Sampling Plate Overflow Channel Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional sampling plates are unreliable due to overfilling, inconsistent blood distribution, and inaccurate measurements caused by fluid paths linking testing zones, leading to inaccurate glucose level readings in diabetes patients.
Innovation Solution
A sampling plate design featuring a sample zone with discrete testing zones and an overflow reservoir linked via an overflow channel, allowing excess liquid to be directed away from the sample zone, preventing overfilling and ensuring uniform distribution and accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sampling plates are used without overflow control, then the device structure remains simple, but the measurement reliability deteriorates due to overfilling and inconsistent blood distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The sample zone is divided into discrete testing zones that are separated from each other, preventing blood samples from linking between zones. Each testing zone operates independently with its own electrode terminals, ensuring that measurements in one zone do not affect another zone.
Solution Approach 2:
An overflow reservoir and overflow channel are extracted from the traditional sampling plate structure. The overflow channel provides a dedicated path for excess blood to flow into the overflow reservoir, separating the overflow function from the testing function and preventing overfilling of the sample zone.
2Ease of operation
If traditional sampling plates are used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the ease of operation deteriorates as less dextrous individuals struggle to apply blood samples correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The overflow reservoir and channel create a self-regulating system that automatically controls blood distribution. When blood is applied to the sample zone, it naturally flows through the overflow channel into the reservoir when the sample zone is full, eliminating the need for users to precisely control the amount of blood applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The overflow reservoir is designed to accommodate excess blood before it can interfere with the testing zones. This pre-prepared overflow path cushions against user error in blood application, allowing less dextrous individuals to apply blood without worrying about overfilling.
3Measurement precision
If traditional sampling plates with linked fluid paths are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inaccurate readings from linked blood samples
Solution Approach 1:
The sample zone is segmented into discrete testing zones with separate fluid paths. Blood samples in different testing zones are completely separated and do not link together, ensuring that each measurement reflects only the blood sample in that specific zone without contamination from adjacent zones.
4Stability of the object's composition
If traditional sampling plates are used, then the device structure is simple, but the uniformity of blood distribution deteriorates due to slow and non-uniform spreading
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the sample zone have different properties: the sample zone has hydrophilic characteristics to promote blood spreading, while the overflow channel provides a controlled path for excess blood. The discrete testing zones have uniform blood distribution properties optimized for consistent measurements.
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
The design enhances measurement accuracy by preventing overfilling, ensuring uniform blood distribution, and maintaining discrete samples, resulting in more reliable glucose level readings.
Implementation Method 1
an overflow reservoir linked to the sample zone via an overflow channel. Excess liquid sample is simply directed via the overflow channel to the overflow reservoir
Implementation Method 2
The sampling plate comprises an air porous body in fluid communication with the sample zone and the overflow reservoir. The presence of an overflow reservoir can assist distribution of the liquid sample because the overflow channel and reservoir effectively provides an air vent allowing displacement of air from the sample zone
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sampling plate. In particular the invention relates to a sampling plate for measuring certain selected properties of a liquid sample, such as the glucose levels in a blood sample. Sampling plates of the present invention have a sample zone (20) for receiving a liquid sample and an overflow reservoir (26) linked to the sample zone (20) via an overflow channel (26a), so that excess blood sample can be redirected away from the sample zone (20) and contained.