Vented Priming Fluid Passage for Volumetric Control in Diagnostic Cartridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Point-of-care diagnostic devices face challenges in controlling sample collection sizes and maintaining precise mixing ratios, leading to difficulties in obtaining quantitative test results due to the need for expensive durable hardware to manage fluid flow and mixing in microfluidic assays.
Innovation Solution
A single-use, consumable diagnostic cartridge with a translatable valve member and a vented fluid priming passage allows for precise fluid communication and controlled volume transfer from a sample receiving chamber to a detection/analysis chamber, eliminating the need for companion durable hardware by using a rupturable fluid dispensing member and hydroscopic vents to manage air and fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If durable hardware is used to control fluid flow and mixing in microfluidic assays, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The consumable diagnostic device incorporates self-contained fluid control mechanisms including a rupturable fluid dispensing member that automatically dispenses precise volumes of reagent, a translatable valve member that autonomously controls fluid communication between chambers, and capillary action-based fluid transport. These self-service features eliminate the need for external durable hardware to control fluid flow and mixing, while maintaining the precision required for quantitative test results
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive durable hardware with a disposable consumable diagnostic device that integrates all fluid handling functions into a single-use cartridge. The consumable device includes integrated components such as the rupturable fluid dispensing member, translatable valve member, and microfluidic channels that are discarded after one use, eliminating the need for costly durable equipment while maintaining measurement precision
2Manufacturing precision
If durable hardware is used to control fluid flow and mixing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple fluid control functions (reagent dispensing, sample mixing, fluid transport, and waste removal) into a single integrated consumable diagnostic device. The translatable valve member combines multiple valve functions in one component, the rupturable fluid dispensing member integrates reagent storage and delivery, and capillary action provides passive mixing and transport. This consolidation simplifies manufacturing compared to assembling multiple durable hardware components while maintaining precise mixing ratios through controlled chamber geometries and capillary forces
3Loss of substance
If vented fluid priming passage is used, then loss of substance is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vented fluid priming passage serves as an intermediary mechanism that allows air to be vented from the fluid dispensing member and valve passage during the priming process. This prevents air bubbles from contaminating the sample and reagent mixture, thereby reducing loss of substance. The passage includes a vent port that opens to the exterior when the valve member is in the first position, enabling air escape while the fluid fills the passage, and closes when the valve member translates to the second position
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 precise and controlled fluid handling within the cartridge, ensuring accurate and quantitative diagnostic results without the requirement for expensive external hardware, facilitating efficient point-of-care testing.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophobic vent covering at least a portion of the fluid passage. The vent prevents fluid from passing therethrough and allows air to vent outwardly from the fluid passage
Implementation Method 2
a sample receiving chamber having a fixed capillary volume
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic cartridge and method of performing a diagnostic test are provided. The cartridge includes a body having a sample chamber for receipt of a sample, an analysis chamber, and a reagent-containing dispensing member. A valve member is coupled to the body for selective movement between first and second states. The valve member has a fluid passage with a hydroscopic, gas permeable vent. In the first state, the fluid passage is out of fluid communication with the sample chamber and is registered for fluid communication with the reagent-containing dispensing member. The vent prevents fluid from passing therethrough and allows air to vent therefrom as reagent flows into and fills the fluid passage. In the second state, the fluid passage remains in fluid communication with the reagent-containing dispensing member and is brought into fluid communication with the sample chamber to facilitate transporting the sample to the analysis chamber.