Multilayer Test Card Waste Storage with Segmented Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling and disposal of biological waste from sample testing pose significant safety issues, and existing methods fail to effectively prevent contamination of instruments used with disposable cards.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer test card with a waste channel and separated compartments, featuring ribs for structural integrity and air passes to manage biological waste, along with a vent for air exit, ensures containment and prevents contamination by allowing air to escape without liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biological waste is stored in a single compartment, then the waste storage capacity is sufficient, but the risk of contamination to instruments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waste storage system is divided into multiple compartments separated by ribs, creating distinct isolated chambers. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination between waste streams while maintaining overall containment, directly addressing the contamination risk without requiring a completely separate storage system for each waste type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical layering dimension with a cap layer positioned above the waste storage layer. The cap layer contains vent passages that provide a vertical escape route for air, separating the air venting function from the horizontal waste storage function. This dimensional separation allows independent optimization of both waste containment and air management.
2Ease of operation
If air vents are provided in the waste storage compartment, then air can escape during waste flow, but biological liquid may leak through the vent
Solution Approach 1:
The cap layer is designed with selective local properties: it is generally impermeable to maintain containment, but contains specific localized vent passages that are permeable to air. This local quality differentiation allows the cap to simultaneously prevent liquid leakage while permitting necessary air escape through designated pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent passages in the cap layer act as an intermediary structure between the waste storage compartment and the external environment. These passages selectively mediate the passage of air while blocking liquid, serving as a controlled interface that reconciles the conflicting requirements of venting and containment.
3Reliability
If multiple compartments are used to separate waste, then contamination risk is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waste storage layer is segmented into multiple compartments using ribs that create physical barriers between adjacent waste streams. This segmentation provides reliable containment and prevents cross-contamination while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured as an integrated multilayer device.
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 multilayer test card effectively manages biological waste, reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring safe handling and disposal by utilizing a waste channel with compartments separated by ribs and air passes, while the vent ensures air exit without liquid leakage.
Implementation Method 1
A pass is coupled between each adjacent set of compartments to pass biological waste and air between compartments
Implementation Method 2
A vent in a last compartment provides an air exit from the card
Data Source
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AI summary
A multiple layer test card (100, 300, 700, 800) includes a waste channel (105) to receive biological waste from an area of the test card (100, 300, 700, 800) utilized for testing biological samples. Multiple compartments (110, 115, 120) in a waste layer (300) of the card are separated from each other by a rib (122) in the waste layer (300). A first compartment (110) is positioned to receive biological waste from the waste channel (105). A pass (125, 130, 135, 140) is coupled between each adjacent set of compartments (110, 115, 120) to pass biological waste and air between compartments. A vent (150) in a last compartment (120) provides an air exit from the test card (100, 300, 700, 800).