Bottle Connection Assembly for Sealed Reagent Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack efficient and reliable methods for interfacing with bottles containing reagents in opto-fluidic instruments, particularly for establishing a sealed fluidic path to draw fluids from these bottles during biological sample analysis.
Innovation Solution
A bottle connection assembly comprising a base, release lever, cam, brake bar, straight shaft, and male element, which allows for a releasable coupling and sealed fluidic path between the bottle interior and exterior, enabling the transfer of reagents in the opto-fluidic instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bottle connection assembly is designed to provide a sealed fluidic path, then fluid sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components (base, release lever, cam, brake bar, straight shaft, gross alignment member, male element)
Solution Approach 1:
The bottle connection assembly is divided into multiple functional components: base, release lever, cam, brake bar, straight shaft, gross alignment member, and male element. Each component performs a specific function in achieving the sealed fluidic path, allowing for modular design and assembly while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The male element extends through the gross alignment member opening, and the brake bar forms angles with the straight shaft within the assembly. These nested arrangements allow multiple components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining sealing integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism with release lever and cam is implemented, then connection stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual actuation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The release lever is rotatably hinged to the base, allowing it to transition between locked and unlocked positions. The cam mechanism converts the rotational motion of the release lever into linear motion of the brake bar, creating a dynamic locking system that maintains stability when engaged but allows easy release when actuated.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism uses curved surfaces to convert rotational motion into linear motion, providing mechanical advantage and smooth transitions between locked and unlocked states. This curvature-based mechanism reduces the force required for operation while maintaining connection stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the brake bar forms a non-perpendicular angle with the straight shaft to limit relative motion, then connection stability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to restricted movement
Solution Approach 1:
The brake bar transitions from a non-perpendicular angle (limiting relative motion for stability) to a substantially perpendicular angle (allowing relative motion for operation). This dynamic angular adjustment enables the system to switch between stable connection mode and operational mode, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A bottle connection assembly is configured to seal a bottle and provide a fluidic path between the interior of the bottle and its exterior for drawing fluids therefrom. The fluids can be reagents used for preparing a sample for the identification of target molecules. A bottle cap for capping the bottle is positioned below the bottle interface assembly and includes a female fitting configured to engage with a male fitting of the bottle interface assembly to form a sealed fluidic connection.