Test Strip Alignment via Biasing Member and Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for analyzing samples using test strips face challenges in reliably and correctly introducing the test strip into the sample chamber, which can lead to invalidation of test results, especially when automated systems are used for reading the results.
Innovation Solution
A device with a resilient biasing member, such as a helical compression spring, is used to ensure the test strip is reliably introduced into the sample chamber, and guide members are employed to maintain correct alignment, preventing significant rotation and ensuring accurate reading by cameras or optical readers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gravity alone is used to introduce the test strip into the sample chamber, then the device structure is simple, but the test strip introduction is unreliable and may lead to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient biasing member is pre-loaded in the analysis chamber to automatically urge the test strip into the sample chamber when the chambers are brought into communication, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring consistent, reliable test strip introduction every time the device operates
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient biasing member provides self-service by automatically pushing the test strip into the sample chamber without requiring external actuation, and the guide members self-align the test strip through their geometric constraints, making the system self-regulating and reliable
2Manufacturing precision
If no alignment mechanism is used, then the device is simpler, but the test strip may rotate or misalign preventing accurate automated reading
Solution Approach 1:
The guide members have asymmetric cross-sectional shapes that match the asymmetric shape of the test strip, creating geometric constraints that prevent rotation and ensure the test strip maintains precise alignment with the camera or optical reader during automated reading
Solution Approach 2:
The guide members act as intermediary elements between the test strip and the sample chamber, providing geometric constraints that mediate the alignment process and ensure the test strip is correctly positioned without requiring complex active alignment mechanisms
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 solution minimizes the risk of test strip misalignment and deformation, ensuring reliable wicking of the sample solution and accurate detection of nucleic acids, thereby preventing test result invalidation and enabling precise automated reading.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient biasing member disposed in the analysis chamber and configured to exert a force against the test strip sufficient to urge the test strip into the sample chamber
Implementation Method 2
Processed sample (a solution containing amplified nucleic acid) in the sample chamber travels up the test strip by capillary action
Data Source
AI summary
A device for analysing a sample comprising a nucleic acid to be captured and detected using a test strip are described. The device comprises a resilient biasing member disposed in an analysis chamber containing the test strip. The resilient biasing member exerts a force against the test strip sufficient to urge it into the sample chamber when it is in communication with the analysis chamber. This ensures that the test strip is reliably introduced into the sample chamber when it is in communication with the analysis chamber. In one embodiment, the sample chamber comprises guide members for guiding the test strip into the sample chamber. A free end of each guide member is shaped to prevent significant rotation of the test strip, so that the test strip is in correct alignment in the sample chamber for automatic reading of the test result, for example by a camera or optical reader.