Reel Imaging Chambers for Multi-Analyte Fluid Sample Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging techniques for analyzing multiple analytes in fluid samples, such as blood, plasma, and urine, are cumbersome and prone to high process variations, requiring multiple assays and high optical efficiency, with inefficient logistics management.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sampling device with a reel containing multiple imaging chambers and fluid paths, allowing illumination and light emission through the sample, and using incoherent light to enhance contrast, combined with an imaging unit and AI protocols for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple assays in slides with multiple wells are used for UV microscopy, then identification of target analytes can be achieved, but logistics management becomes cumbersome and expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging chambers into a single integrated reel structure that can be continuously fed through the imaging system. This consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate slides and wells into one continuous sampling device, eliminating the need for separate logistics management for each slide while maintaining the ability to analyze multiple analytes simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The reel structure serves multiple functions: it holds multiple imaging chambers, provides continuous sampling capability, enables iterative analysis of multiple analytes, and simplifies logistics as a single unit. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple specialized slides and wells, reducing both complexity and expenditure while maintaining analytical capability
2Measurement precision
If multiple assays in slides with multiple wells are used for UV microscopy, then identification of target analytes can be achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous sampling and imaging through the reel structure that can be continuously fed through the imaging system. This eliminates the discrete, step-by-step process of loading multiple slides and wells, allowing for continuous iterative analysis of multiple analytes in a single streamlined operation
Solution Approach 2:
The reel is segmented into multiple imaging chambers that can be sequentially imaged as the reel rotates or moves through the imaging system. This segmentation allows multiple analytes to be analyzed in parallel across different chambers while maintaining a single continuous operational process, reducing the cumbersome nature of handling multiple separate slides
3Illumination intensity
If coherent light is used for illumination, then imaging can be performed, but interference patterns are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameter of the illumination source from coherent light to incoherent light. This parameter change fundamentally alters the light's properties, eliminating the interference patterns that occur with coherent light while maintaining sufficient illumination intensity for imaging. The incoherent light source provides the necessary brightness without the harmful interference effects
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 efficient and accurate analysis of fluid samples with reduced interference patterns, enabling high-resolution imaging and characterization of particles like leukocytes and RBCs, improving the analysis process.
Implementation Method 1
each imaging chamber is configured to be illuminated from a first side and to emit light through the fluid sample and out of a second side
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid sampling device comprising a reel having a plurality of imaging chambers configured to receive a fluid sample. Each imaging chamber is configured to be illuminated from a first side and to emit light through the fluid sample and out of a second side. Further, the reel may comprise a plurality of fluid paths. Each fluid path of the plurality of fluid paths is positioned between two imaging chambers of the plurality of imaging chambers and at each end of an imaging chamber of the plurality of imaging chambers. Each fluid path is an interconnect between two imaging chambers to provide a flow path.