Modular Optical Test Strip Reader for Application-Specific Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical test strip systems are not easily configurable for various applications, requiring separate design and production for each use case, leading to high costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A modular optical test strip system comprising a reagent functionalization tool (RFT) with interchangeable instrumentation modules and bulkheads, allowing users to customize the system for specific applications by selecting appropriate components based on target analytes and sample properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate design and production is used for each application, then measurement precision and reliability are maintained, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a common RFT platform and interchangeable instrumentation modules. Each module is designed as an independent unit that can be selectively assembled, allowing the system to maintain reliability through standardized interfaces while reducing overall complexity by avoiding redundant design across applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFT platform is designed with universal functionality to support multiple instrumentation modules for different analytes and sample types. This multi-functional design allows a single base system to perform various measurement tasks by simply changing the instrumentation module, thereby maintaining measurement reliability across applications without increasing system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If separate design and production is used for each application, then measurement precision is maintained, but manufacturing costs and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into a common RFT platform and application-specific instrumentation modules, the patent enables mass production of the standardized base unit. This reduces manufacturing costs through economies of scale while maintaining measurement precision through carefully designed module interfaces that ensure proper alignment and electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges common functional elements (power supply, data processing, user interface) into a single RFT platform that serves all applications. This consolidation reduces per-unit manufacturing costs while preserving measurement precision by ensuring that critical measurement functions are maintained in each interchangeable module.
3Ease of manufacture
If a common platform with interchangeable modules is used, then ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing each instrumentation module with specific functionality tailored to particular analytes or sample types, while the common RFT platform provides standardized interfaces and functions. This allows the system to achieve ease of manufacture through standardization while managing complexity through localized specialization in each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture enables dynamic reconfiguration of the system by allowing different instrumentation modules to be assembled with the common RFT platform based on specific measurement needs. This dynamic adaptability simplifies manufacturing of the base unit while managing complexity through flexible, application-specific configurations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable instrumentation modules are implemented, then adaptability for various applications improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The common RFT platform is designed with universal interfaces and functions that can accommodate multiple types of instrumentation modules. This universality enhances adaptability for various applications while managing device complexity by providing a standardized base that simplifies the assembly and integration process.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the system into a common platform and specialized modules, the patent enables high adaptability through module selection while reducing assembly complexity through standardized interfaces. Each module is designed as a self-contained unit with defined connection protocols, making the overall system easier to configure despite its versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical test strip reader assembly is disclosed that includes a chassis, a reagent functionalization tool including a plurality of standard components installed in the chassis, a plurality of instrumentation modules that are each configured for assembly with the reagent functionalization tool in the chassis, each instrumentation module being selectable for assembly with the reagent functionalization tool in the chassis based on at least one parameter that corresponds to a target application for the optical test strip reader, and an optical test strip inlet that is configured to receive a portion of an optical test strip therein and to align a sample region of the optical test strip within the chassis at a location corresponding to a given instrumentation module of the plurality of instrumentation modules when the given instrumentation module is assembled within the chassis.