Sample Testing Device with Mechanical Lock and Nanopore Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample testing devices are large and time-consuming, necessitating an improved design for efficient detection of biological species like SARS-CoV-2 in fluid samples.
Innovation Solution
A sample testing device with a compartmentalized structure featuring a mechanical lock, a silicon sensing element with nanopores and electrodes, and a buffer reservoir, allowing for rapid transfer and analysis of test samples, facilitated by an air vent channel for fluid communication and a reader-activated sensing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing testing devices are used, then detection capability is provided, but device size is large and testing time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple compartments (first compartment for sample, second compartment for sensing) separated by a separator. This segmentation allows independent preparation and processing of samples while maintaining a compact overall structure, thereby improving testing speed without significantly increasing device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing element with nanopores is integrated within the second compartment structure, and the mechanical lock structure is incorporated into the compartment assembly. This nesting approach allows multiple functional components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, reducing the overall device size while maintaining all necessary functions for rapid testing.
2Productivity
If sample transfer is enabled between compartments, then testing efficiency is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separator between compartments is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between blocking and open states. This dynamic structure enables automated or manual sample transfer between compartments without requiring complex valves or pumps, improving testing efficiency while keeping the mechanical structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical lock structure acts as an intermediary mechanism that controls the separator's position. By using this simple lock-unlock mechanism, the system achieves controlled sample transfer between compartments without needing complex automated fluid handling systems, thereby improving efficiency without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical lock structure is added, then sample transfer control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical lock structure is designed to be self-actuating or easily manually operated, where the locking and unlocking actions directly control the separator position without requiring external actuation systems. This self-service approach improves operational ease while minimizing the addition of complex control mechanisms.
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 quick and accurate detection of biological species by facilitating fluid transfer and analysis, improving the efficiency and speed of sample testing processes.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing element can include a plurality of electrodes exposed to the second compartment. The sensing element can include a plurality of nanopores. The plurality of electrodes can be disposed about the plurality of nanopores.
Implementation Method 2
The air vent channel can be configured to vent out air in the second compartment as the test sample flows into the second compartment.
Implementation Method 3
a mechanical lock structure that is configured to lock and unlock a movement of the separator. When the mechanical lock is unlocked, the separator opens to transfer the test sample from the first compartment to the second compartment.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample testing device is disclosed. The sample testing device can include a first compartment that is configured to receive a test sample, a second compartment that is configured to receive the test sample, a separator that is disposed between and separating the first compartment and the second compartment, and a mechanical lock structure that is configured to lock and unlock a movement of the separator. When the mechanical lock is unlocked, the separator opens to transfer the test sample from the first compartment to the second compartment. The sample testing device can include a sensing assembly.