Portable Optical Assembly for Biological Sample Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing biological samples require transportation to a laboratory, leading to potential contamination, sample degradation, and inefficiencies due to insufficient sample collection or unsuitability for testing, resulting in additional resource expenditure.
Innovation Solution
A portable testing device equipped with an integrated touchscreen display, optical assembly, and power supply, capable of performing isothermal amplification and displaying results in the field, allowing for real-time analysis and rapid decision-making.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biological samples are transported to a laboratory for testing, then comprehensive testing equipment and preparation facilities are available, but sample contamination and degradation occur during transportation and preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The portable testing device integrates multiple functions including sample processing, isothermal amplification, and optical detection into a single unit that can be deployed in the field. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate transportation and laboratory preparation steps while maintaining testing capability, thus preserving sample integrity and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs all necessary testing operations at the collection site before the sample can potentially degrade or be contaminated during transportation. By completing the testing action preliminarily in the field, the system prevents subsequent sample degradation and eliminates the time required for laboratory transportation and preparation.
2Reliability
If biological samples are transported to a laboratory for testing, then proper testing equipment is available, but additional resources are expended for transportation and potential recollection
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device consolidates multiple testing functions into one integrated system that can be transported easily and deployed in the field. This eliminates the need for separate transportation of samples, reagents, and equipment, as well as potential recollection trips, thereby reducing resource expenditure while maintaining testing accuracy through integrated quality control features.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device creates a functional copy of laboratory testing capabilities in a compact, field-deployable format. By replicating essential laboratory functions (sample processing, amplification, detection) in a portable unit, the system eliminates the need to physically transport samples to the original laboratory setting, reducing transportation and recollection resources while maintaining equivalent testing accuracy.
3Productivity
If biological samples are collected in the field and transported to a laboratory, then comprehensive analysis can be performed, but sample contamination and degradation occur during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs complete testing operations at the field collection site before any transportation occurs. By executing the full testing sequence preliminarily in the field, the system eliminates the transportation phase where contamination can occur, while maintaining high productivity through integrated rapid processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device creates a controlled, isolated testing environment that protects samples from external contamination sources in the field. The integrated sample processing chamber and optical detection system operate in a protected environment, preventing contamination while maintaining efficient testing throughput.
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 portable device prevents sample contamination and degradation, enables immediate analysis, and facilitates rapid safety responses by allowing on-site testing, thereby saving time and resources.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation source configured to emit light that passes through an excitation filter to excite a biological sample
Implementation Method 2
an emission filter configured to transmit light that passes through the emission filter to a detector
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A portable testing device includes a housing with an integrated touchscreen display and a receptacle in which a sample holder containing a biological sample and reagent mixture can be placed. The portable testing device further includes an optical assembly positioned in the housing, an electronic assembly that is configured to receive data from the optical assembly and transmit it for display on the touchscreen display, and a power supply in the housing to power the portable testing device. The optical assembly includes an excitation filter that extends across the entire optical assembly and an emission filter that extends across the entire optical assembly.