Paper Test Device with Liquid Retention Chamber for Urine Analysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional devices for testing analytes in liquid samples, such as HCG and LH in urine, face challenges with inaccurate results due to excessive liquid volumes and varying operator techniques, leading to prolonged detection times and potential false negatives.

Innovation Solution

A test device featuring a diversion element that directs urine onto a label-containing pad with a nitrocellulose membrane, incorporating a liquid retention chamber and a blocking element to control liquid flow, allowing for efficient liquid management and reduced flooding, thereby enhancing test accuracy and speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If urine is collected directly on the diversion element without liquid volume control, then the collection process is simple and quick, but the test results become inaccurate due to excessive liquid volume

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting speedVSAvoidtest result accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a liquid retention chamber as an intermediary component between the diversion element and the testing element. This chamber receives excess liquid from the diversion element and prevents it from reaching the testing element, thereby maintaining test accuracy while preserving the simplicity and speed of direct urination collection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the excess liquid from the system by diverting it into the liquid retention chamber before it can reach the testing element. This separation ensures that only the appropriate amount of liquid contacts the testing element, preventing false negatives and maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If the testing element is exposed to uncontrolled liquid flow, then the device structure remains simple, but flooding occurs causing false negatives

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidtest result reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid retention chamber serves as a mediator that absorbs and holds excess liquid, preventing flooding of the testing element. This simple intermediary structure significantly improves test reliability without adding complex mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing a blocking element that prevents excess liquid from reaching the testing element in the first place. This proactive measure counteracts the potential harmful effect of flooding before it can occur, ensuring reliable test results

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Loss of time

If liquid flows directly from diversion element to testing element, then the detection time is reduced, but operator variability affects test accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection timeVSAvoidtest accuracy consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid retention chamber acts as a buffer that standardizes the liquid flow to the testing element, reducing the impact of operator variability in collection techniques while maintaining rapid detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides beforehand cushioning by designing the liquid retention chamber to accommodate variations in liquid volume and flow rate. This cushioning effect compensates for operator variability and ensures consistent test conditions regardless of collection technique

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The device achieves quick and accurate detection of HCG and LH in urine, reducing false negatives and providing results within 2 minutes, suitable for self-testing by minimizing the impact of excessive liquid and operator variability.

Implementation Method 1

a lateral flow testing element having a label-containing label pad and a nitrocellulose membrane in a testing area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP4446008A1Test device for detecting analyte in liquid sample
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 ZHEJIANG ORIENT GENE BIOTECH CO LTD
  • EP4446008A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP4446008A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4446008A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention provides a test device. The device includes a testing element and a house configured to accommodate the testing element, where the house is formed by folding a paper-made card, and the testing element is located in the housing. The housing is allowed to be in different change states to test or assay an analyte in a sample.