Integrated Biological Sample Preparation Device with Liquid Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing biological testing samples require significant manual handling, leading to time inefficiencies, user errors, and waste generation.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a diluent container and a reagent container that can be coupled to prepare a biological testing sample, where the diluent container houses a liquid diluent and receives a biological sample, and the reagent container houses a reagent that can be introduced to the mixture, forming a liquid seal to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling methods are used for preparing biological testing samples, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but time inefficiency, user errors, and waste generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the diluent container and reagent container into a single integrated device with fluid communication between chambers. This merging eliminates the need for separate manual handling of multiple containers while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, thereby improving productivity without excessive complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions including mixing biological samples with diluent, adding reagents, and preparing testing samples all within a single integrated system. This multi-functionality improves sample preparation efficiency by consolidating multiple steps into one device operation.
2Measurement precision
If manual mixing is performed, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but user errors and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ultrasonic vibration as the mixing mechanism. The ultrasonic vibrator generates high-frequency vibrations that effectively mix the biological sample, diluent, and reagent. This mechanical vibration approach ensures consistent and precise mixing without requiring complex manual operations, thereby improving measurement precision while keeping the mixing mechanism relatively simple.
3Reliability
If traditional open mixing is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but leakage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a flexible membrane as the sealant between the diluent container and reagent container. This thin film structure creates an effective liquid seal that prevents leakage while maintaining a relatively simple sealing structure. The flexible nature of the membrane allows it to conform to the interface between containers, ensuring reliable fluid containment without excessive structural complexity.
4Ease of operation
If separate container handling is used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but manual handling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the diluent container and reagent container into a single integrated device where the reagent container is positioned within or coupled to the diluent container. This integration reduces the number of separate handling operations required while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design, thereby improving ease of operation without significantly increasing device complexity.
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
The device automates the mixing process, reducing manual handling, minimizing user errors, and ensuring consistent sample preparation, thereby improving testing efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the first sealant surface and the second sealant surface form a liquid seal when the insertion portion is interfaced with the receiving portion of the diluent chamber
Implementation Method 2
wherein the diluent chamber is in fluid communication with the reagent chamber when the insertion portion of the reagent container is inserted into the receiving portion of the diluent container
Data Source
AI summary
A device for preparing a biological testing sample. The device includes a diluent container including: (i) a diluent chamber comprising a liquid diluent and configured to receive a biological sample; (ii) a receiving portion in fluid communication with the diluent chamber; and (iii) a first sealant surface proximate to the receiving portion. The device additionally includes: (i) a reagent container including (i) a reagent chamber comprising a reagent; (ii) a dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the reagent chamber, and including a break-away tab covering an opening of the dispensing nozzle; (iii) an insertion portion in fluid communication with the reagent chamber, and configured to interface with the receiving portion of the diluent chamber; and (iv) a second sealant surface, proximate to the insertion portion, wherein the first sealant surface and the second sealant surface form a liquid seal.