Color-Changing Shake Indicator for Sample Dilution Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing diagnostic systems lack precision in determining the duration of the shaking process for sample preparation, leading to incomplete dilution and extraction, which affects the accuracy of subsequent analyses.

Innovation Solution

A test device with a mixing container featuring a porous display element that decolorizes during shaking, indicating when the process is complete, allowing users to determine the necessary shaking time and ensuring precise dilution and extraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual shaking is used for sample preparation, then the device complexity is low, but the precision of determining shaking duration is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of determining shaking durationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a color-changing indicator system where a pH-sensitive dye changes color in response to pH changes during the shaking process. This visual color transition provides a clear, precise endpoint signal for when dilution and extraction are complete, eliminating the need for complex timing mechanisms or automated sensors while maintaining high measurement precision for shaking duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Manufacturing precision

If shaking time is extended to ensure complete extraction, then extraction accuracy improves, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction accuracyVSAvoidshaking time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a visual feedback mechanism through the color-changing indicator that provides real-time information about the extraction progress. As the pH changes during shaking, the indicator transitions through distinct color stages, giving immediate feedback to the user about when the extraction is complete. This eliminates the need for excessive shaking time by providing a clear endpoint signal, optimizing both extraction accuracy and time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If no visual indicator is provided, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of complete dilution and extraction cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of complete dilution and extractionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a pH-sensitive color indicator that changes color in response to pH variations during the dilution and extraction process. This simple visual system reliably indicates when the processes are complete, ensuring consistent and reliable results without adding complex electronic sensors, automated detection systems, or sophisticated control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 test device ensures complete and precise dilution and extraction processes, enhancing the accuracy of subsequent analyses by providing a visual indicator for the completion of the shaking process.

Implementation Method 1

a porous display element (2) containing a dye in dry form, which is decolorized in the course of the shaking process and is completely decolorized when dilution and/or extraction of the sample has been completed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentEP2902099B1Sample preparation and testing system
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 DRAGER SAFETY AG & CO KAAA
  • EP2902099B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2902099B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP2902099B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a sample preparation and testing system (10) with a mixing container (1, 18), wherein an indicator element (2, 40, 58, 60) functioning as a shake indicator is located inside the mixing container (1, 18). A significant figure, intended for publication with the abstract, is shown.