing sample fluid, then each function can be performed independently, but the overall process becomes complicated and prone to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate functions (collection, sensing, and analysis) into a single integrated apparatus. The collection device includes sample well plates, microfluidic plates with channels, sensors, and lid parts with compressible regions, all functioning as one unified system to eliminate contamination risks and simplify the overall process while maintaining independent functional capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated apparatus performs multiple functions simultaneously - collecting sample fluid in the sample well plate, transporting it through microfluidic channels, sensing properties via integrated sensors, and analyzing multiple characteristics all within one device structure, making the system versatile and multi-functional
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate devices are used for each process, then each device can be simple and affordable, but the overall system fails to analyze several properties from the collected sample
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates multiple sensors capable of detecting different properties of the sample fluid simultaneously, including chemical, physical, and biological characteristics. The microfluidic plate design allows for multiple analysis pathways, enabling comprehensive multi-property analysis within a single integrated system
3Measurement precision
If separate collection and reading mechanisms are used, then the process can be simple and resource extensive, but the collection and analysis of fluid is not accurate and reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates collection and reading mechanisms into a single apparatus where the sample well plate directly connects to microfluidic channels that lead to sensors. This direct integration eliminates transfer steps and intermediate handling, ensuring accurate and reliable measurement while maintaining a manageable system complexity through modular design
4Productivity
If separate devices are used for collection and analysis, then contamination potential is reduced at each stage, but the overall process becomes complicated and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus merges collection, transport, sensing, and analysis functions into one integrated system with sealed microfluidic channels that prevent contamination. The direct connection between sample well plates and sensors through enclosed microfluidic pathways eliminates exposure to external contaminants while streamlining the process for higher efficiency
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 apparatus ensures accurate and reliable collection and analysis of sample fluids, preventing contamination and ensuring adequate sample volume for precise analysis, suitable for medical testing and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
the compressible region is configured to receive a first amount of external force thereon and exert a pressure over the received sample fluid to enable the flow of at least a part of the sample fluid towards the at least one sensor
Implementation Method 2
a microfluidic plate configured to channelize a flow of at least a part of the sample fluid received via the one or more of holes towards at least one sensor coupled to the microfluidic plate
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for collecting a sample fluid includes a base part with sample well plate with cavity having plurality of holes fluidically connecting first side and second side of cavity. The cavity is configured to accommodate sample collection part of sample stick on first side of cavity. The base part has microfluidic plate configured to channelize flow of at least a part of sample fluid received via plurality of holes towards at least one sensor coupled to microfluidic plate; and plurality of electrical connectors connected to at least one sensor. Moreover, the apparatus has lid part coupled to base part, lid part having compressible region configured to receive first amount of external force thereon and exert pressure over sample collection part to enable flow of sample fluid towards at least one sensor.