Valveless Cartridge Fluidic Control for Rapid Biological Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing medical conditions in patients are often labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to misdiagnosis, particularly in point-of-care settings, where rapid and accurate detection of biological conditions in small fluid samples is needed.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, valveless stationary cartridge system that includes a sample chamber, treatment composition blisters, mixing chambers, and optical detection components, allowing for the incubation, mixing, and optical detection of biological samples using reporter functionalities to determine biological conditions such as blood diseases, infections, and sepsis within a small fluid sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory tests are performed off-line in diagnostic laboratories, then comprehensive analysis can be conducted, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential diagnostic functions from traditional laboratory settings and implements them in a portable point-of-care device. The system separates sample processing, mixing, and detection functions into an integrated cartridge that can be used outside the laboratory, enabling rapid diagnostics while maintaining analytical capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (pipetting, mixing, centrifugation) with automated fluid handling systems. Magnetic actuation and electronic control replace labor-intensive manual procedures, enabling rapid sample processing without sacrificing diagnostic accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory tests are performed, then comprehensive biological analysis can be achieved, but the process requires extensive labor and is limited to single 8-hour shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated sample processing. The system automatically performs mixing, incubation, and detection without requiring skilled laboratory personnel for each step. The cartridge-based design with pre-loaded reagents and automated fluid handling enables non-specialists to perform complex diagnostic tests.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal platform that can perform multiple diagnostic functions through a single integrated system. The device handles various sample types, performs different assay formats, and provides comprehensive analysis across multiple parameters, replacing multiple specialized laboratory procedures.
3Productivity
If rapid detection is implemented in point-of-care settings, then diagnostic speed improves, but sample volume is limited and processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses nested doll by integrating multiple functional components within a compact cartridge structure. The cartridge contains nested chambers for sample loading, reagent storage, mixing, and detection, all housed within a single portable device. This enables rapid diagnostics with minimal sample volume while managing complexity through hierarchical integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic particles as intermediaries to simplify complex processing. Magnetic beads serve as carriers for reagents and targets, enabling automated manipulation and separation without complex mechanical systems. This intermediary approach reduces device complexity while maintaining rapid processing capability.
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
Enables rapid and accurate detection of biological conditions in small fluid samples, providing results within 20 minutes, thereby improving diagnostic efficiency and reducing the risk of misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
Implementation Method 1
activation of said first mixing bellows selectively moves fluid through fluidic channels within said cartridge
Implementation Method 2
measuring a forward scatter measurement from particles in said reading channel
Implementation Method 3
passing a returned beam from said sample via a high-pass filter and a concave grating
Implementation Method 4
at least one of said compositions comprises a reporter functionality, said reporter functionality being adapted to report a reaction
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A
AI summary
The present invention provides self-contained systems, apparatus and methods for determining a chemical state, the system includes a stationary cartridge for performing the assay therein, the cartridge adapted to house at least one reagent adapted to react with a sample; and at least one reporter functionality adapted to report a reaction of the at least one reagent with the sample to report a result of the assay, a mechanical controller including a first urging means adapted to apply a force externally onto the cartridge to release the at least one reagent; and at least one second urging means adapted to apply a removable force to induce fluidic movement in a first direction in the cartridge and upon removal of the force causing fluidic movement in an opposite direction to the first direction, an optical reader adapted to detect the reaction and a processor adapted to receive data from the optical reader and to process the data to determine said chemical state.