Multistage Fluidic Device With Moveable Septums For Serial Reagent Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chemical and biological sampling is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process requiring multiple steps and skilled technicians, making it challenging to perform analyses at point-of-care settings or outside the lab without access to expensive equipment.
Innovation Solution
A portable multistage fluidic device that serially delivers diagnostic fluids using a tubular housing with moveable septums and a cannula, allowing for sequential application of reagents while maintaining fluid purity, including a method for biomarker detection via immunoassay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sequential application of differing fluid reagents is used to capture, wash and analyze the sample, then the sample analysis can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive requiring skilled technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the sample processing function into multiple separate chambers (capture chamber, wash chamber, analysis chamber) that can operate in parallel or sequence, eliminating the need for manual reagent application steps and reducing process time while maintaining analysis accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Reagents are pre-loaded into sealed chambers before use, and the device automatically delivers them in the correct sequence when activated, eliminating the need for skilled technicians to manually prepare and apply reagents during the analysis process
2Measurement precision
If sequential application of fluid reagents is performed manually, then sample processing can be completed, but expensive lab equipment and skilled technicians are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to automatically perform fluid delivery, mixing, and processing functions through integrated mechanical components (pistons, valves, chambers) that self-regulate the analytical process without requiring external expensive equipment or skilled operator intervention
Solution Approach 2:
A single integrated device performs multiple functions (capture, wash, analyze) that traditionally required separate pieces of expensive laboratory equipment, making the system portable and suitable for point-of-care settings
3Reliability
If multiple fluid reagents are applied sequentially, then proper sample processing is achieved, but maintaining purity of each fluid throughout the process becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Each fluid reagent is contained in a separate sealed chamber with its own delivery mechanism, preventing cross-contamination between reagents while maintaining the complexity of fluid handling through systematic organization
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses sealed chambers and controlled delivery mechanisms as intermediaries between reagent storage and sample processing, ensuring fluid purity is maintained throughout the process while managing the complexity of handling multiple reagents
Data Source
AI summary
A multistage fluidic device includes a housing with first and second ends defining an inner volume therebetween. A first sealing member is fixedly secured to the tubular body near the first end. A cannula is disposed through the first sealing member and a plunger is slidably received within the housing. Spaced apart moveable septums are located within the housing and divide the inner volume into a plurality of chambers. Each septum sealingly engages the inner wall of the housing. A first chamber is defined between the first sealing member and a first septum. The first end of the cannula resides within the first chamber. A hollow bore defined by the cannula provides fluid communication between the inner volume of the housing and the environment. A second chamber is defined between the first septum and a second septum and a third chamber is defined between the second septum and the plunger.