Visual Indication Test Kit with Simultaneous Multi-Analyte Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visual indication tests often require multiple cycles of analyte extraction and testing, which is time-consuming and inefficient, and may necessitate serial test sequences that complicate user interpretation and action.
Innovation Solution
A visual indication test kit with multiple plugs and reagent wicks that allow for simultaneous extraction and mixing of analytes with reagents, enabling multiple tests from a single extraction, with controlled reagent flow using hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials to facilitate timely and accurate visual indications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple individual cycles of analyte extraction and visual indication testing are performed, then testing thoroughness is improved, but testing time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple extraction points and multiple reagent applications into a single integrated device. The collector holds multiple plugs that can simultaneously extract analytes from different locations, and multiple reagents are applied in a single operational sequence, merging what would traditionally require multiple separate testing cycles into one unified process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves multiple functions within a single system: it performs multiple analyte extractions simultaneously at different plugs, accommodates multiple different reagents for different analyte types, and provides a comprehensive testing platform that replaces multiple specialized single-function devices.
2Reliability
If multiple individual cycles of analyte extraction and visual indication testing are performed, then testing thoroughness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple extraction points, reagent storage, and application mechanisms into a single collector device. This merging eliminates the need for users to manually perform multiple separate extraction and testing cycles, reducing operational complexity while maintaining comprehensive testing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to automatically manage the complex multi-step process: reagents are stored in sealed ampoules within the collector, and the user simply activates the system which then automatically delivers appropriate reagents to the plugs containing extracted analytes, eliminating the need for users to manually coordinate multiple testing steps.
3Ease of operation
If serial test sequences are used, then user action based on previous results is enabled, but interpretation complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs all necessary analyte extractions and reagent applications in advance, simultaneously preparing multiple test results that can be interpreted together. This eliminates the need for users to wait between sequential tests and makes decisions based on cumulative results, providing comprehensive information upfront for more efficient decision-making.
4Reliability
If multiple extractions are performed separately, then comprehensive analyte collection is achieved, but reagent exposure and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple extraction operations into a single simultaneous process using multiple plugs in one collector. This merging reduces the number of times reagents and samples are handled, minimizing exposure opportunities and contamination risks while still achieving comprehensive analyte collection from multiple locations.
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 efficient performance of multiple visual indication tests from a single analyte extraction, reducing testing time and user complexity, while minimizing contamination and reagent exposure, and providing clear, cost-effective chemical detection.
Implementation Method 1
controlled reagent flow using hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials to facilitate timely and accurate visual indications
Implementation Method 2
Visual indication can occur by a multitude of techniques, including, among others, colorimetric, fluorescence or chemiluminescence
Implementation Method 3
Visual indication can occur by a multitude of techniques, including, among others, colorimetric, fluorescence or chemiluminescence
Implementation Method 4
Visual indication can occur by a multitude of techniques, including, among others, colorimetric, fluorescence or chemiluminescence
Data Source
AI summary
A test kit is provided. The test kit includes a case including a top including a plurality of indicator pads and a crushing plate rotatable between a first position and a second position, the crushing plate including a plurality of crushing ribs. The case further includes a bottom hingedly coupled to the top, the bottom including a plurality of reagent ampoules storing reagents. When the case is closed with the crushing plate in the second position, the plurality of crushing ribs crush the the plurality of reagent ampoules. The test kit further includes a collector including a collector body, a plurality of swabs extending through the collector body, a removable cover covering a first side of the collector body, and a collector handle coupled to the collector body, wherein the collector is nestable within the case.