Multi-layered Band Battery for Lateral Flow Assays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lateral flow assays lack integrated battery systems that can be fabricated in band or roll formats, where each cut along the dimension constitutes a battery unit, and existing battery solutions are not compatible with the manufacturing methods used in the lateral flow test industry.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered band comprising a support with overlapped layers of a porous material and electroactive electrodes, allowing for the creation of batteries of varying widths by cutting transversally, with the ability to integrate a lateral flow assay device and provide electrical energy upon fluid impregnation, using paper-based batteries with oxidizing and reducing electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If batteries are integrated into lateral flow assays, then portable electronic readers can be powered to improve detection precision and provide unambiguous results, but device complexity increases due to the addition of electrical components and power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery structure with the lateral flow assay components by integrating the electroactive electrodes and porous material layers directly into the assay device architecture. The oxidizing and reducing electrodes are positioned to overlap with the sample flow path, allowing the battery to be structurally merged with the diagnostic device rather than added as a separate component.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous material layers serve dual functions: they act as structural components of the lateral flow assay (supporting the test strip and enabling capillary flow) and simultaneously serve as the battery electrolyte medium that enables electrochemical energy generation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate battery components.
2Reliability
If conventional battery manufacturing methods are used, then reliable power sources can be provided, but compatibility with lateral flow test industry manufacturing methods is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing parameters from conventional sealed battery assembly to a lamination process using pressure-sensitive adhesives. The battery components (electrodes, porous materials, and adhesives) are bonded together in a continuous or batch lamination process similar to lateral flow assay manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate battery assembly equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical assembly and sealing methods used in conventional battery manufacturing with a chemical bonding approach using pressure-sensitive adhesives. This substitution allows the battery to be manufactured using the same lamination equipment and processes already employed in the lateral flow test industry.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed battery dimensions are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different power capacity requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the battery dimensions dynamic by allowing the width of the electroactive electrodes and porous material layers to be varied along the length of the device. Different sections of the battery can have different widths to provide varying power capacity requirements, while the entire structure is manufactured using the same continuous lamination process.
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
Enables the integration of battery systems within lateral flow assays in band or roll formats, allowing for flexible battery width and power capacity, simplified manufacturing, and compatibility with existing lateral flow test industry methods, while providing electrical energy through capillary action.
Implementation Method 1
fluid impregnates by capillarity the porous material
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-layered band and a method for manufacturing a multi-layered band are disclosed. The multi-layered band comprises a support (1) to hold at least one battery structure (10) formed by overlapped layers including a porous material (11) and two electroactive electrodes (12, 13), one oxidizing (12) and one reducing (13), separated at a certain distance between them and in touch with said porous material (11). The battery structure (10) is configured to be activated upon the addition of a fluid into a given region of the porous material (11) and to provide electrical energy while said fluid impregnates by capillarity the porous material (11). The overlapped layers are constituted by parallel strips extending longitudinally along the length of the support (1), such that said multi-layered band can be cut transversally providing individual batteries of a same or different width each including the porous material (11) and the electroactive electrodes (12, 13).