Universal Channel Circuitry for Multi-Assay Analyzer Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional point-of-care sample testing systems are limited by the need for hardware changes and lack of flexibility in performing multiple types of assays due to independent hardwired circuitry, which is expensive and difficult to manage across generations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of universal channel circuitry with electronic switching capabilities that allows any contact pin to be connected to multiple channels, enabling the performance of optical and electrochemical assays without hardware changes, including amperometric, potentiometric, and conductometric sensors, as well as light emitting diodes and photodiodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If independent hardwired circuitry is used for each assay type, then the system can perform specific assays reliably, but the device complexity increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal channel circuitry design where a single set of circuit channels can perform multiple assay types (optical, electrochemical, amperometric, potentiometric, conductometric) through software configuration rather than dedicated hardware for each assay type. This eliminates the need for independent hardwired circuitry for each assay, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability through standardized measurement protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic channel assignment where the function of each circuit channel is not fixed but can be reconfigured based on the assay being performed. The analyzer dynamically assigns channels to different sensor types and measurement modes, allowing the same physical hardware to adapt its electrical characteristics and measurement parameters to match the requirements of different assay types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hardware changes are made to support multiple assay types, then the system can perform various assays, but the ease of manufacture and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a universal channel circuitry architecture that can perform optical, electrochemical, amperometric, potentiometric, and conductometric assays using the same hardware platform. This eliminates the need to manufacture different hardware versions for different assay types, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs while maintaining full assay versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves assay type versatility by changing electrical parameters (voltage, current, resistance measurements) and configuration settings rather than changing physical hardware. The analyzer can switch between different measurement modes by adjusting circuit parameters through software control, allowing a single manufactured device to support multiple assay types without requiring hardware modifications.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated circuitry is used for each sensor type, then the measurement precision is maintained, but the adaptability to different assay configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic channel assignment where the analyzer can reconfigure which physical channels are assigned to which sensor types based on the assay requirements. This dynamic allocation allows the system to maintain precise measurements for each sensor type while adapting to different assay configurations, as the channel assignment is determined by the specific assay being performed rather than fixed hardware connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal channel circuitry acts as an intermediary layer between the physical sensors and the measurement processing system. This intermediary can dynamically route signals from different sensor types through appropriate measurement circuits, maintaining measurement precision while providing flexibility in assay configuration. The intermediary layer translates various sensor outputs into standardized measurement formats.
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 enhances flexibility in testing device design, allows for combination of various assays without hardware changes, and increases point-of-care testing opportunities by supporting multiple types of assays on a single analyzer.
Implementation Method 1
a first contact connected to a light emitter and a second contact connected to a light detector
Implementation Method 2
a first contact connected to a light emitter and a second contact connected to a light detector
Implementation Method 3
including amperometric, potentiometric, and conductometric sensors
Implementation Method 4
including amperometric, potentiometric, and conductometric sensors
Implementation Method 5
including amperometric, potentiometric, and conductometric sensors
Data Source
AI summary
This present invention relates generally to devices, systems, and methods for performing optical and electrochemical assays and, more particularly, to devices and systems having universal channel circuitry configured to perform optical and electrochemical assays, and methods of performing the optical and electrochemical assays using the universal channel circuitry. The universal channel circuitry is circuitry that has electronic switching capabilities such that any contact pin, and thus any sensor contact pad in a testing device, can be connected to one or more channels capable of taking on one or more measurement modes or configurations (e.g., an amperometric measurement mode or a current drive mode).