Rotating Cylinder Assay Device for Ordered Reagent Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable medical and chemical assay devices often fail to deliver reagents in the correct order, leading to incorrect assay operations, and lack control over flow rates and orientations, which can affect the accuracy of point-of-care testing.
Innovation Solution
The assay device features a system with rotating cylinders and locks that ensure reagents are delivered in a predetermined order, with compressible reservoirs and nozzles that control flow parameters, maintaining sterility and accuracy regardless of device orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reagents are stored within the device for delivery to a sample, then the device can perform multiple assay operations, but the reagents may be delivered in an incorrect order or manner, causing the assay operation to be performed incorrectly
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the reagent delivery system into separate cylindrical chambers, each containing specific reagents. The first cylinder contains a first reagent and the second cylinder contains a second reagent, physically segmenting the reagent storage and delivery pathways to prevent mixing or incorrect delivery order.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a rotatable second cylinder that can be rotated to different angular positions relative to the first cylinder. This dynamic mechanism allows the user to control which reagent is delivered to the sample by rotating the cylinder to align the desired reagent with the sample chamber, ensuring correct delivery order.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device allows flexible reagent delivery, then it can adapt to different assay requirements, but it lacks control over flow rates and orientations, affecting the accuracy of point-of-care testing
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates compressible reservoirs that can be compressed to different degrees to control reagent flow rates. By applying varying compression forces, the device regulates the amount and speed of reagent delivery, providing precise control over flow parameters while maintaining flexibility in delivery timing.
3Ease of operation
If the device structure is simplified for portability, then it is easier to use in field conditions, but it lacks mechanisms to ensure correct reagent delivery order
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a simple yet effective rotatable cylinder mechanism that provides fail-safe control over reagent delivery order. The second cylinder can be rotated to specific angular positions (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) to selectively deliver different reagents, creating a mechanical fail-safe system that prevents incorrect reagent delivery without requiring complex electronic controls.
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
Ensures reagents are applied in the correct order and flow rate, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of medical, biological, and chemical analyses, even in challenging environments, and accommodating various sample sizes and types.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more reservoirs may be compressible and store one or more reagents, and the test chamber may be connected to the one or more reservoirs, and receive the sample on which the assay is to be performed. The third end may include at least one member that compresses the one or more reservoirs, in a predetermined order, as the second cylinder is rotated within the first cylinder. Compressing the one or more reservoirs may cause the one or more reagents to flow to the test chamber according to the predetermined order.
Data Source
AI summary
An assay device may include a first cylinder that includes a first end that is closed and a second, opposite end that is open. The first cylinder may include one or more reservoirs that are compressible and store one or more reagents. The device may include a test chamber to which the reservoirs are connected, and in which the sample can be inserted to perform the assay; and a second cylinder that includes a third end that is closed and a fourth, opposite end that is open. The fourth end may fit within the second end to enable the second cylinder to be attached to, and rotate within, the first cylinder. The third end may include a member that compresses the reservoirs, in a predetermined order, as the second cylinder is rotated within the first cylinder to cause the reagents to flow, to the test chamber, in the predetermined order.