Reagent Carrier Cap for Contamination-Free Diagnostic Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diagnostic tests require direct handling of reagents, which can lead to errors and contamination, especially in non-clinical settings where users lack laboratory training.
Innovation Solution
Reagent carriers, such as caged and blister caps, that allow reagents to be added to reaction vessels without direct user contact, using mechanisms like deformation or rupture to release the reagents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users directly handle reagents to add them to reaction vessels, then the operation process is simple, but it leads to errors and contamination especially in non-clinical settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reagent carrier as an intermediary device between the reagent and the user. The carrier includes a reaction vessel with a sealed reagent compartment that can be attached to a magnetic plate, allowing reagent transfer without direct user contact. This mediator eliminates contamination risks while maintaining ease of use through simple attachment and detachment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The reagent carrier system enables self-service by allowing the reaction vessel to automatically receive reagents through magnetic attraction and sealing mechanisms. The system performs the reagent transfer function autonomously once the carrier is attached to the magnetic plate, reducing the need for user intervention and minimizing contamination opportunities.
2Reliability
If reagents are directly handled by users, then the device structure is simple, but it causes errors and contamination in non-clinical settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a reagent carrier with sealed compartments, a magnetic plate for secure attachment and reagent release, and a reaction vessel. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while keeping the overall device manageable in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reagent carrier acts as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between simple user operations and complex contamination-prevention requirements. It provides the necessary structural complexity (sealed compartments, magnetic attachment mechanisms) while shielding users from these complexities, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy without overwhelming users with complexity.
3Ease of operation
If users manually add reagents, then the process is straightforward, but it increases the risk of errors for lay persons
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic plate and reagent carrier system performs the reagent transfer function automatically through magnetic attraction when components are brought into proximity. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual pipetting or reagent handling steps that are prone to user error, while requiring only simple attachment operations from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The reagent carrier serves as an intermediary that translates simple user actions (attaching the carrier to the magnetic plate) into precise, error-free reagent transfer. The intermediary mechanism ensures reliable operation by design, removing variability introduced by manual handling while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 accurate and contamination-free diagnostic testing by lay persons in point-of-care settings, ensuring precise reagent addition and reducing the risk of errors.
Implementation Method 1
a second magnetic plate configured to retain the reagent in the reaction vessel and configured to release the reagent when brought close to another magnetic plate
Data Source
AI summary
A reagent carrier includes: a cap configured to fit on an opening of a reaction vessel; and a reagent confined by the cap. The cap may be configured to release the reagent when a user manipulates the cap while the cap is fitted on the opening of the reaction vessel. For example, the reagent may be released when the user twists the cap from a first position to a second position or when the user pushes on a surface of the cap. The cap may be configured to seal the opening of the reaction vessel when the cap is fitted on the opening of the reaction vessel. In some implementations, the cap may be a blister cap containing the reagent. In some implementations, the cap may include a cage containing the reagent. In some implementations, the cap may include a deformable structure containing the reagent.