Portable Reader Module Light-Shielded Housing for Assay Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable reader modules for immunoassays and chromatographic assays lack reliable quantitative analysis capabilities, as they are prone to interference from ambient light and do not provide a controlled environment for accurate image analysis.
Innovation Solution
A portable reader module with a housing that includes a light-shielded internal space, a first receptacle for a portable device with an imager, and a second receptacle for a cartridge, featuring a light-deflecting optical element and an illuminating path to ensure controlled lighting conditions, allowing for precise image capture and processing of test results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable reader module is used for assay analysis, then portability and ease of operation are improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to ambient light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a light-shielded internal space that creates a controlled environment isolated from ambient light interference. This allows the portable reader to maintain measurement precision comparable to stationary devices while preserving portability, as the light shielding is integrated into the compact housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary component that holds the cartridge and positions it precisely within the light-shielded internal space. This adapter mediates between the portable device and the assay cartridge, ensuring proper alignment and optical path establishment while maintaining the controlled environment.
2Measurement precision
If a light-shielded internal space is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light-shielding function with the housing structure itself, integrating the controlled environment creation into the basic device architecture rather than adding separate shielding components. The housing simultaneously provides structural support and light isolation, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, defines the internal space, shields against ambient light, and houses the optical components. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, keeping the device relatively simple despite the controlled environment requirement.
3Reliability
If an adapter with magnetic bodies and metal pins is used to hold the cartridge, then reliability of cartridge positioning is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely mechanical fastening mechanisms with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic bodies in the adapter interact with metal pins on the cartridge holder to provide secure, reliable positioning without requiring complex mechanical interlocks or multiple fastening components, simplifying the overall adapter structure.
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 reliable quantitative analysis of assays by minimizing ambient light interference and providing a controlled environment for image acquisition, leading to accurate and consistent test result processing.
Implementation Method 1
A light-deflecting optical element is arranged within the internal space of the housing to define an optical path between the first optical entrance and the second optical entrance
Implementation Method 2
One of the cartridge holder and the cartridge interface comprises magnetic bodies and the other one of the cartridge holder and the cartridge interface comprises metal pins or discs which cooperate together with the magnetic bodies to hold the cartridge holder in place relative to the cartridge interface
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4B
AI summary
A portable reader module includes a housing (100, 101) having an internal space (102), and a first receptacle (110) configured to removably receive a portable device (300) having an imager, wherein the first receptacle (110) includes a first optical entrance (420) for the imager to the internal space (102) of the housing (100, 101). The housing (100, 101) further includes a second receptacle (120) configured to removably receive a cartridge (500), wherein the second receptacle (120) includes a second optical entrance (122) to the internal space (102) of the housing (100, 101) so that the cartridge (500) is visible to and from the internal space (102). A light-deflecting optical element (450) is arranged within the internal space (102) of the housing (100, 101) to define an optical path between the first optical entrance (420) and the second optical entrance (122). An illuminating path for illuminating the cartridge (500) is defined in the housing (100, 101). The housing (100, 101)is configured to allow the internal space (102) to be light-shielded.