Sealed Liquid-Sample Testing Device for Uniform Test-Strip Reactions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing testing devices for liquid samples, particularly urine, often require manual operation and direct contact with the sample, leading to unsanitary conditions and inconsistent reaction times across multiple test items, making them inconvenient and unsafe for use.

Innovation Solution

A device with a chamber and transparent side walls, a cover with a screw thread, and a carrier with a groove for holding a test strip, allowing for sealed sample collection and standardized reaction times across multiple testing areas, using absorbent materials and colorimetric comparison for results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the reagent strip is placed directly into the liquid sample for testing, then the testing operation is simple, but the reagent strip has prolonged contact with the sample causing unsanitary conditions and safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting operation simplicityVSAvoidprolonged sample contact causing unsanitary conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device separates the testing function from the sample containment function by using a test strip holder that can be inserted into the chamber without the entire device needing direct sample contact. The test strip is held in a dedicated holder that limits exposure time and area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The test strip holder acts as an intermediary between the user and the liquid sample. The holder is inserted into the chamber to allow the test strip to contact the sample only when necessary, and can be quickly removed to prevent prolonged contact and maintain hygiene.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple test items are placed on a single test strip, then the testing efficiency is improved, but it becomes difficult to ensure uniform reaction time across all testing areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidreaction time uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The chamber is designed with a specific liquid level and the test strip holder positions all testing areas at the same level relative to the liquid sample. This ensures that the liquid sample contacts all testing areas uniformly, creating equipotential conditions for reaction time consistency across multiple test items.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

Solution Approach 2:

The test strip is oriented vertically in the chamber, with testing areas arranged along the length of the strip. The liquid sample rises to a controlled level to contact all testing areas simultaneously, using the vertical dimension to ensure uniform horizontal contact across multiple test items.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If manual operation is used for testing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the safety and hygiene during testing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structure simplicityVSAvoidsafety and hygiene during testing

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The test strip is pre-mounted in the holder before contacting the sample. The holder is designed with a predetermined insertion path and positioning features that guide the test strip into the correct position automatically, reducing the need for complex manual adjustments while maintaining safety and hygiene.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 safe, hygienic, and consistent testing of multiple analytes in liquid samples by preventing prolonged sample contact and enabling easy comparison of test results with a colorimetric card.

Implementation Method 1

a chamber for receiving the liquid sample, where the chamber includes an opening and transparent side walls enclosing the chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 2

a cover, where the cover is configured to seal the opening of the chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

a carrier with a groove for holding a test strip, allowing for sealed sample collection and standardized reaction times

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical positioning: Groove

Data Source

PatentUS20250303404A1Device for testing analyte in liquid sample

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 ZHEJIANG ORIENT GENE BIOTECH CO LTD

AI summary

A testing device includes a chamber for receiving a liquid sample and a cover, where the cover is configured to seal the chamber. The cover further includes a carrier with a groove. The carrier is configured to receive and hold a test strip. The cover further includes a hole that is connected to the groove, and the cover is provided with a label and a connection line between the label and the hole is shortest. When testing is performed, the label is configured to indicate an inclination direction, such that the liquid sample contacts with testing areas of the test strip in the groove. The testing device can be used for quickly performing testing and is easy to operate, and test results thereof are more accurate.