Capillary Liquid Sample Collection Device with Segmented Male-Female Seal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid sample collection devices using capillary action face challenges in accessing internal surfaces for functionalization and are prone to contamination due to exposure to the environment.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a male and female part with a channel that allows for simplified access and containment, where the female part houses the male part to seal the channel, enabling direct access and effective containment, facilitating the deposition of reagents and electrodes, and reducing contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the channel is exposed to the environment for access, then functionalization of internal surfaces is enabled, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate elements: a male element containing the channel and a female element providing containment. This segmentation allows the channel to be manufactured with open access for functionalization, then joined to the female element to seal the channel and prevent contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The male element with the channel is inserted into the female element, creating a nested structure where the channel becomes contained within the sealed female element. This nesting provides effective containment while maintaining the ability to access the channel during the manufacturing process before final assembly.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the channel is sealed for containment, then contamination is prevented, but access to internal surfaces for functionalization is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is functionalized with reagents and electrodes before being inserted into the female element. This preliminary action allows complete access to the internal surfaces during manufacturing, after which the female element is assembled to provide sealing and containment.
3Device complexity
If a single integrated element is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but access to internal surfaces becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the device into male and female elements, the patent enables easy access to the channel for functionalization during manufacturing. The segmented design allows the channel to be created and prepared before final assembly, solving the access problem while maintaining overall structural simplicity through the straightforward joining of two elements.
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 solution allows for simple and effective functionalization of the channel's internal surfaces, ensuring uniform reagent deposition and preventing external contamination, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of liquid sample collection and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a channel in which the sample is intended to flow by capillarity
Data Source
AI summary
A device for collecting a liquid sample by capillarity includes distinct first and second elements having respective male and female parts. The male part comprises a channel having a transverse section. The female part comprises a peripheral wall that transversely delimits a cavity to house the male part. A part of the peripheral wall forms a cap to close the transverse section when the female part houses the male part.