Portable Detection Device Using Disposable Capsule for Rapid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting harmful substances in foods and cosmetics are time-consuming, bulky, and not suitable for consumer use, requiring multiple steps and not allowing for immediate, portable testing.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, portable analysis device that includes a capsule with a solvent and a sensor, where the medium is placed, agitated to create a dispersion, and then the dispersion is conducted to the sensor for testing, providing an immediate indication of the presence of a target analyte.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory testing methods are used for detecting harmful substances, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to multiple steps and bulky equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple testing steps (sample preparation, extraction, and detection) into a single integrated capsule device. The capsule contains pre-packaged reagents and testing components that work together automatically, eliminating the need for separate laboratory equipment and multiple manual操作步骤, thus maintaining detection accuracy while dramatically improving ease of operation for consumer use
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system is segmented into disposable capsules that can be individually handled and disposed of. Each capsule is a self-contained unit with specific functions (reagent storage, mixing chamber, detection zone), allowing users to perform complex tests through simple capsule insertion and removal without dealing with complex laboratory instrumentation
2Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory testing methods are used for detecting harmful substances, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to multiple steps and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Reagents and testing components are pre-prepared and pre-packaged within the capsule before use. The capsule contains pre-measured amounts of solvents, antibodies, and detection reagents in their optimal configurations, eliminating the time-consuming steps of reagent preparation, measurement, and setup that are required in traditional laboratory methods, thus achieving rapid testing without compromising detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple testing operations (extraction, incubation, and detection) are merged into a single integrated capsule system that performs all functions sequentially without requiring transfer between different equipment or preparation steps, significantly reducing the total testing time while maintaining the precision of each individual step
3Ease of operation
If lateral flow devices are used for detecting substances in liquid, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to required extraction steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sample extraction function with the lateral flow detection device by incorporating extraction reagents and mixing mechanisms directly into the capsule. This integration eliminates the need for separate extraction procedures and equipment, allowing users to simply insert the capsule and obtain results without performing complex extraction steps, thus maintaining operational simplicity while reducing procedure complexity
4Ease of manufacture
If reusable blending apparatus is used for maceration of solid samples, then ease of manufacture is improved, but loss of time increases due to cleaning requirements between uses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable capsules instead of reusable blending apparatus. Each capsule is designed as a low-cost, single-use item that contains all necessary reagents and components for one complete test. After use, the capsule is discarded without requiring cleaning or maintenance, eliminating the time loss associated with cleaning reusable equipment while keeping manufacturing costs low through simple capsule production
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 rapid, portable, and easy-to-use testing for harmful substances, reducing the complexity and time required for testing, making it suitable for consumer use and improving safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
creating a dispersion in the solvent of a portion of any target analyte present in the medium
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained apparatus and methods for detecting the presence of any specified substance in any medium. A sample of the medium is placed in a capsule, along with a solvent and a sensor configured to test for a target analyte. The solvent comes into contact with the medium in the capsule, and the capsule is agitated to create a dispersion in the solvent of a portion of any target analyte present in the medium. A release mechanism configured to cause conduction of the dispersion to the sensor, so that the sensor produces an indication of presence of the target analyte if the target analyte is present in the medium. The apparatus uses a disposable capsule where the medium in question is placed and the disposable capsule is placed inside a reader and analyzed for presence of the harmful substance.