Lateral Flow Strip Holder With Thermal and Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lateral flow assays face challenges in reproducibility and comparability due to temperature variability and human error in sample application, leading to issues like strip drowning or flooding, especially in non-regulated environments.
Innovation Solution
A strip holder with a thermally conductive back side and a design that includes separate channels, a weir structure, and a ventilation channel, allowing for operator-defined temperature control and controlled sample application, minimizing the risk of flooding and ensuring efficient heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lateral flow assays are performed in non-regulated environments with temperature variability, then the assays can be conducted more widely and conveniently, but the reproducibility and comparability of results deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces temperature control as a regulated parameter by providing a heating element that can maintain a constant temperature (e.g., 37°C) within the housing. This allows the assay to be performed under controlled temperature conditions even in non-regulated environments, thereby maintaining result reproducibility while extending applicability to field settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary temperature control system (heating element and thermal insulation) between the external environment and the assay components. This intermediary buffer prevents direct temperature variability from affecting the assay, enabling reliable results in diverse environmental conditions.
2Ease of operation
If users apply sample fluid directly without guidance, then the operation is simpler and faster, but human error increases leading to strip drowning or flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary guiding structures (e.g., sample application guides, flow channels, and reservoir designs) that are pre-configured to direct sample fluid along the correct path. This preliminary guidance ensures that even untrained users can apply samples correctly without requiring detailed instructions, thereby maintaining ease of operation while preventing application errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be self-guiding through built-in structural features (such as tapered channels, overflow prevention structures, and automatic flow direction) that inherently guide the sample fluid through the correct path without requiring user intervention or knowledge. The system serves itself by preventing flooding and directing flow automatically.
3Device complexity
If a single integrated housing is used, then the device structure is simpler and manufacturing is easier, but temperature control efficiency and sample flow management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the internal volume of the single housing into distinct functional zones (e.g., separate fluid reservoir, reaction chamber, and waste area) using internal partitions or channels. This segmentation allows independent optimization of temperature control and fluid management within each zone while maintaining the external simplicity of a single integrated housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties or structural characteristics to different regions within the housing. For example, certain areas may have enhanced thermal conductivity for heating, while other areas have insulating properties for temperature maintenance. Similarly, flow channels have specific geometries optimized for sample direction. This local differentiation enables effective temperature and flow control within the simplified single-housing structure.
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 strip holder enables reproducible and comparable lateral flow assays by maintaining consistent temperature conditions and optimizing sample application, reducing human error, and preventing flooding.
Implementation Method 1
the back side of the housing is thermally conductive
Implementation Method 2
the sample fluid traverses the strip by capillary flow
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a strip holder consisting of a housing with a front side and a back side, the housing comprising at least one strip receiving channel, at least one fluid receiving channel, at least one fluid reservoir, and optionally at least one ventilation channel. The invention also relates to a use of the strip holder, a method as well as to a kit comprising the strip holder.