Rotatable Cartridge Fluidics for Multiplex Assay Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Centrifugal devices are limited to performing single chemistry tests and lack the capability to conduct complex assays like immunoassays and PCR, requiring multiple tests and user interaction.

Innovation Solution

A rotatable cartridge with a sample reservoir, channels, reagent reservoirs, and detection reservoirs, utilizing centrifugal forces for fluid manipulation, and on-board reagents to perform multiple tests simultaneously, including immunoassays and PCR, with features like thermocycling and imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If centrifugal devices are used for testing, then fluid manipulation is achieved, but the device can only perform single chemistry tests and lacks capability for complex assays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge is divided into multiple independent functional modules: sample reservoir, reagent reservoirs (with first barriers), detection reservoirs (with second barriers), and channels. Each module can independently perform specific functions, allowing the system to conduct multiple different tests simultaneously while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable cartridge is designed as a multi-functional platform that can perform various types of assays including chemistry tests, immunoassays, and PCR. The universal structure with multiple reservoirs and channels allows different reagents and samples to be processed through the same centrifugal mechanism, enabling one device to replace multiple specialized testing devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple tests are performed simultaneously, then productivity increases, but user interaction and operation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting throughputVSAvoiduser interaction

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Reagents are pre-loaded into the reagent reservoirs within the cartridge before use. The barriers are pre-positioned to separate reagents from samples initially. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to manually add reagents during the testing process, allowing multiple tests to run simultaneously with minimal user interaction beyond sample insertion and cartridge rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge system is designed to automatically manage the testing process. When rotated, the centrifugal force automatically drives fluid movement through channels, barriers automatically open to allow reagent mixing, and detection occurs without user intervention. The system serves itself by using the rotation mechanism to control fluid dynamics and reaction processes throughout the multiple tests.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If barriers are used to separate reservoirs, then fluidic control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluidic controlVSAvoidcartridge structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The barriers are designed as dynamic components that change position based on cartridge rotation. During rotation, centrifugal force causes barriers to move from closed positions (separating reservoirs) to open positions (allowing fluid communication). This dynamic behavior provides reliable fluidic control at different operational stages without requiring complex mechanical actuation mechanisms, as the rotation itself drives the barrier movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 simultaneous performance of multiple tests on a sample with minimal user interaction, facilitating complex assays like immunoassays and PCR through fluidic communication and temperature zoning.

Implementation Method 1

Centrifugal acceleration created by rotary motion exerts a force on liquid causing it to move radially outward from the axis of rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

Gravitational acceleration exerts a force on liquid and will cause it to move down an incline

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational acceleration: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20250332592A1Methods, Systems, and Devices for Rotatable Cartridges

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 IDEXX LABORATORIES INC

AI summary

A rotatable cartridge for testing a sample includes a sample reservoir at a center of the rotatable cartridge. The rotatable cartridge also includes a plurality of channels extending radially from the sample reservoir, wherein each of the plurality of channels is in fluidic communication with the sample reservoir. The rotatable cartridge additionally includes a reagent reservoir comprising a first barrier separating the reagent reservoir from at least one channel of the plurality of the channels, and wherein displacement of the first barrier allows fluidic communication between the at least one channel and the reagent reservoir. The rotatable cartridge further includes a detection reservoir comprising a second barrier separating the detection reservoir from the reagent reservoir, and wherein displacement of the second barrier allows fluidic communication between the reagent reservoir and the detection reservoir.