Multifunctional Sample Verification Device for Biological Analysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for analyzing biological samples often require multiple devices and systems, leading to sample degradation, increased time, and higher costs due to the need for multiple analyses, and do not effectively verify sample quality before the subject departs the collection facility.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional device and system capable of performing spectroscopic, fluorescence, and luminescence observations and analyses in a single platform, equipped with a sample verification mode to assess sample characteristics before the subject leaves the collection facility, using a combination of image capture devices, optical elements, and communication modules to ensure sample integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple devices and systems are used for sample analysis, then comprehensive analysis capability is improved, but sample degradation increases, time consumption increases, and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis capabilityVSAvoidsample integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple analysis functions (spectroscopy, fluorescence, luminescence) into a single integrated device. The device includes multiple detectors and optical systems that can perform different types of analyses on the same sample without transferring it between devices, thereby maintaining sample integrity while providing comprehensive analysis capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple types of optical analyses including spectroscopy, fluorescence, and luminescence measurements. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices, reducing sample handling and degradation while maintaining versatile analysis capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple devices and systems are used for sample analysis, then comprehensive analysis capability is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis capabilityVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple analysis functions into one device, the system can perform spectroscopy, fluorescence, and luminescence analyses sequentially or simultaneously on the same sample without the time required for sample transfer, preparation, and equilibration between devices, significantly reducing total analysis time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device enables continuous analysis of the sample through multiple modalities without interruption or transfer. The sample remains in the device throughout the analysis process, allowing seamless transition between different measurement types and eliminating idle time associated with sample handling between devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple devices and systems are used for sample analysis, then comprehensive analysis capability is improved, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis capabilityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple expensive analytical instruments into a single shared platform. By combining spectroscopy, fluorescence, and luminescence systems in one device, the overall cost is reduced compared to purchasing and maintaining separate devices for each function, while still providing comprehensive analysis capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal device design allows a single instrument to replace multiple specialized devices, reducing capital expenditure, maintenance costs, and operational expenses. The shared hardware platform provides cost-effective access to multiple analytical techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If sample verification is performed before subject departure, then sample quality assurance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The verification function is integrated into the main analysis device rather than being a separate system. The device uses its existing optical detectors and light sources to perform quick verification measurements of sample quality parameters, adding verification capability without requiring a completely separate complex system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs self-verification of sample quality using its own analytical capabilities. The system automatically measures sample characteristics and determines whether the sample meets quality criteria for analysis, eliminating the need for separate verification equipment or manual assessment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 simplifies and streamlines sample analysis, reduces sample degradation, and ensures accurate, precise, and efficient analysis while maintaining sample integrity by verifying characteristics in real-time, thereby reducing the complexity and cost of the analysis process.

Implementation Method 1

a light source, and may include optical elements (e.g., one or more of a lens, a grating, an aperture, a filter, a polarizer, or other element or elements) configured to provide light for illuminating a sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Implementation Method 2

a lens, a grating, an aperture, a filter, a polarizer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

a mirror or other reflective surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

a diffractive element, e.g., diffraction grating, diffractive lens, diffuser, beam splitter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 5

configured for operation in a fluorescence mode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 6

configured for operation in a luminescence mode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLuminescence: Luminescence

Data Source

PatentUS10488643B2Systems, devices, and methods for sample integrity verification
Publication Date: 2019.11.26 LABRADOR DIAGNOSTICS LLC
  • US10488643B2 patent drawing
  • US10488643B2 patent drawing
  • US10488643B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein provide sample verification capabilities in a single device or system. Devices are disclosed herein. Systems including these devices are also provided. These devices and systems may be configured for verifying sample integrity prior to a subject leaving a sample collection site so that any further samples or other corrective action can occur without having to make a separate visit.