Liquid transfer apparatus, liquid dispensing system and liquid dispensing method

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a liquid transfer apparatus, comprising a dispensing control component and a reagent cartridge. The dispensing control component comprises: an injection port; multiple branch channels, each branch channel having one end in communication with the injection port, and another end being a branch channel terminal; multiple reaction chambers, each comprising a reaction chamber body, and a reaction chamber inlet in communication with the reaction chamber body, each reaction chamber corresponding to a branch channel, and the reaction chamber inlet being spaced apart from the corresponding branch channel terminal. The reagent cartridge comprises a reagent storage chamber internally storing a reagent, and further comprises a reagent cartridge inlet and a reagent cartridge outlet that place the reagent storage chamber in communication with the exterior of the reagent cartridge. The reagent cartridge and the dispensing control component are two independent components, and the reagent cartridge is configured to be detachably fitted with the dispensing control component, causing a branch channel terminal to be in communication with a reagent cartridge inlet, and the reagent cartridge outlet to be in communication with a reaction chamber inlet corresponding to the branch channel terminal, forming a flow path from the injection port, through the branch channel and the reagent cartridge, to the reaction chamber.

Description

Liquid transfer device, liquid preparation system and liquid preparation method Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of detection, specifically to a liquid transfer device, a liquid preparation system, and a liquid preparation method. Background Technology

[0002] In biochemical assays, such as in vitro diagnostics, it is often necessary to dispense a sample or liquid reagent in parallel from one chamber into multiple subsequent reaction chambers for further reactions. This process was initially performed manually, which was cumbersome, time-consuming, labor-intensive, and carried out in an open environment, increasing the risk of contamination. For example, in routine laboratory settings, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in molecular diagnostics requires transferring extracted nucleic acid samples into PCR tubes; when this transfer is performed using a pipette, the aforementioned problems arise.

[0003] While some closed, automated multiplex assay products offer multiple reaction chambers and a closed testing environment, the assay combinations involved (such as antibody and primer / probe combinations) are predetermined during manufacturing and cannot be customized by the user at the point of use. Consequently, multiple assay combinations may be required to complete all necessary tests, wasting resources and increasing testing costs.

[0004] Therefore, a liquid transfer device that can solve the above problems is needed.

[0005] content

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to at least address the shortcomings of existing technologies. This disclosure proposes a liquid transfer device, including a dispensing control unit and a reagent compartment. The dispensing control unit includes: an injection port through which liquid can be injected into the dispensing control unit; multiple branch channels, one end of each branch channel connected to the injection port, and the other end of each branch channel being a branch channel end; and multiple reaction chambers, including a reaction chamber body and a reaction chamber inlet communicating with the reaction chamber body, wherein each reaction chamber corresponds one-to-one with a branch channel, and the reaction chamber inlet is spaced apart from the corresponding end of the branch channel. The reagent compartment includes a reagent storage chamber containing reagents, and further includes a reagent compartment inlet and a reagent compartment outlet communicating with the reagent storage chamber and the outside of the reagent compartment. The reagent compartment and the dispensing control unit are two independent components. The reagent compartment is configured to detachably engage with the dispensing control unit such that the end of each branch channel communicates with one of the reagent compartment inlets, and the reagent compartment outlet communicates with a reaction chamber inlet corresponding to the end of the branch channel, forming a flow path from the injection port through a branch channel and a reagent compartment to the reaction chamber.

[0007] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the reaction chamber further includes a reaction chamber outlet communicating with the reaction chamber body, the end of which is sealed by a breathable element made of a water-proof and breathable material.

[0008] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the dispensing control includes a first half and a second half, at least one of the first half and the second half being provided with a groove, the groove forming a plurality of branch channels and a reaction chamber corresponding to each branch channel.

[0009] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the second half is a sealing membrane, and the groove is provided on the surface of the first half. The sealing membrane cooperates with the surface to seal the plurality of branch channels and the plurality of reaction chambers.

[0010] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, multiple valves are provided, with at least one valve in each branch flow channel, said valves being configured to switch between an open state and a closed state to control the flow and disconnection of the corresponding branch flow channel, respectively.

[0011] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the valve includes a valve seat and a deformable membrane configured to deform in response to external pressure to conform to or separate from the valve seat, thereby switching the valve between an open state and a closed state, the deformable membrane forming part of the second half.

[0012] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, at least a portion of the second half may be light-transmitting, with the light-transmitting portion located at least at the reaction chamber.

[0013] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, a through hole is provided at the position of the second half corresponding to the end of the branch channel and the inlet of the reaction chamber, and a removable pre-sealing film is provided on the outer surface of the second half, the pre-sealing film sealing the through hole.

[0014] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the reagent chamber inlet and / or reagent chamber outlet are provided with sharp portions at their ends for piercing the second half.

[0015] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the dispensing control further includes a socket, and the reagent compartment includes a positioning element configured to be inserted into the socket.

[0016] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the reagent chamber inlet and reagent chamber outlet are respectively provided with one-way valves, so that liquid can only enter the reagent chamber through the reagent chamber inlet in one direction and flow out of the reagent chamber through the reagent chamber outlet in one direction.

[0017] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the dispensing control can cooperate with multiple reagent compartments simultaneously, each storing different types of reagents.

[0018] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the reagent compartment inlet and / or reagent compartment outlet are provided with removable seals.

[0019] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the dispensing control includes a plurality of the injection ports.

[0020] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the reaction chamber further includes an outlet communicating with the reaction chamber body, the end of which is sealed by a breathable element made of a water-resistant and breathable material. The breathable element, the first half, and / or the second half are integrally molded parts.

[0021] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the reaction chamber is a reagent tube that can be detached from the dispensing control.

[0022] This disclosure also proposes a liquid dispensing system, including a liquid transfer device according to any of the foregoing embodiments, and a controller configured to control the valves to switch between an open state and a closed state, and when one of the valves is set to the open state, the other valves are set to the closed state.

[0023] This disclosure also proposes a solution preparation method, comprising: step a, providing a liquid transfer device according to any of the foregoing embodiments; step b, coordinating one or more of the reagent chambers with the dispensing control element to form a corresponding flow path according to the desired composition of the mixed reagent; step c, controlling the opening of a valve on one of the formed flow paths and controlling the closing of the remaining valves on the dispensing control element; step d, injecting the reagent to be dispensed from the injection port, such that the reagent to be dispensed enters the reagent chamber and is fully mixed with the reagent in the reagent chamber to form the mixed reagent, and then the mixed reagent flows into the corresponding reaction chamber in the flow path; repeating step cd or repeating step bd.

[0024] This disclosure also proposes a solution preparation method, comprising: step a, providing a liquid transfer device according to any of the foregoing embodiments; step b, cooperating one or more of the reagent chambers with the dispensing control element to form a corresponding flow path according to the components of the desired mixed reagent; step d, injecting the reagent to be dispensed from the injection port, such that the reagent to be dispensed enters the reagent chamber and is fully mixed with the reagent in the reagent chamber to form the mixed reagent, and then the mixed reagent flows into the corresponding reaction chamber in the flow path. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a liquid transfer apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the dispensing control is separated from the reagent chamber;

[0026] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of another state of the liquid transfer device according to Figure 1, wherein the dispensing control unit is engaged with the reagent chamber;

[0027] Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the allocation control according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the first half of the distribution control component in Figure 3;

[0029] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the second half of the distribution control component in Figure 3;

[0030] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a reagent compartment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 7 shows a three-dimensional view of the reagent compartment in Figure 6 after it has been cut open. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise stated, the terms used herein have their ordinary meanings in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same parts.

[0033] In the description of this disclosure, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a liquid transfer device is proposed for transferring and dispensing samples (particularly liquids) into multiple chambers, with customized reagent configuration for each chamber during the transfer and dispensing process, i.e., adding other required components or reagents during the transfer to each chamber. Therefore, the liquid transfer device may include a reagent compartment 1 storing reagents and a dispensing control 2 for realizing liquid preparation. The reagent compartment 1 and the dispensing control 2 are, for example, separately stored and independent components, which can be coupled when needed, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Specifically, one dispensing control 2 can simultaneously engage with multiple reagent compartments 1.

[0035] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the dispensing control element 2 has, for example, the shape of a long, thin plate. The dispensing control element may include an inlet 211 and multiple branch channels 212. The multiple branch channels 212 may be arranged at intervals along one long side of the long, thin plate shape on one side of the dispensing control element 2, and the inlet 211 may also be located on that side. One end of each branch channel 212 is connected to the inlet 211, and in particular, multiple branch channels 212 are connected to a single inlet 211 (as shown in Figure 4). The other end of each branch channel 212 is a terminating branch channel end 217. The cross-sectional shape and length of each branch channel 212 may be the same or approximately the same, and the cross-sectional area and length should be as small as possible to reduce any liquid residue that may be generated within the branch channels.

[0036] Liquid, such as a reagent to be dispensed, can be injected into the dispensing control unit 2 through the injection port 211. The reagent to be dispensed can then flow into each branch channel 212 and, as described later, enter the reaction chamber 214 through the reagent chamber 1 in the state of cooperation between the reagent chamber 1 and the dispensing control unit 2.

[0037] For example, multiple branch channels 212 can also be connected to multiple injection ports 211 (not shown), such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, etc. Thus, different types of liquids can be injected into multiple reaction chambers 214 respectively, or multiple liquids can be injected into the same reaction chamber 214.

[0038] Furthermore, the dispensing control unit 2 may also include multiple reaction chambers for storing reagents (particularly mixed reagents). Each reaction chamber may include a reaction chamber body 214, a reaction chamber inlet 215, and a reaction chamber outlet 216, with the inlet 215 and outlet 216 respectively connected to the reaction chamber body 214. The mixing chamber 214 may have various shapes, such as triangular, rhomboid, or circular. The mixed reagents will eventually enter the reaction chamber 214 and undergo biochemical reactions therein under the influence of external conditions such as temperature. In some embodiments, the reaction chamber 214 may also serve as a site for signal detection, with detection methods including but not limited to optical signal detection and electrical signal detection.

[0039] The reaction chambers correspond one-to-one with the aforementioned branch channels 212. For example, multiple reaction chambers can be arranged at intervals along another long side of the elongated plate shape on the side of the dispensing control unit 2 opposite to the branch channels 212, and each reaction chamber is aligned with its corresponding branch channel 212. In particular, the reaction chamber inlet 215 and the corresponding branch channel end 217 are spaced apart from each other. Under certain circumstances, such as when the reagent chamber 1 and the dispensing control unit 2 are in cooperation, the reaction chamber inlet 215 and the corresponding branch channel end 217 can communicate with each other to form a flow path from the injection port 211 to the reaction chamber body 214.

[0040] Specifically, reagent compartment 1 may include, for example, a reagent storage chamber 14, a reagent compartment inlet 11, and a reagent compartment outlet 12, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. The reagent storage chamber 14 stores reagent 15, and both the reagent compartment inlet 11 and the reagent compartment outlet 12 are connected to the reagent storage chamber 14. Reagent 15 may be one or more pre-prepared reagents necessary for sample detection, and the form of reagent 15 may be solid (e.g., lyophilized reagent, frozen reagent) or liquid. For example, reagent 15 may be one of a primer, a fluorescent probe, or a fluorescent dye that specifically binds to nucleic acids in the analyte, or a combination of a fluorescent probe and a fluorescent dye with a primer. In particular, the components, composition, and form of reagent 15 can be arbitrary according to the needs of the detection target, enabling targeted customized combinations based on the detection items.

[0041] Furthermore, the reagent compartment 1 can be configured to detachably engage with the dispensing control unit 2, such that the end 217 of the branch flow channel communicates with a reagent compartment inlet 11, and the reagent compartment outlet 12 communicates with a reaction chamber inlet 215 corresponding to the end 217 of the branch flow channel, forming a flow path from the injection port 211 through a branch flow channel 212 and a reagent compartment 1 to the reaction chamber. Thus, during the transfer of the reagent to be dispensed (e.g., the sample to be tested, injected through the injection port), the reagent to be dispensed and the auxiliary reagent 15 stored in the reagent compartment 1 for the test can be mixed. The multiple pairs of one-to-one corresponding branch flow channels 212 and reaction chambers provided on the dispensing control unit 2 allow one dispensing control unit to simultaneously engage with multiple reagent compartments 1. In particular, the reagent 15 stored in each reagent compartment 1 can be customized or pre-filled according to the required test items; for example, the reagent 15 stored in each reagent compartment 1 can be different.

[0042] Therefore, the liquid transfer device disclosed herein can provide a fully enclosed integrated technical solution, which meets the needs of multi-indicator joint detection in immunoassay and nucleic acid testing, while solving the problems of cumbersome manual operation and easy contamination in the current solution. At the same time, the solution allows for the free loading and combination of reagents required for detection, such as antibodies, primers and probes, which improves the flexibility and detection efficiency for users, while reducing production and manufacturing costs and shortening the product development cycle.

[0043] Next, the further structure and configuration of the liquid transfer device according to this disclosure will be described.

[0044] Returning to Figures 3 and 4, valves located on branch channels 212 can also be provided on the distribution control unit 2. For example, each branch channel 212 may be provided with one or more valves configured to switch between an open state and a closed state to control the flow and disconnection of the corresponding branch channel 212 respectively. Thus, by controlling the state of the valves, the amount of liquid injected into each reaction chamber 214 can be controlled, for example, to perform quantitative or equal-volume distribution.

[0045] Specifically, the valve includes a valve seat 213 and a deformable membrane corresponding to the valve seat 213 (e.g., the portion of the second half 22 aligned with the valve seat 213). The valve seat 213 can be disposed in the extension path of the branch flow channel 212, as shown in Figure 4. The deformable membrane is configured to deform and adhere to or separate from the valve seat 213 according to external pressure. When the deformable membrane undergoes elastic deformation under pressure at the position corresponding to the valve seat, it can fully adhere to the wall of the valve seat 213, thus blocking the branch flow channel 212, preventing liquid in the branch flow channel 212 from passing through the valve seat. When the pressure on the position corresponding to the valve seat disappears, the elastic deformation of the deformable membrane disappears and returns to its original shape, no longer adhering to the wall of the valve seat 213, allowing liquid in the branch flow channel 212 to pass through the valve seat normally, thereby switching the valve between the open and closed states. This structure is simple to manufacture, low in cost, and particularly suitable for small branch flow channels. The thickness of the deformable membrane can be 0.01 to 1 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.5 mm, and the material is a material that can deform and stretch under pressure, such as silicone or rubber.

[0046] For example, as shown in Figure 4, the projection center of the valve seat 213 in the extended plane of the distribution control element 2 can coincide with the sample branch flow channel, and the projection of the valve seat 213 in this plane can completely cover the width of the projection of the sample branch flow channel 212. This projection of the valve seat 213 can be circular, square, hexagonal, etc. The longitudinal section shape of the valve seat 213 can be hemispherical, rectangular, trapezoidal, etc., and the depth of the longitudinal section of the valve seat can be greater than or equal to the depth of the sample branch flow channel 212. The above configuration is beneficial for achieving the truncation of the branch flow channel 212 by the deformable membrane and the valve seat fitting together.

[0047] Furthermore, the dispensing control element 2 can be formed by combining a first half 21 and a second half 22, as shown in Figure 3. For example, at least one of the first half 21 and the second half 22 is provided with a groove, which can form multiple branch channels 212, reaction chambers corresponding to and separate from the branch channels 212, and valve seats 213. For example, the groove can be provided only on the second half 22, or the groove can be provided on both the first half 21 and the second half 22. In this case, the two grooves are combined to form multiple branch channels 212, reaction chambers corresponding to the branch channels 212, and valve seats 213. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the groove can also be provided only on the first half 21, while the second half 22 can be a sealing membrane. The first half 21 and the second half 22 are tightly combined together, for example, by hot pressing, bonding, or fastening, so that they will not separate during the use of liquid injection.

[0048] In particular, both the first half 21 and the second half 22 are integrally molded parts, and the aforementioned grooves are generated during the integral molding process, which simplifies the process and facilitates manufacturing. For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the second half 22 can be a thin film, with the aforementioned grooves provided only on one surface of the first half 21. The second half 22 serves as a sealing film to adhere to the surface of the first half 21 and seal the open opening of the groove to form an internal channel, that is, to seal multiple branch channels 212, the reaction chamber corresponding to each branch channel 212, and the valve seat 213 to prevent external contamination.

[0049] The deformable membrane of the valve that mates with the valve seat 213 can be, for example, a portion of the second half 22 in the form of a sealing membrane. For instance, the portion of the second half 22 opposite to the valve seat 213 is the deformable membrane. In particular, the entire second half 22 is deformable for ease of manufacture. Further, for example, at least a portion of the second half 22 can be light-transmitting, with the light-transmitting portion located at least at the reaction chamber 214. Thus, for example, when an optical signal generated in the reaction chamber 214 is emitted outward, it can be detected by an optical detection device through this light-transmitting portion. In particular, the entire second half 22 can be light-transmitting for ease of manufacture. For this purpose, the second half 22 can be a transparent elastomer membrane, such as a thin film made of polyurethane, polydimethylsiloxane, silicone, or similar materials. In addition, the second half 22 can also be a composite film of a non-transparent elastomer film and a transparent material, such as a film formed by combining a silicone rubber film or a silicone elastic film with a transparent polypropylene film or a transparent PCR sealing film, so that at least part of the second half 22 is deformable (corresponding to the valve seat 213) and at least part of it is transparent (corresponding to the reaction chamber 214).

[0050] The second half 22 may also have through holes, as shown in Figure 5, such as a first through hole 221, a second through hole 222, and a third through hole. The first through hole 221 corresponds to the end of the branch channel 217, the second through hole 222 corresponds to the inlet of the reaction chamber 215, and the third through hole 223 corresponds to the socket. The arrangement of these through holes facilitates the cooperation between the distribution control element 2 and the reagent chamber 1, so that the reagent chamber inlet 11 is connected to the end of the branch channel 217 through the first through hole 221, the reagent chamber outlet 12 is connected to the inlet of the reaction chamber 215 through the second through hole 222, and the positioning element 16 (described in detail later) is easily inserted into the socket 218. In particular, the shape and / or size of the first through hole 221 and the second through hole 222 can be set to be different, thereby preventing the user from reversing the connection of the reagent chamber inlet 11 and the reagent chamber outlet 12 during use.

[0051] Furthermore, to maintain the seal of the dispensing control 2 before use, a removable pre-sealing film can be provided on the outer surface of the second half to seal these through holes. Further, the pre-sealing film can be fixed to the second half by means of heat pressing, bonding, clamping, etc., to seal the internal channels of the dispensing control 2. The thickness of the pre-sealing film can be 0.01–1 mm, preferably 0.1–0.5 mm. The material used to make the pre-sealing film 13 can be polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, etc., as well as composite films formed from polymer films and aluminum foil, etc. The pre-sealing film can be manually removed before the reagent compartment 1 needs to be fitted to the dispensing control 2.

[0052] Alternatively, the second half 22 may not have a through hole, while the reagent chamber 1 may have a corresponding piercing structure. For example, the reagent chamber inlet 11 and / or reagent chamber outlet 12 of the reagent chamber 1 may have a sharp part at the end for piercing the second half 22, so that the reagent chamber inlet 11 is connected to the end 217 of the branch channel and the reagent chamber outlet 12 is connected to the inlet 215 of the reaction chamber.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the reaction chamber may also include a reaction chamber outlet 216 communicating with the reaction chamber body 214. This outlet is used to discharge the original gas in the reaction chamber after liquid is injected into it, to prevent the gas pressure in the reaction chamber from increasing and stopping the continued injection of liquid, thus preventing interference with the reaction process and preventing safety issues. In particular, the end of the reaction chamber outlet 216 may be sealed by a ventilator 23 made of a water-resistant and breathable material, thereby allowing one-way ventilation and preventing liquid leakage. In particular, as shown in Figure 3, the ventilator 23 may be an elongated structure integrally formed from a water-resistant and breathable material, fixed to the first half 21 and simultaneously sealing multiple reaction chamber outlets 216, thereby facilitating manufacturing and saving costs.

[0054] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the reaction chamber 214 may also be a reagent tube (not shown) that can be detached from the dispensing control member 2. Thus, liquid can be injected into the reaction chamber 214 in the form of a reagent tube while it is connected, and after injection, the reaction chamber 214 can be removed from the dispensing control member 2 so that it can be used alone for the next procedure or step.

[0055] For example, the reagent tube-shaped reaction chamber 214 can be a one-piece molded or assembled continuous open container with an internal containment space, the volume of which can be 1 to 2000 μL, preferably 10 to 50 μL. At least a portion of the reaction chamber 214 may be a transparent thin-walled structure to facilitate internal observation; the wall thickness of this transparent thin-walled structure can range from 0.1 mm to 1 mm, preferably 0.2 to 0.6 mm. The material used to manufacture the reagent tube-shaped reaction chamber 214 can be one or more of polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, etc. The reaction chamber 214 can be, for example, a body of revolution, the cross-sectional shape along its axis of rotation can be conical, rectangular, trapezoidal, circular, elliptical, or any other shape suitable for filling biological reagents and suitable for manufacturing. Specifically, it can be a commonly used biological detection consumable in the art, such as EP tubes, 8-tube arrays, centrifuge tubes, etc., with containment space.

[0056] For example, the external surfaces of multiple (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, etc.) reaction chambers 214 in the form of reagent tubes can be interconnected, particularly 8 reaction chambers 214 connected in a row. In particular, multiple reagent tubes connected in a row can be integrally formed, i.e., forming a commonly used row of tubes. Therefore, these reagent tubes generated after liquid preparation by this liquid transfer device can be used in commonly used detection and transport devices in the art, exhibiting strong compatibility and practical value.

[0057] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the reagent compartment 1 includes a cover 13, which can be used to seal the reagent compartment 1 after the reagent 15 has been added or filled, thereby facilitating the addition of the reagent 15 into the reagent compartment 1. In some embodiments, such as when the reagent 15 is a solid reagent, the cover 13 can also be used together with the reagent storage chamber 14 to define the position of the reagent 15.

[0058] The reagent storage chamber of reagent compartment 1 can be used to stably store and place reagent 15, for example, to fix reagent 15 (especially for solid reagents) in a specific position, such as near reagent compartment inlet 11. For liquid reagent 15, it can be held in a specific position, for example, by capillary effect. The shape and structure of the reagent storage chamber can be arbitrary, but preferably, its shape and structure are configured such that reagent 15 is positioned at a relatively high position within reagent compartment 1 and near reagent compartment inlet 11. Thus, when the reagent to be dispensed enters from reagent compartment inlet 11 at its bottom position, it is ensured that the reagent to be dispensed can actually make sufficient contact and mix with reagent 15, and the mixed reagent overflows from this position, flows out through reagent compartment outlet 12, and finally enters reaction chamber 214.

[0059] The reagent compartment 1 can be stored independently before use. Therefore, a seal (not shown) can be provided to seal the reagent compartment inlet 11 and reagent compartment outlet 12 to prevent the reagent 15 from leaking and / or being contaminated. The seal can be, for example, a stopper, a cap, a sealing film, etc.

[0060] Furthermore, the reagent compartment 1 may also be provided with a positioning element 16 for positioning to the dispensing control element 2. This positioning element 16 may be, for example, a snap-fit ​​element as shown in Figures 6 and 7, or other components with positioning and / or fixing functions. For example, two positioning elements 16 may be provided, located on opposite sides of the reagent compartment inlet 215 and reagent compartment outlet 216, respectively. The dispensing control element 2 may include a socket 218 for engaging with the positioning element 16. The socket 218 may be located on the first half 21, and the second half 22 may have a third through hole 223 aligned with the socket 218 to facilitate the insertion of the positioning element 16. Through this positioning element 16, the engagement and precise positioning of the reagent compartment 1 and the dispensing control element 2 can be quickly achieved to form a flow path through the reagent compartment 1.

[0061] Furthermore, the reagent inlet 11 and reagent outlet 12 of reagent chamber 1 can each be equipped with a one-way valve (not shown), ensuring that liquid can only enter the reagent chamber 1 through the reagent inlet 11 in one direction and flow out of the reagent chamber through the reagent outlet 12 in one direction. This prevents backflow of mixed reagents, which could contaminate the reagents to be dispensed and cause interference between the detections in multiple reaction chambers.

[0062] Furthermore, this disclosure also proposes a liquid preparation system including the aforementioned liquid transfer device, which can be used to quantitatively or equally distribute liquid samples. Specifically, the liquid preparation system may include a controller (not shown) configured to control the valves to switch between open and closed states. In particular, the controller is configured such that when one of the multiple valves is open, the other valves remain closed, i.e., only one valve is open at any given time. This allows for individual control of a branch flow channel 212 corresponding to a reaction chamber 214, facilitating precise control of the injection volume.

[0063] Specifically, to achieve valve state switching, based on the above embodiment with valve seat 213 and deformable membrane, the system may include an actuator (not shown). This actuator may include, for example, multiple actuating parts aligned with the deformable membrane. These actuating parts may be cylindrical or rod-shaped structures that reciprocate in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the deformable membrane (e.g., the surface of the second half), with the number of actuating parts matching the number of valve seats 213 and their positions corresponding one-to-one. When the actuating part moves toward the deformable membrane until it contacts the surface of the deformable membrane and continues to move, the actuating part causes the deformable membrane to deform at least partially toward the valve seat 213, thus deflecting it. Simultaneously, the actuating part may be configured such that the shape of its end contacting the surface of the deformable membrane is exactly the same as the shape of the valve seat 213, but slightly smaller. Specifically, the actuating part can drive the deformable membrane to deflect until the deformable membrane fully adheres to the wall of the valve seat 213, thereby forming a fully fitted and gapless state between the deflected sealing membrane and the valve seat 213, thus blocking the branch flow channel 212 and switching the valve to a closed state. Conversely, the actuator can also move away from the deformable membrane to separate from the variable membrane, so that the variable membrane is restored and the branch flow channel 212 resumes flow, thereby switching the valve to the open state.

[0064] Furthermore, this disclosure also proposes a liquid preparation method that utilizes a liquid transfer device or liquid preparation system according to this disclosure.

[0065] Specifically, for a liquid transfer device equipped with a valve, the method may include steps a-d.

[0066] Step a is to provide a liquid transfer apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0067] Step b involves engaging one or more reagent compartments 1 (containing reagent 15 specific to the required mixture components) with the dispensing control 2, according to the desired reagent mixture composition (e.g., depending on the item to be tested). For each reagent compartment 1, a branch channel end 217 communicates with the reagent compartment inlet 11 of that compartment 1, and the reagent compartment outlet 12 of that compartment 1 communicates with a reaction chamber inlet 215 corresponding to the branch channel end 217, thus forming a flow path from the injection port 211 through a branch channel 212 and the reagent compartment 1 to the reaction chamber. This creates a flow path through each engaged reagent compartment 1.

[0068] Step c includes (e.g., via a controller) controlling the valve on one of the formed flow paths to open and controlling the remaining valve on the distribution control 2 to close.

[0069] Step d includes injecting the reagent to be dispensed from the injection port 211, so that the reagent to be dispensed enters the reagent chamber 1 through the opened single valve and the branch flow channel 212 where it is located, and further mixes with the reagent 15 in the reagent chamber 1 to form the required mixed reagent, and finally the mixed reagent flows into the corresponding reaction chamber 214 in the flow path.

[0070] Next, repeat step cd until all valves in all flow paths containing reagent chamber 1 are opened, thereby filling all reaction chambers 214 in all flow paths with the required mixed reagent. Alternatively, repeat steps bd, adding additional reagent chambers 1 to form new flow paths, and filling the reaction chambers 214 in these new flow paths with the required mixed reagent. This method is particularly suitable for scenarios requiring precise quantitative reagent dispensing.

[0071] Furthermore, this disclosure also proposes another solution preparation method that omits step c and subsequent repetitive steps, i.e., only steps a, b, and d are included. This method integrates one or more reagent chambers 1 with the dispensing control unit, simultaneously injecting the reagents to be dispensed into each flow path, forming a specific mixed reagent in each flow path, and then transporting these mixed reagents to the corresponding reaction chamber 214. This method is particularly suitable for scenarios requiring rapid solution preparation and detection without the need for precise quantitative reagent dispensing.

[0072] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The functions or performance of the various elements or modules described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are by no means limiting, but merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents.

[0073] In the appended claims, the terms “comprising” and “wherein” are used as simple English equivalents to the corresponding terms “including” and “in which”. Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used merely as notations and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0074] Figure Labels

[0075] 1 - Reagent Chamber

[0076] 11 - Reagent Chamber Entrance

[0077] 12——Reagent Warehouse Exit

[0078] 13 - Reagent compartment cover

[0079] 14 - Reagent Storage Room

[0080] 15 - Reagents

[0081] 16 - Positioning component

[0082] 2—Distribution Control Components

[0083] 21 - Part One

[0084] 211 - Injection Port

[0085] 212 - Branch Flow Channel

[0086] 213 - Valve seat

[0087] 214—Reaction Chamber

[0088] 215—Reaction Chamber Inlet

[0089] 216—Reaction chamber outlet

[0090] 217—End of branch channel

[0091] 218 - Socket

[0092] 22 - Part Two

[0093] 221 - First through hole

[0094] 222 - Second through hole

[0095] 223 - Third through hole

[0096] 23 - Breathable parts

Claims

1. A liquid transfer device, comprising: Distribution control components, including The injection port allows liquid to be injected into the dispensing control unit. Multiple branch channels, each branch channel having one end connected to the injection port and the other end being the end of the branch channel. Multiple reaction chambers, including a reaction chamber body and a reaction chamber inlet communicating with the reaction chamber body, wherein each reaction chamber corresponds one-to-one with a branch flow channel, and each reaction chamber inlet is spaced apart from the end of the corresponding branch flow channel. The reagent compartment includes a reagent storage room inside which reagents are stored, and also includes a reagent compartment entrance and a reagent compartment exit connecting the reagent storage room and the outside of the reagent compartment. in, The reagent chamber and the dispensing control are two independent components. The reagent chamber is configured to detachably engage with the dispensing control, such that the end of the branch channel is connected to a reagent chamber inlet, and the reagent chamber outlet is connected to a reaction chamber inlet corresponding to the end of the branch channel, to form a flow path from the injection port through a branch channel and a reagent chamber to the reaction chamber.

2. The liquid transfer device according to claim 1, wherein, The reaction chamber also includes a reaction chamber outlet communicating with the reaction chamber body, and the end of the reaction chamber outlet is sealed by a breathable element made of a water-proof and breathable material.

3. The liquid transfer device according to claim 1, wherein, The distribution control component includes a first half and a second half, at least one of the first half and the second half is provided with a groove, the groove forming a plurality of branch channels and a reaction chamber corresponding to each branch channel.

4. The liquid transfer device according to claim 3, wherein, The second half is a sealing membrane, and the groove is provided on the surface of the first half. The sealing membrane cooperates with the surface to seal the plurality of branch channels and the plurality of reaction chambers.

5. [Amended according to Rule 26 09.09.2024] The liquid transfer device according to claim 4, wherein, Multiple valves are provided, with at least one valve in each branch flow channel. The valves are configured to switch between an open state and a closed state to control the flow and disconnection of the corresponding branch flow channel, respectively.

6. The liquid transfer device according to claim 5, wherein, The valve includes a valve seat and a deformable diaphragm configured to deform and conform to or separate from the valve seat according to external pressure, so that the valve can switch between an open state and a closed state, and the deformable diaphragm constitutes part of the second half.

7. The liquid transfer device according to claim 5, wherein, At least a portion of the second half may be light-transmitting, and the light-transmitting portion is located at least in the reaction chamber.

8. The liquid transfer device according to claim 5, wherein, The second half is provided with a through hole at the position corresponding to the end of the branch channel and the inlet of the reaction chamber, and a removable pre-sealing film is provided on the outer surface of the second half to seal the through hole.

9. The liquid transfer device according to claim 5, wherein, The reagent chamber inlet and / or reagent chamber outlet are provided with sharp portions at their ends for piercing the second half.

10. The liquid transfer device according to any one of claims 5-9, wherein, The dispensing control unit also includes a socket, and the reagent compartment includes a positioning element configured to be inserted into the socket.

11. The liquid transfer device according to any one of claims 5-9, wherein, The reagent chamber is equipped with one-way valves at both the reagent chamber inlet and outlet, ensuring that liquid can only enter the reagent chamber through the reagent chamber inlet in one direction and exit the reagent chamber through the reagent chamber outlet in one direction.

12. The liquid transfer device according to any one of claims 5-9, wherein, The dispensing control unit can work with multiple reagent compartments simultaneously, each containing different types of reagents.

13. The liquid transfer device according to any one of claims 5-9, wherein, The reagent compartment inlet and / or reagent compartment outlet are provided with removable seals.

14. The liquid transfer device according to any one of claims 5-9, wherein, The distribution control includes a plurality of the injection ports.

15. The liquid transfer device according to any one of claims 5-9, wherein, The reaction chamber also includes an outlet communicating with the reaction chamber body, the end of which is sealed by a breathable element made of a water-proof and breathable material. The breathable component, the first half, and / or the second half are integrally molded components.

16. The liquid transfer device according to claim 1, wherein, The reaction chamber is a reagent tube that can be detached from the dispensing control.

17. A solution preparation system, comprising The liquid transfer device according to any one of claims 1-16, and A controller configured to control the valves to switch between an open state and a closed state, and when one valve is set to the open state, the other valves are set to the closed state.

18. A method for preparing a solution, comprising: Step a, providing a liquid transfer device according to any one of claims 5-15, Step b: Based on the required components of the mixed reagents, assemble one or more of the reagent compartments with the dispensing control to form a corresponding flow path. Step c: Open a valve in one of the formed flow paths and close the remaining valves on the distribution control unit. Step d: Inject the reagent to be dispensed through the injection port, so that the reagent to be dispensed enters the reagent chamber and mixes thoroughly with the reagent in the reagent chamber to form the mixed reagent, and then the mixed reagent flows into the corresponding reaction chamber in the flow path. Repeat step cd or repeat step bd.

19. A method for preparing a solution, comprising: Step a, providing a liquid transfer device according to any one of claims 1-16, Step b: Based on the required components of the mixed reagents, assemble one or more of the reagent compartments with the dispensing control to form a corresponding flow path. Step d: Inject the reagent to be dispensed into the injection port, so that the reagent to be dispensed enters the reagent chamber and mixes thoroughly with the reagent in the reagent chamber to form the mixed reagent, and then the mixed reagent flows into the corresponding reaction chamber in the flow path.

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