Slidable Sealing Element for Fluid Sample Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laboratory tests for analyte determination in biological samples require trained technicians and sophisticated instruments, making them costly and time-consuming, especially in critical situations where rapid point-of-care diagnostics are needed.
Innovation Solution
A disposable cartridge system with an array of analyte sensors and a slidable sealing element for fluid sample collection, allowing for rapid in situ determination of analytes using electrochemical immunosensors, which includes a method for sealing a fluid sample collection device and a blood receiving device with a cocktail coating to prevent bubbles, and an immuno-reference sensor to reduce background noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laboratory tests are performed using sophisticated instruments and trained technicians, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable cartridges containing integrated sensors, reagents, and sample handling components. Each cartridge is a self-contained unit that can be discarded after use, eliminating the need for expensive, complex laboratory instruments. The disposable nature allows for simplified device architecture while maintaining measurement precision through optimized cartridge design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated cartridge system. The cartridge merges sample collection, sample handling, sensor arrays for analyte detection, reagent delivery, and data processing capabilities into one unified device. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate sophisticated laboratory instruments and trained technicians for each function.
2Measurement precision
If laboratory tests are performed using sophisticated instruments and trained technicians, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is pre-loaded with all necessary reagents, sensors, and sample handling components during manufacturing. The sample collection device is pre-configured with sealing elements and fluid pathways. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming laboratory setup and instrument calibration, allowing for rapid point-of-care testing while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex instrument and technician requirements from the testing process by embedding all necessary functional elements directly into the disposable cartridge. This extraction allows the test to be performed in a simplified point-of-care setting without requiring sophisticated laboratory infrastructure or trained personnel, thereby reducing test time.
3Reliability
If a sealing element is slidably moved to seal the fluid sample, then reliability of sample containment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a slidable sealing element that can be implemented as a flexible membrane or thin film component. This sealing element moves along a predefined pathway to seal the fluid sample entry point, providing reliable sample containment without requiring complex mechanical sealing mechanisms. The flexible nature of the sealing element allows for simple integration into the cartridge structure.
4Device complexity
If electrochemical immunosensors are used instead of spectroscopic methods, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces spectroscopic detection methods with electrochemical sensing. Instead of using light sources, detectors, and optical pathways that characterize spectroscopic instruments, the system employs electrochemical sensors that detect analytes through electrical signal changes. This substitution dramatically simplifies the device architecture, eliminating bulky optical components while maintaining or improving measurement precision through sensitive electrochemical detection.
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 rapid, accurate, and cost-effective determination of analytes at the point of care, reducing the need for laboratory expertise and equipment, and minimizing delays in critical situations.
Implementation Method 1
The invention relates to the determination of analytes in biological samples such as blood using electrochemical immunosensors
Implementation Method 2
a capillary stop located between the sample chamber and first conduit. Air pressure exerted at the air entry point drives a metered volume of the sample past the capillary stop
Implementation Method 3
a blood receiving device with a cocktail coating to prevent bubbles
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for sealing a fluid sample collection device, comprising:loading a fluid sample collection device with a fluid sample, said device comprising a housing having at least one substantially planar surface that includes an orifice in fluid communication with an internal fluid sample holding camber which terminates at an internal capillary stop; andslidably moving a sealing element over at least a portion of said substantially planar surface in a way that displaces any excess fluid sample away from the orifice, seals the fluid sample within said holding chamber, and inhibits the fluid sample from prematurely breaking through the internal capillary stop.