Disposable Urinalysis Cartridge with Microfluidic Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated urinalysis systems are costly and not suitable for smaller laboratories or point-of-care settings due to size inefficiencies and require complex technician training, while manual methods are cumbersome and prone to variability and sample carryover issues.
Innovation Solution
A low-carryover, automated urinalysis system using a single-use sample collection vessel with an integrated removable analysis cartridge that includes micro-wells with chemical reagents and preservatives, allowing for direct sample collection and concentration without manual transfer, and featuring a microfluidic design for optical analysis and fluorescence imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated urinalysis systems are used, then analysis accuracy and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the urinalysis process into distinct modular components: a disposable collection cup with integrated cartridge for sample preparation, and a separate reusable analyzer for optical analysis. This segmentation allows the complex automated analysis functions to be concentrated in the analyzer while the collection cup remains simple and disposable, resolving the contradiction between automation reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection cup with integrated cartridge is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning and maintenance mechanisms in the collection device, reducing its complexity while maintaining automated sample preparation reliability. The reusable analyzer contains the sophisticated optical and automated analysis components.
2Device complexity
If manual sample transfer is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but sample carryover and contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the collection cup and analysis cartridge into a single integrated unit that is disposed of after use. This eliminates the separate manual transfer step between collection and analysis vessels, thereby eliminating sample carryover and contamination risks while keeping the overall system simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful element of sample carryover is eliminated by extracting the sample containment function into a disposable collection cup with integrated cartridge. The sample never contacts reusable components that could cause carryover, while the reusable analyzer only contacts the cartridge contents through controlled optical analysis.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If integrated collection and analysis system is used, then sample carryover is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated system is segmented into two separately manufactured components: a simple disposable collection cup with molded-in cartridge, and a separate reusable analyzer. The collection cup assembly can be manufactured using standard plastic molding techniques, while the analyzer is manufactured separately with its optical components. This segmentation reduces overall manufacturing complexity compared to a fully integrated single-piece device.
4Quantity of substance
If centrifugation step is performed, then particle concentration is improved, but loss of time and sample degradation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical centrifugation process with a microfluidic passive concentration mechanism integrated into the cartridge. The microfluidic channels use capillary action and pressure differential to concentrate particles without requiring external centrifugal force, thereby eliminating the time-consuming centrifugation step while achieving adequate particle concentration for analysis.
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 system simplifies workflow, reduces sample carryover, and provides accurate and reliable results with minimal technician training, making it suitable for low-throughput labs and point-of-care settings by integrating sample collection and analysis in a single, compact device.
Implementation Method 1
one or more holes that allow a biological sample to flow from a sample holding potion of the sample collection vessel onto and/or into the removable analysis cartridge
Implementation Method 2
a flow locking mechanism to allow and prevent flow of the biological sample to the removable analysis cartridge
Implementation Method 3
an analysis cartridge locking mechanism that locks the removable analysis cartridge in place after insertion into the sample collection vessel
Implementation Method 4
an optical system to measure features of the biological sample in the removable analysis cartridge
Implementation Method 5
a chemistry analysis module to analyze any change in the reagents contained in the analysis cartridge caused by interaction with biological sample
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring a biological sample includes a sample collection vessel and a removable analysis cartridge that is removable from the sample collection vessel.