Microfluidic Test Strip Manufacturing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manufacturing devices for test strips are large, expensive, and limited to producing a single type, resulting in high costs and slow manufacturing speeds, making them unsuitable for diverse consumer needs and increasing the importance of developing a smaller, cost-effective device with a wider application field.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing device comprising a fluid push module with an actuator and transmission unit, a fluid flow module with reagent storage and delivery units, and a fluid output module with replaceable reagent outlets, allowing for precise control and micro amount output of reagents, forming a reagent transmission path isolated from the gravity direction to prevent excess reagent overflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional manufacturing devices are used, then test strips can be produced, but the device size is large and manufacturing cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical manufacturing systems with a microfluidic-based system. The fluid delivery member, actuator, and transmission unit work together to precisely control reagent flow through microchannels, eliminating the need for large-scale mechanical equipment while reducing device size and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluid pressure and flow control mechanisms to deliver reagents. The actuator generates pressure to move the fluid delivery member, and the transmission unit transmits this force to control reagent flow through the microfluidic channels, enabling precise control without large mechanical systems.
2Productivity
If conventional manufacturing devices are used, then test strips can be produced, but the manufacturing speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-fills the reagent storage chamber and prepares the fluid delivery member before the actual manufacturing process. The reagent is already positioned in the storage chamber, and the delivery member is pre-configured, allowing immediate and rapid dispensing without preparation delays, thus increasing manufacturing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a continuous reagent delivery system where the actuator continuously drives the fluid delivery member through the transmission unit, maintaining constant reagent flow through the microchannels. This continuous action eliminates interruptions and maintains high manufacturing speed throughout the process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mass production model is used, then cost is reduced, but only single type of test strips can be produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a replaceable reagent outlet design that allows dynamic reconfiguration of the system. Different reagent outlets can be installed to deliver different reagents, enabling the production of various test strip types. The actuator and transmission unit adapt to different outlet configurations, providing versatility without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal manufacturing platform where the core components (actuator, transmission unit, fluid delivery member, reagent storage chamber) can work with multiple types of reagent outlets. This multi-functional design allows a single device to produce various test strip types, reducing per-unit costs while maintaining product diversity.
4Manufacturing precision
If reagent outlets are fixed, then device structure is simple, but reagent output control is imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the transmission unit as an intermediary between the actuator and the fluid delivery member. This transmission unit precisely translates the actuator's motion into controlled displacement of the fluid delivery member, enabling accurate reagent output control. The microfluidic channels further refine this control by regulating reagent flow at the outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the reagent delivery system into segmented components: the actuator for generating force, the transmission unit for precise motion translation, the fluid delivery member for targeted reagent transport, and the microfluidic channels for flow regulation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving high precision without excessive overall complexity.
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 achieves precise control and micro amount output of reagents, reducing manufacturing costs and enabling the production of multiple test strip types, making it more attractive to consumers and expanding its application field.
Implementation Method 1
The first infusion line is disposed between the reagent storage chamber and the drain chamber and communicates the reagent storage chamber and the drain chamber
Implementation Method 2
The check valves are disposed at one ends of the first infusion line and the second infusion line
Implementation Method 3
a reagent flow direction is opposite to a gravity direction
Implementation Method 4
The second infusion line is disposed between the drain chamber and the reagent output unit and communicates the drain chamber and the reagent output unit
Data Source
AI summary
A manufacturing device and a manufacturing method of a test strip. The manufacturing device includes a fluid push module, a fluid flow module and a fluid output module. The fluid push module includes an actuator and a transmission unit. The transmission unit has at least a fluid delivery member. The fluid flow module includes a reagent storage unit and a reagent delivery unit. The reagent storage unit has at least one reagent storage chamber. The reagent delivery unit has at least one drain chamber, at least one first infusion line, at least a second infusion line and a plurality of check valves. The fluid output module includes a plurality of reagent outlets and a reagent output unit, and one end of each of the reagent outlets is configured with an inner recess. The reagent output unit has a plurality of channels corresponding to the reagent outlets.