Spacing-Changeable Lateral Flow Assay Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bio/chemical assays face challenges in analyzing liquid samples with cells, as the cells struggle to flow into spaces between two plates when the spacing is equal to or smaller than the cell size, hindering effective sample analysis.
Innovation Solution
A device and method combining lateral flow with compressed open flow, allowing for adjustable spacing between two plates, enabling cells in a liquid sample to flow into the space by changing the plate configuration from a larger initial spacing to a smaller secondary spacing, facilitating sample analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the spacing between two plates is reduced to about or smaller than the cell size for better assay measurement, then the measurement precision is improved, but the cells in liquid sample cannot flow into the space between the plates
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic spacing adjustment between the first plate and second plate, transitioning from a first configuration with larger spacing (200 μm or less) to a second configuration with smaller spacing (less than the first spacing). This dynamic change enables the system to first allow cell flow into the space, then compress to achieve thin layer measurement, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and sample flow capability
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary action by first establishing a larger spacing configuration that allows cells to flow into the space between plates, then subsequently compressing to the smaller spacing for measurement. This preliminary flow-enabling configuration resolves the contradiction by preparing the system in a state that permits sample introduction before transitioning to the measurement state
2Productivity
If the spacing between two plates is fixed at a small value for thin layer analysis, then the assay performance is improved, but the device complexity increases due to inability to adjust spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a dynamic spacing adjustment mechanism that allows transition between first configuration (spacing 200 μm or less) and second configuration (spacing less than the first spacing). This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt spacing based on operational needs, improving productivity by allowing both sample loading and thin-layer analysis without requiring multiple fixed-spacing devices
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves multi-functionality by combining both sample loading capability (via larger first spacing) and thin layer measurement capability (via smaller second spacing) in a single device. This universal design resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for separate devices for different operational phases, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 allows for efficient sample distribution and analysis by enabling cells to flow and spread within the adjusted spacing, improving assay performance, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness, suitable for non-professional use.
Implementation Method 1
The term 'lateral flow' refers a flow of a liquid sample between a first plate and a second plate in the direction parallel to the plane of the plates
Implementation Method 2
The term 'compressed open flow' refers to a flow a liquid sample between a first plate and a second plate in the direction parallel to the plane of the plates, where the spacing between the two plates can be changed, and a compressing of the two plates reduces the spacing between the two plates
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a spacing-changeable device and a method using both lateral flow and compressed open flow for assaying a liquid sample. The device includes a first plate, a second plate, and an exterior liquid sample contact area. The spacing between the two plates are changeable to form different configurations including a first and second configurations. In the first configuration, the two plates face each other and form at least two gaps including a spacing-1 and a spacing-1′. The spacing height of the spacing-1′ has a size that allows a liquid sample to flow into the spacing-1′. In the second configuration, the two plates are pressed, which changes spacing-1 and spacing-1′ to spacing-2 and spacing-2′, respectively, and the spacing-2′ has a spacing height larger than that of spacing-2. In the second configuration, the sample flows and spreads in areas of spacing-2 and spacing-2′.