Array Plate Frame Assembly for Leak-Tight Optical Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing array plates face challenges in securely attaching frame units without damaging delicate biological substances, as conventional methods risk denaturation or peeling due to external forces, and require structures that prevent reagent leakage and enable optical observation.
Innovation Solution
A frame unit comprising a bank member, seal member, and clip member that securely attach to an array plate, ensuring the biological substances are not directly contacted during assembly, with a design that maintains liquid-tightness and allows optical measurement without deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive or heat bonding is used to attach the bank member to the array plate, then the attachment strength is improved, but the biological substances are denatured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a seal member as an intermediary component between the bank member and the array plate. This seal member provides a mechanical bonding interface that does not require direct contact between the bank member and the array plate, eliminating the need for adhesive or heat bonding that would denature biological substances. The seal member acts as a mediator that transfers the bonding function without exposing the biological substances to harmful bonding agents or temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment structure is divided into separate functional components: the bank member, the seal member, and the array plate. The seal member is segmented as a distinct component that provides both sealing and mechanical attachment functions. This segmentation allows the bonding interface to be separated from the biological substance area, enabling strong attachment without denaturation.
2Ease of operation
If the chamber is placed on the array plate for assembly, then the assembly process is simplified, but the chamber may be dropped onto the biological substance causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional assembly sequence by having the seal member attached to the bank member before approaching the array plate. The bank member and seal member are pre-assembled as a unit, which is then attached to the array plate from above without placing the chamber directly on the plate during assembly. This inversion of the assembly approach prevents the chamber from being dropped onto the biological substance while maintaining assembly simplicity.
3Reliability
If external force is applied to secure the frame unit, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the biological substance is easily peeled off from the array plate surface
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member serves as an intermediary that distributes the attachment forces between the bank member and the array plate. Instead of applying external force directly to the biological substance area, the seal member transfers the bonding forces through its sealing interface, preventing peeling of the biological substance from the plate surface while maintaining reliable attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame unit configured to be attached to an array plate includes a bank member (2) that is arranged so as to surround a predetermined area on one surface of the array plate and has an opening for holding a liquid, a seal member that is arranged between the one surface of the array plate and the bank member, and a clip member that contacts the other surface of the array plate to support the array plate and detachably supports the bank member, wherein the bank member has a first position reference configured to come into contact with an end surface located at one end of the array plate in a long-side direction.