Modular Test Unit with Color-Coded Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rapid diagnosis test devices face challenges in distinguishing between different analytes, leading to confusion and incorrect testing, especially in home self-testing scenarios where multiple test items need to be tested simultaneously, and there is a need for a solution to prevent repeated testing and reading of test results.
Innovation Solution
A device with detachable and inseparable testing units that can be combined for testing and then locked together, featuring easily breakable structures and locking mechanisms to prevent re-use, along with label-based identification for automatic analyte recognition, ensuring correct test results and reducing environmental pollution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple testing units are provided for different analytes, then testing capability is improved, but device complexity increases and users cannot distinguish between different test cards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to testing units and their connecting columns to enable visual differentiation between different analytes. Each testing unit is associated with a specific color that matches its corresponding connecting column, allowing users to quickly identify and select the correct test card without confusion, thereby resolving the distinction problem while maintaining multiple testing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the testing system into separate, modular testing units that can be individually selected and used. Each testing unit is a独立的 test card that can be detached and used separately, allowing users to choose only the needed test without handling the entire system, thus reducing operational complexity while preserving versatility
2Ease of operation
If testing units are made detachable for separate use, then ease of operation is improved, but repeated testing and reading errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a locking mechanism that activates automatically after a testing unit is removed from the main body. This preliminary action prevents the same testing unit from being reinserted and reused, eliminating repeated testing errors. The locking structure engages after detachment, ensuring that each testing unit can only be used once even though it was temporarily removable for the initial test
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces connecting columns as an intermediary component between the testing units and the main body. These columns serve as both the attachment mechanism and the locking element. After a testing unit is removed, the connecting columns remain in the main body and prevent reinsertion, thus mediating between the ease of initial detachment and the prevention of subsequent misuse
3Ease of operation
If testing units are combined together after testing, then ease of disposal is improved, but environmental pollution increases due to improper disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables testing units to be combined together after use through the connecting columns, allowing multiple disposed test cards to be aggregated into a single unit. This merging facilitates easier disposal and reduces the number of separate disposal actions needed, while the controlled combination mechanism ensures that only used testing units are combined, not new ones
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable testing units that are designed for single use and then discarded. The connecting columns provide a mechanism to bundle these disposable units together for convenient disposal. By making the testing units disposable and providing easy combination for disposal, the system simplifies the disposal process while the controlled locking mechanism prevents premature disposal of functional units
Data Source
AI summary
A device for detecting analytes in a sample includes a main body. The main body includes a plurality of testing units. Each testing unit is configured to detect one or more analytes in the sample. Each testing unit is separable from the main body, or/and the testing units are connected together through the main body. When testing needs to be performed, the testing units are separable from each other, or the testing units are separable from the main body. The testing units are inseparable from the main body after completing the testing and entering the main body again.