Array Evacuation via Common Channel Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for loading and evacuating multi-well arrays in closed systems face challenges such as bubble formation, well-to-well variability, and contamination risks, particularly when using positive pressure or separate fluid channels.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an array assembly that can be evacuated on demand using a strong vacuum, allowing for the evacuation of air and subsequent filling of the array with fluid without the limitations of vapor pressure, thereby minimizing bubbles and well-to-well variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate fluid channels are used to load each well individually, then cross-contamination between wells is reduced, but bubble formation increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate fluid channels into a single common fluid channel that serves all wells. The system uses a single channel for both delivering fluid to and evacuating air from all wells, eliminating the complexity and bubble formation issues associated with multiple separate channels while maintaining cross-contamination prevention through controlled fluid delivery mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using positive pressure to push fluid into wells through separate channels, the patent inverts the approach by using negative pressure (evacuation) to draw fluid into wells through a common channel. This reversal of the pressure approach eliminates bubble formation during filling while maintaining individual well isolation.
2Productivity
If positive pressure is used to fill wells, then filling speed increases, but bubble formation and well-to-well variability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the pressure approach from positive to negative pressure. By using negative pressure (evacuation) to draw fluid into wells rather than pushing fluid in with positive pressure, the system achieves both rapid filling and consistent, bubble-free delivery to all wells, eliminating well-to-well variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical positive pressure pushing system with a negative pressure suction system. This substitution allows for more controlled and consistent fluid delivery across all wells while maintaining high filling speed, as the evacuation process naturally draws fluid uniformly into each well.
3Productivity
If strong vacuum is applied for evacuation, then air removal efficiency increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the evacuation function for all wells into a single common channel system rather than requiring separate evacuation channels for each well. This merging approach maintains high air removal efficiency through strong vacuum application while significantly reducing system complexity by using a unified fluid management infrastructure.
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
This approach enables efficient and consistent filling of the array wells, reducing contamination risks and improving analytical accuracy by minimizing air bubbles and well-to-well variability.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum device can be coupled with the vacuum port and a vacuum can be applied to the array assembly
Implementation Method 2
a strong vacuum, allowing for the evacuation of air and subsequent filling of the array with fluid without the limitations of vapor pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for evacuating and for filling an array at the point of use.