Pneumatic Sample Actuation in Optical Assay Cartridges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laboratory tests for analyte detection in biological samples require trained technicians, are costly, and delay results, making it difficult to perform accurate and timely analyses, especially in critical medical situations.

Innovation Solution

A testing device and system that includes a pneumatic pump to move a test sample from a holding chamber to a lateral flow test strip, integrated with an optical imager for reading optical signals and barcodes, and a processor to control the displacement device, enabling point-of-care analyte testing with minimal training and equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual laboratory testing methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalyte detection accuracyVSAvoidtest result delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into functionally independent modules: a disposable cartridge containing the test strip and sample handling components, and a reusable reader instrument. This segmentation allows the complex precision measurement functions to be concentrated in the cartridge while the reader provides simple operation, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time loss by enabling rapid automated testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations (sample application, reagent mixing, result reading) are replaced by an automated fluidics system with pumps, valves, and computer-controlled mechanisms. This substitution eliminates manual intervention time while maintaining measurement precision through consistent automated procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If sophisticated laboratory instruments are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalyte detection accuracyVSAvoidtesting equipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The testing system is segmented into a disposable cartridge that encapsulates all complex measurement components (test strip, reagents, fluidics) and a simple reusable reader. This allows measurement precision to be built into the cartridge while the overall device complexity is reduced by making the reader simple and the cartridge replaceable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge is designed as a disposable component that is pre-loaded with reagents and test strips. This eliminates the need for complex storage, handling, and maintenance of sensitive reagents and components, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through factory-prepared consistent dosing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If automated fluidics control is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting throughputVSAvoidfluidics system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated fluidics system is contained within the disposable cartridge rather than the main instrument. This segments the complexity into a replaceable unit, allowing high productivity through automated multi-step fluid handling while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fluidics system in the cartridge is designed to handle multiple functions (sample aspiration, reagent mixing, waste disposal) through integrated pumps and valves. This multi-functionality improves productivity by automating all fluid handling steps while the compact integrated design prevents excessive complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Facilitates rapid, accurate, and cost-effective analyte detection at the point of care, reducing the need for complex machinery and trained personnel, and allowing for both qualitative and quantitative analyses.

Implementation Method 1

a displacement device, preferably a pneumatic pump, configured to move a portion of the test sample from the holding chamber into the first conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

at least one lateral flow test strip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS10852299B2Optical assay device with pneumatic sample actuation

Publication Date: 2020.12.01 ABBOTT POINT OF CARE INC

AI summary

This invention relates generally to devices and methods for performing optical and electrochemical assays and, more particularly, to test devices, e.g., cartridges, methods and systems, wherein the test devices have an entry port configured to receive a test sample into a holding chamber; a first conduit having at least one lateral flow test strip; and a displacement device, such as a pneumatic pump, configured to move a portion of said test sample from said holding chamber into said first conduit. The present invention is particularly useful for performing immunoassays and/or electrochemical assays at the point-of-care.