Saliva Screening Cup Layout for Uniform Test Strip Wetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug screening devices face issues with maldistribution of bodily fluid samples to multiple test strips, leading to invalid test results due to operator error and uneven fluid distribution, particularly when the device is tilted during reading.
Innovation Solution
A container design with an inclined bottom and a three-dimensional gasket that pressurizes the sampling chamber, ensuring all test strips are accessible from a single side and preventing fluid maldistribution by using a gasket to enhance capillary action and sealing, along with a sampling stem to evenly distribute saliva to multiple test strips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If test strips are arranged on several sides of the container to test for multiple constituents, then the number of constituents that can be screened increases, but the device becomes prone to operator error and requires inspection of multiple sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple test strips on a single side of the container by arranging them in a radial pattern around the circumference. This allows all test strips to be viewed simultaneously from one side, eliminating the need to inspect multiple sides while maintaining the ability to screen for multiple constituents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from arranging test strips on multiple faces (3D spatial distribution) to arranging them radially on a single face (2D planar distribution). This dimensional reorganization allows all test strips to be accessible from one side, reducing operator error and simplifying inspection.
2Ease of operation
If the device is tilted backward for easier reading, then the viewing angle improves, but bodily fluid pools at the bottom of the distal face causing maldistribution to test strips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an asymmetric inclined bottom surface that slopes toward the proximal face. This asymmetric geometry creates a fluid collection zone at the proximal end that is independent of device tilt, ensuring consistent fluid distribution to test strips regardless of viewing angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined bottom surface pre-positioned fluid collection area at the proximal face counteracts the gravitational pooling effect that occurs when the device is tilted backward. This preliminary structural arrangement prevents maldistribution before it can occur during normal operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of test strips are arranged on several sides, then more constituents can be tested, but fluid maldistribution occurs leading to invalid results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple test strips into a single radial arrangement on one side, with all strips drawing fluid from a common proximal collection zone. This unified fluid source ensures uniform distribution to all strips, eliminating the maldistribution problems associated with multi-side arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a localized fluid collection zone at the proximal face with specific geometric properties (inclined bottom surface) that optimize fluid distribution. This localized quality control ensures that fluid is evenly distributed to all test strips regardless of their radial position.
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 uniform distribution of bodily fluid to all test strips, preventing pooling and ensuring valid test results by maintaining fluid contact with all strips, even when the device is tilted, and enhancing capillary action through slight pressurization.
Implementation Method 1
Certain embodiments also enable a slight and passive pressurization of a sampling chamber to augment the wicking or capillary action of the sampled fluid along the test strips.
Implementation Method 2
The bottom of the cup is inclined and intersects the viewing side along a junction line that constitutes the lowest portion of the cavity within the cup where the bodily fluid collects
Data Source
AI summary
A screening device for testing saliva for the presence of certain constituents. The device has a D-shaped profile when viewed from above and includes a first wall with planar front face through which all of the test strips are viewed and a curved rear second wall. The device also includes a floor surface with an uppermost portion extending from the rear wall to a lowermost portion at the first wall such that saliva squeezed from a sampler at a location between the upper most portion and the lowermost portion flows downwardly to the test strips.