Mobile Analyte Detection With Interchangeable Cartridges
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional technologies for identifying nucleic acids, proteins, and other molecules require expensive laboratory equipment and expert professionals, leading to delays in molecule detection for pathogens, diseases, contamination, overdoses, and poisonings.
Innovation Solution
A portable system that uses a mobile computing device, a reader component, and a cartridge with sample collection components to transform raw cellular material into digital results, enabling wireless communication and updates for new testing protocols, allowing for on-site detection of molecules using a smartphone or tablet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional laboratory equipment and expert professionals are used for molecule detection, then detection accuracy and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the molecule detection function into separate components: a portable reader device for sample analysis, a mobile computing device for data processing, and interchangeable cartridges for different analytes. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile computing device as an intermediary between the reader and the user/physician. This intermediary handles complex data processing, result interpretation, and communication functions, allowing the reader itself to remain relatively simple while maintaining high detection reliability through sophisticated software analysis.
2Reliability
If conventional laboratory equipment and expert professionals are used for molecule detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases due to laboratory waits
Solution Approach 1:
The portable system enables self-service molecule detection without requiring laboratory facilities or expert professionals. The integrated reader and mobile device allow users to perform detections anywhere, eliminating the need to transport samples to laboratories and wait for scheduled testing appointments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs all necessary detection and analysis functions in a single portable unit that can be deployed immediately at the point of care. Sample processing, analysis, and result generation occur sequentially within minutes rather than requiring scheduled laboratory time slots and extended waiting periods.
3Ease of operation
If portable components are used for molecule detection, then ease of operation and portability are improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical laboratory instrumentation with electronic and software-based systems. The mobile computing device uses software algorithms, digital signal processing, and electronic data analysis to achieve precise measurements, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical equipment while maintaining or improving detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses interchangeable cartridges designed for specific analytes, with each cartridge optimized for detecting particular molecules. This allows the portable reader to maintain high precision for each specific detection task while remaining easy to operate through automated cartridge recognition and protocol selection.
4Reliability
If specialized laboratory equipment is used for molecule detection, then detection capability for specific analytes is improved, but adaptability to different tests deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The portable reader is designed as a universal platform that can detect multiple different analytes through interchangeable cartridges. Each cartridge is optimized for specific molecules (e.g., viruses, bacteria, chemicals), but the reader itself can perform all these different detection functions, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment for each test type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration through software updates and cartridge changes. The mobile computing device can be updated with new detection protocols and algorithms, while the reader can accommodate different cartridge types, enabling the system to adapt to new analytes and testing requirements without replacing the core equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
This system takes in raw cellular material collected using a provided swab, blood collection device, urine collection device, or other sample collection device and transforms that biological material into a digital result, identifying the presence, absence and/or quantity of nucleic acids, proteins, and/or other molecules of interest.