Capillary Electrophoresis Analysis Chip Guide Portion Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analysis chip units for capillary electrophoresis lack a reliable method to securely couple the microchip and cartridge together, especially when external forces are applied during device alignment or electrode connection, leading to potential misalignment and instability.
Innovation Solution
The analysis chip design includes a microchip unit with a sample introduction portion and a cartridge unit featuring a guide portion for sliding the microchip into a secure position, with a position restriction mechanism to hold it in place, allowing reliable coupling and housing of the microchip within the cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the microchip and cartridge are coupled together using a simple insertion method, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of coupling under external force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A guide portion is introduced as an intermediary component between the microchip and cartridge. This guide portion mediates the coupling process by providing a sliding path that guides the microchip into proper alignment with the cartridge, ensuring reliable coupling without requiring complex fixing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical fixing systems with a simpler sliding insertion mechanism. The guide portion enables the microchip to be coupled to the cartridge through a straightforward sliding motion, eliminating the need for screws, clips, or other complex mechanical fastening systems while maintaining coupling reliability
2Ease of operation
If the microchip is inserted into the cartridge without a guide portion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision of alignment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portion serves as a mediator that facilitates the insertion process. It provides a defined sliding path that automatically aligns the microchip with the cartridge during insertion, achieving both ease of operation and high alignment accuracy without requiring manual precision
3Reliability
If the microchip is held in position by a position restriction portion, then the stability under external force is improved, but the ease of manufacture is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The position restriction portion is merged with the guide portion, combining two functions into a single integrated structure. The guide portion provides the sliding path for insertion, while the position restriction portion, formed as part of the same structure, automatically engages to hold the microchip in its final position, simplifying the manufacturing process
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An analysis chip is provided that includes a microchip employing capillary electrophoresis and a cartridge. The analysis chip has a structure in which the microchip and the cartridge can be reliably coupled together and in which the microchip can be reliably housed in the cartridge. An analysis chip (10) employed to analyze a sample (50) comprises a first unit (20) that comprises a sample introduction portion (21) into which the sample (50) is introduced, and a second unit (30) that is configured to house the first unit (20). The second unit (30) comprises an insertion port (31) into which the first unit (20) is inserted. The first unit (20) is formed so as to be moveable from a first state in which the sample introduction portion (21) is positioned outside the second unit (30) relative to the insertion port (31), to a second state in which the sample introduction portion (21) is positioned inside the second unit (30) relative to the insertion port (31). The second unit (30) comprises a guide portion (32) that guides the first unit from (20) the first state to the second state.