Urine Test Device with Flow Control Blocking Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional devices for testing analytes in liquid samples, such as HCG and LH in urine, face challenges with inaccurate results due to excessive liquid collection and varying operation habits, leading to inconsistent test outcomes.

Innovation Solution

A test device featuring a diversion element that directs urine from the urethra to a testing element, with a liquid retention chamber and blocking element to control the flow rate and volume, ensuring accurate and quick results by minimizing excessive liquid on the detection reagent strip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a diversion element is used to collect urine directly from the urethra, then the collection process is simplified and can be performed by different operators, but the amount of liquid collected becomes uncontrolled and excessive, leading to inaccurate test results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidtest accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A blocking element is introduced as an intermediary component between the diversion element and the testing element. This blocking element controls and regulates the flow of liquid, allowing it to pass through in a controlled manner rather than freely. The blocking element acts as a mediator that reconciles the need for simple direct collection with the need for precise liquid volume control, enabling accurate testing while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If liquid flows directly from the diversion element to the testing element, then the detection time is reduced, but excessive liquid volume overwhelms the detection reagent strip, causing inaccurate results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection timeVSAvoidtest accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element serves as a flow regulator that allows liquid to pass through quickly but in controlled amounts. It prevents the accumulation and overflow of excessive liquid while maintaining rapid flow, thus preserving short detection time while ensuring accurate test results by preventing reagent strip saturation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the liquid retention chamber is designed to hold excess liquid, then test accuracy is improved by preventing overflow, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a diversion element for collection, a blocking element for flow control, and a liquid retention chamber for excess liquid management. By dividing the device into these separate segments, each performing a specific function, the design achieves accurate liquid control without creating an overly complex integrated system. The segmentation allows for modular assembly and clear functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If different operators use varying holding angles and methods, then the device adapts to different operation habits, but the amount of liquid collected varies significantly, affecting test consistency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different operatorsVSAvoidtest consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element acts as a standardized intermediary that mediates between the variable input from different operators and the requirement for consistent test results. Regardless of how the diversion element is held or positioned, the blocking element ensures that only a controlled amount of liquid reaches the testing element, thereby standardizing the test conditions and ensuring consistency across different operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device reduces the impact of excessive liquid on test accuracy, allowing for rapid and reliable detection of HCG and LH in urine, suitable for self-testing by different operators, with results obtained within 2 minutes.

Implementation Method 1

the chamber is capable of retaining the liquid through the surface tension of the liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface tension: Surface Tension

Implementation Method 2

one end of the diversion element is in contact with the label area so that the liquid sample from the diversion element is capable of directly flowing to the label area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS20240345077A1Test device for detecting analyte in liquid sample
Publication Date: 2024.10.17 ZHEJIANG ORIENT GENE BIOTECH CO LTD
  • US20240345077A1 patent drawing
  • US20240345077A1 patent drawing
  • US20240345077A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a test device. The device includes a testing element and a house configured to accommodate the testing element, where the house is formed by folding a paper-made card, and the testing element is located in the housing. The housing is allowed to be in different change states to test or assay an analyte in a sample.