Microfluidic Tube Labels with RFID for Real-Time Sample Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intelligent portable carrier devices fail to securely monitor and adjust temperature, volume, and provide real-time sample identification and sealing during specimen transportation, especially in low-resource settings for epidemic investigation, due to fragmented lab distribution and logistics.
Innovation Solution
Development of stretchable microfluidic thin film labels with integrated thermoelectric coolers and RFID tags for individual temperature control, combined with a cloud-connected transportation box for real-time monitoring and management of sample parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional sealed containers are used for transport, then simplicity of operation is maintained, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments temperature control by providing individual heating elements and temperature sensors for each sample container, allowing independent temperature regulation of each unit while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous temperature monitoring with feedback control, where temperature sensors detect actual temperatures and the control unit adjusts heating elements accordingly to maintain precise temperature control
2Temperature
If commercial refrigerators are used for transport, then temperature regulation capability is improved, but device complexity and monitoring capability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential temperature control and monitoring functions needed for sample transport, eliminating the unnecessary complexity of full commercial refrigerator systems while maintaining adequate temperature regulation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-monitoring through integrated sensors and automated control, reducing the need for external monitoring equipment and complex operational procedures
3Device complexity
If basic transport containers are used, then device complexity is reduced, but real-time monitoring capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple monitoring functions (temperature, humidity, position, sealing status) into a single unified platform that communicates through standard digital interfaces, providing comprehensive real-time monitoring without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses digital communication modules as intermediaries to transmit sensor data and control signals, enabling remote monitoring and control capabilities while keeping the physical container design relatively simple
4Device complexity
If manual monitoring procedures are used, then equipment cost is reduced, but productivity and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated monitoring, recording, and alerting functions without requiring manual intervention, continuously tracking sample parameters and notifying users of any deviations, thereby improving productivity and reliability with minimal additional cost
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 efficient, real-time monitoring and management of sample parameters, reducing transportation time and ensuring high-quality preservation and biobank management.
Implementation Method 1
wherein said label comprises thin film electrical conductors and metal (copper) connectors fabricated on-film, preferably using photolithography and wet etching, to add to the connectors a temperature and volume sensoring means, as well as a thermoelectric microcooler
Implementation Method 2
wherein the temperature sensor is a resistance temperature detector (RTD) made of copper with a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) mounted so that this detector is in contact with the sample tube outside wall
Implementation Method 3
wherein the means for monitoring the volume of the sample within the test tube is a capacitive fluid level sensor which comprises a set of thin film electrode strips mounted so that these contact with the sample tube outside wall
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system which permits securing an electronic label on a test tube. In particular, it refers to an Internet of Things (IoT) based platform for real-time remote sensing and monitoring of specimen transportation and banking. The technology is based on an interconnected smart collecting tubes and transportation box monitored with a remote digital interface, allowing real-time sample monitoring of key parameters such as sample identification, temperature, volume, geolocalization, sealing and bio-banking.