Test Strip Blocking Element Prevents Backflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional test strip devices face accuracy issues due to backflow of samples and reagents, affecting the precision of measurement results.

Innovation Solution

A test strip device with a vertically movable blocking element at the injection opening, which is raised by a protruding portion on a tray to close the flow channel opening, preventing backflow and ensuring accurate chemical reactions within the reaction receptacle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the flow channel opening is left open to allow sample injection, then the sample can enter the reaction receptacle smoothly, but backflow and diffusion of pollutants may occur affecting measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of measured valuesVSAvoidsample injection smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element is pre-positioned at the flow channel opening in a state that does not obstruct sample injection. After the sample is injected and fills the reaction receptacle through capillary force, the blocking element is then raised to close the opening. This preliminary positioning and sequential operation resolves the contradiction by ensuring smooth injection first, then preventing backflow afterward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element transitions from a static open position to a dynamic movable state, allowing it to be raised vertically to close the flow channel opening after sample injection. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to switch between allowing smooth sample entry and preventing backflow, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If a blocking element is added to prevent backflow, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of test resultsVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element utilizes the existing injection opening and flow channel structure, integrating seamlessly into the current device architecture. By raising the blocking element vertically within the existing injection opening space, the design prevents backflow without requiring additional complex external structures, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity while improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element functions as a simple movable barrier within the injection opening, using vertical movement rather than complex mechanical assemblies. This approach adds minimal structural complexity while effectively preventing backflow and improving the accuracy of test results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the blocking element is raised to close the flow channel opening, then backflow is prevented, but the injection process may be affected if timing is not controlled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of backflowVSAvoidinjection timing control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element is positioned and raised after the sample injection is complete and the reaction receptacle is filled through capillary force. This preliminary action ensures that the blocking element does not interfere with the injection process itself, but rather activates afterward to prevent backflow, thereby maintaining reliability without causing timing losses during injection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element is raised to close the flow channel opening after sample injection to prevent backflow and diffusion of pollutants. By timing the blocking action to occur after capillary filling is complete, the system prevents harmful backflow effects without interfering with the initial sample entry process, thus achieving reliable backflow prevention without timing conflicts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 effectively prevents backflow and diffusion of pollutants, ensuring accurate chemical reactions and improving the accuracy of test results by using capillary forces to fill the reaction receptacle with the sample while allowing smooth sample entry without airlock issues.

Implementation Method 1

the reaction receptacle is filled with the sample by the capillary force of each flow channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary force: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS9829439B2Test strip device

Publication Date: 2017.11.28 SKYLA CORP HSINCHU SCI PARK BRANCH

AI summary

Disclosed is a test strip device, comprising a strip body and a blocking element. The strip body has a first face and a second face. The strip body has an injection opening, a flow channel and a reaction receptacle. The injection opening reaches the first face, the flow channel is in fluid communication between the injection opening and the reaction receptacle, and the flow channel is in fluid communication with the injection opening through a flow channel opening. The blocking element is vertically movably disposed in the injection opening, and the blocking element selectively closes the flow channel opening. Therefore, the back flow of a sample can be prevented, so as to ensure chemical reaction of the sample and a reagent and thus improve accuracy of the test results.