Assay Device Puncturable Seal Minimizes Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assay devices require high force to puncture seals, risking damage or evaporation, especially when sampling non-liquid samples, and lack efficient mechanisms for inserting sampling devices without direct puncture.
Innovation Solution
An assay device with a puncturable seal and a puncturing device that minimizes force required for seal opening, allowing blunt sampling devices to easily access the liquid while maintaining seal integrity and preventing evaporation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thick metal foil seal is used to prevent evaporation, then liquid retention is improved, but the force required to puncture the seal increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into two functional layers: an outer puncturable layer made of flexible material and an inner liquid-tight layer made of metal foil. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently - the flexible layer provides ease of puncturing while the metal foil ensures liquid retention, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is constructed as a composite structure combining flexible material (such as plastic or rubber) with metal foil. This composite design integrates the advantages of both materials - the flexibility enables easy puncturing with minimal force, while the metal foil component maintains liquid tightness and prevents evaporation, thus solving the force retention contradiction.
2Ease of operation
If a thin foil seal with perforations is used to reduce puncture force, then ease of opening is improved, but the risk of liquid evaporation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into two functional layers: an outer puncturable layer made of flexible material and an inner liquid-tight layer made of metal foil. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently - the flexible layer provides ease of puncturing while the metal foil ensures liquid retention, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is constructed as a composite structure combining flexible material (such as plastic or rubber) with metal foil. This composite design integrates the advantages of both materials - the flexibility enables easy puncturing with minimal force, while the metal foil component maintains liquid tightness and prevents evaporation, thus solving the force retention contradiction.
3Strength
If a sharp sampling device is used to pierce the seal, then penetration capability is improved, but the device complexity and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A puncturing mechanism acts as an intermediary component between the sampling device and the seal. This mechanism includes a puncturing element that automatically pierces the seal when the sampling device is inserted, eliminating the need for the sampling device itself to be sharp. The intermediary puncturing mechanism simplifies the sampling device design while maintaining effective seal penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The puncturing mechanism is designed to automatically perform the sealing action when the sampling device is inserted. The mechanism uses the insertion force itself to activate the puncturing element, which then pierces the seal without requiring additional sharp components on the sampling device. This self-service approach simplifies the overall device structure.
4Strength
If excessive force is applied to puncture the seal, then penetration is achieved, but damage to the apparatus and liquid ejection occur
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into two functional layers: an outer puncturable layer made of flexible material and an inner liquid-tight layer made of metal foil. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently - the flexible layer provides ease of puncturing while the metal foil ensures liquid retention, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible outer layer acts as a cushioning element that gradually gives way during puncturing, distributing the applied force over time and preventing sudden spikes in pressure that could cause liquid ejection or apparatus damage. This beforehand cushioning protects the system while still achieving effective seal penetration.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an assay device and kit for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte of interest.