Rotatable Cartridge with Parallel and Serial Sample Pathways
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analytical test devices for biological samples, particularly those using rotational cartridges, face challenges in accurately dividing biological samples into multiple portions without altering the original composition, leading to skewed or inaccurate test results due to the complexity of handling multi-component samples like whole blood.
Innovation Solution
The use of cartridges with two separate pathways for filling metering chambers, including connecting tubes and sample distribution channels, allows for both parallel and serial filling, ensuring that the composition of the biological sample in the metering chambers closely resembles the original sample, thereby maintaining accuracy across multiple tests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pathway is used to fill multiple metering chambers from a biological sample, then the device complexity is reduced, but the composition of the biological sample in the metering chambers becomes altered leading to inaccurate test results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sample delivery system into two separate pathways: connecting tubes that deliver sample directly to each metering chamber simultaneously, and sample distribution channels that sequentially distribute sample to metering chambers. This segmentation allows the system to maintain both simplicity and accuracy by separating the parallel and serial filling functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of the rotation speed during the filling process. By adjusting the rotation speed, the system can control the centrifugal forces to achieve both simultaneous filling via connecting tubes and sequential distribution via sample distribution channels, adapting the filling mode to preserve sample composition.
2Productivity
If multiple metering chambers are filled simultaneously from a single sample, then the productivity is improved, but the composition uniformity of the sample across chambers deteriorates leading to skewed results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the filling process into two distinct pathways: connecting tubes for simultaneous direct delivery to multiple chambers, and sample distribution channels for sequential distribution. This allows the system to achieve both high throughput and composition uniformity by combining parallel and serial filling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample distribution channels act as intermediaries that receive sample from the sample holding chamber and distribute it sequentially to metering chambers. This intermediary structure ensures that sample composition remains uniform across chambers while still enabling simultaneous processing capability.
3Measurement precision
If a complex multi-step reaction sequence is performed, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases requiring large laboratory systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal cartridge system that can perform multiple different test protocols with complex multi-step reaction sequences using a single integrated device. The rotatable cartridge contains multiple metering chambers and fluidic structures that can execute various immunochemical analyses, bound/free separations, and other complex protocols without requiring different specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the cartridge contains multiple metering chambers, each with its own microfluidic structure, embedded within a rotatable cartridge that itself is contained within the analysis instrument. This nesting allows complex multi-step reactions to be performed in a compact, integrated format rather than requiring large distributed laboratory equipment.
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
This approach provides more accurate, uniform, and robust test results by ensuring that the composition of the biological sample is preserved across multiple tests, even with complex samples like whole blood, semen, or stool samples, and can be applied to various biological fluids.
Implementation Method 1
The cartridge is operable for being spun around a rotational axis. Rotating the cartridge causes simultaneous transport of a first part of the portion of the sample to each of the two or more metering chambers via the connecting tube for each of the two or more metering chambers.
Implementation Method 2
The cartridge further comprises a connecting tube for each of the two or more metering chambers that fluidically connect the sample inlet with the sample holding chamber. The cartridge further comprises at least one sample distribution channel connected between the sample outlet of a first selected metering chamber with the sample inlet of a second selected metering chamber.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention provides for a cartridge (100) for determining an amount of at least two analytes in a biological sample. The cartridge comprises a cartridge inlet (104) for receiving the biological sample. The cartridge further comprises a sample holding chamber (106) fluidically connected to the cartridge inlet. The cartridge further comprises two or more metering chambers (116, 118, 120) for the biological sample for receiving a predetermine volume of the biological sample. Each of the two or more metering chambers comprises a sample inlet (122), a sample outlet (124), and a metered outlet (126) for dispensing a predetermined volume. The cartridge further comprises a connecting tube (128) for each of the two or more metering chambers that fluidically connects the sample inlet with the sample holding chamber. The cartridge further comprises at least one sample distribution channel (132) that is connected between the sample outlet of a first selected metering chamber with a sample inlet of a second selected metering chamber. The cartridge further comprises a microfluidic structure (800) for each of the two or more metering chambers. The microfluidic structure is connected to the sample outlet. The microfluidic structure is configured for processing sample into a processed sample. The cartridge further comprises a measurement structure (804) for each of the two or more metering chambers for enabling measurement of the processed sample to determine the amount of the analyte in the processed sample. The measurement structure is fluidically connected to the microfluidic structure.