Sample Container Lock Mechanism for Diagnostic Cartridge Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current point-of-care diagnostic systems face challenges in efficiently determining the presence of target molecules, such as COVID-19, without inadvertently saving samples that do not contain the target molecule for subsequent testing, leading to potential contamination and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a cartridge with a sample well and a sample container receptacle, where a lock secures the sample container, and a lock release mechanism that only unlocks the sample container when the target molecule is present, allowing it to be removed for further testing, while keeping the cartridge and sample container together when the target molecule is not detected, enabling proper disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sample container is always secured in the cartridge for subsequent testing, then sample availability for retesting is improved, but contamination risk increases and testing efficiency decreases due to inadvertent saving of negative samples
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the test result (presence or absence of target molecule) as feedback to control the lock release mechanism. When the target molecule is detected, the lock is automatically released to allow sample removal for further testing. When the target molecule is not detected, the lock remains engaged, preventing sample removal and inadvertent saving. This feedback-based control resolves the contradiction by making sample availability conditional on positive test results, thereby eliminating contamination risks from negative samples while preserving useful positive samples.
2Ease of operation
If the lock release mechanism automatically releases the sample container, then ease of operation is improved, but testing efficiency decreases due to inability to distinguish between positive and negative sample handling
Solution Approach 1:
The lock release mechanism is designed with differentiated functionality based on test results. The system provides automatic lock release (high ease of operation) specifically for positive samples that require further testing, while maintaining locked status (requiring manual intervention) for negative samples that should be disposed of. This local differentiation in operation quality allows the system to be automatically efficient for the critical path (positive samples) while maintaining proper protocol for negative samples, thereby improving overall testing efficiency without sacrificing ease of operation for necessary actions.
Data Source
AI summary
Cartridges and related systems and methods are disclosed. In accordance with an implementation, a method includes securing a sample container in a sample container receptacle of a cartridge using a sample container lock and coupling the cartridge to a cartridge receptacle of a system. The method also includes depositing a sample from the sample container within a sample well of the cartridge and determining a presence of a target molecule within the sample using the system. In response to the target molecule being present within the sample, the method includes releasing the sample container lock of the cartridge to allow the sample container to be removed from the sample container receptacle and for the cartridge to remain coupled to the system.