Optical Cassette for Portable Diagnostic Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current COVID-19 testing methods lack accuracy, are not suitable for end-to-end individualized, portable, and on-demand use, and do not allow for remote sharing, which hampers effective disease tracking and management, especially in remote areas.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a cassette with ligands specific to the target attribute, where a test article is applied, and light energy is transmitted and sensed to determine the presence or absence of the attribute, enabling accurate and portable testing without the need for swabs or sampling devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current testing methods are used, then testing can be performed, but accuracy is less than 50 percent and reliability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/swab-based sampling with optical detection methods. A light source illuminates the test article, and a sensor detects optical changes (absorption, reflection, transmission) that indicate presence of the target attribute, eliminating mechanical contact and associated errors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures changes in optical parameters (light absorption, reflection, or transmission characteristics) when the test article interacts with the target attribute. These parameter changes serve as the detection mechanism, providing quantitative measurement rather than qualitative assessment
2Ease of operation
If centralized testing is used, then testing capacity is sufficient, but accessibility and ease of operation for individuals is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables individuals to perform their own testing without requiring complex centralized facilities. The device is designed for self-contained operation where the user applies their own test article and obtains results directly, eliminating the need for laboratory infrastructure and professional operators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential testing function from complex centralized laboratories and isolates it into a simplified portable device. Only the critical optical detection components are retained, removing unnecessary complexity while preserving core functionality
3Ease of operation
If portable testing devices are used, then accessibility is improved, but measurement precision and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical detection instead of complex mechanical or chemical analysis systems, enabling portable design without sacrificing accuracy. Light interaction with the test article provides sufficient discrimination power for accurate detection in a compact form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent relies on measuring optical parameter changes which can be detected with high precision using simple portable sensors. The optical properties provide inherent sensitivity that maintains measurement accuracy even in portable conditions
4Ease of operation
If swab-based sampling is used, then sample collection is possible, but user discomfort and sampling errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical swab sampling with direct optical analysis of the test article. The light-based detection method eliminates the need for physical contact with swabs, reducing user discomfort and the mechanical errors associated with improper sampling technique
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
This approach provides a highly accurate, portable, and individualized testing method that can be used for various diseases, including COVID-19, enabling real-time data collection and improved disease monitoring, enhancing early detection and prevention of outbreaks.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting light energy toward the test article applied to the at least one ligand, sensing optical attributes of light energy provided from the test article applied to the at least one ligand
Implementation Method 2
transmitting light energy toward the test article applied to the at least one ligand, sensing optical attributes of light energy provided from the test article applied to the at least one ligand
Implementation Method 3
the application of test article to ligand releases light energy from the ligand without the transmission of light energy toward the test article applied to the at least one ligand
Implementation Method 4
the application of test article to ligand releases light energy from the ligand without the transmission of light energy toward the test article applied to the at least one ligand
Data Source
AI summary
A method for evaluating a test article provided by a subject for an attribute, such as a medical, industrial, veterinary, agricultural, food, or other attribute, is provided. The design includes providing a cassette comprising at least one ligand selected to match the attribute, applying the test article provided by the patient to the at least one ligand of the cassette, transmitting light energy toward the test article applied to the at least one ligand, sensing optical attributes of light energy provided from the test article applied to the at least one ligand, and providing sensed attributes of the light energy sensed to an electronic device.