Movable Test Strip Chamber for Cleaner Liquid Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rapid diagnosis devices for detecting analytes in liquid samples, such as urine and saliva, face challenges in providing convenient, accurate, and environmentally friendly self-testing solutions, especially for on-site drug testing and household use, with a need for improved sample collection and detection methods that minimize environmental contamination and operator exposure.
Innovation Solution
A device with a chamber system that includes a collector for fluid samples, a testing element with movable positions, and a sliding mechanism to facilitate contact with a fluid sample for detection, utilizing a locking structure to ensure accurate and reliable analyte detection, and a chamber with a solution reagent for treatment and mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a testing element is always in contact with fluid sample, then detection accuracy is improved, but operator exposure and environmental contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The testing element is designed to be movable between a first position (not in contact with fluid sample) and a second position (in contact with fluid sample). The sliding mechanism enables the testing element to dynamically change its position, allowing it to move into contact with the fluid sample only when needed for detection, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while minimizing operator exposure and environmental contamination during sample collection and handling.
2Ease of operation
If sample collection is simplified, then ease of operation is improved, but environmental contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
A collector is introduced as an intermediary component between the fluid sample source and the testing element. The collector is designed to collect the fluid sample and deliver it to the testing element through a controlled path. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the sample collection process for users while containing the fluid sample within a closed system, thereby reducing environmental contamination and operator exposure.
3Reliability
If testing element moves to contact fluid sample, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a collector for sample collection, a chamber for holding the fluid sample, and a testing element with movable positions. The sliding mechanism is divided into simple components (sliding block, groove, locking structure) that work together to move the testing element between positions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, maintaining detection reliability while keeping the overall mechanism simple and easy to manufacture.
4Measurement precision
If locking structure is added to fix testing element position, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure uses a simple elastic bulge that can be easily formed during injection molding of the testing element. This elastic bulge engages with a corresponding groove on the chamber to lock the testing element in place, providing precise position fixation without requiring complex mechanical locking mechanisms. The design prioritizes simplicity and ease of manufacture while achieving the required measurement precision through the effective use of basic elastic deformation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a device for detecting an analyte in a sample, including a chamber for receiving a testing element, where the testing element has a first position and a second position in the chamber; the testing element is not in contact with a fluid sample when the testing element is located in the first position, and the testing element is in contact with a fluid sample when the testing element is located in the second position.