Capillary Tube Sample Delivery Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The diffusion of sample liquid from a capillary tube into an assay reaction solution is a slow process in existing liquid-based medical assay devices, necessitating a faster method for sample delivery.
Innovation Solution
A force-assisted sample ejection mechanism that either shakes or breaks the capillary tube to rapidly release the sample liquid into the assay reaction solution, utilizing capillary tubes made of dissolvable or breakable materials to facilitate quicker sample delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the capillary tube is submerged into the assay reaction solution for sample diffusion, then the sample liquid is retained and transferred, but the diffusion process is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through ultrasonic waves to accelerate sample delivery. The ultrasonic vibration source generates vibrations that propagate through the capillary tube, disrupting the slow diffusion process and enabling rapid sample transfer into the assay reaction solution within seconds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive diffusion mechanism with an active ultrasonic mechanical field. Instead of relying on natural concentration gradients for sample transport, the system uses ultrasonic energy to drive rapid sample ejection and mixing, fundamentally changing the transport mechanism from diffusive to vibration-driven.
2Productivity
If the capillary tube is made of dissolvable polymer, then the tube dissolves in the second liquid to release sample, but the material selection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the capillary tube material through ultrasonic treatment. The ultrasonic vibration causes the polymer material to undergo phase changes and structural modifications that accelerate dissolution and sample release, enabling faster delivery without restricting material choices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic ultrasonic vibrations to facilitate capillary tube dissolution and sample release. The oscillating ultrasonic energy creates periodic stress and thermal effects that accelerate the dissolving process, enabling controlled and rapid sample delivery into the assay reaction solution.
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
This approach significantly accelerates the sample delivery process by abruptly releasing the sample liquid, enhancing the efficiency of medical assays by ensuring faster integration of the sample with the assay reaction solution.
Implementation Method 1
The capillary tube absorbing and retaining a sample of a first liquid by capillary action when placed in contact with the first liquid
Implementation Method 2
The capillary tube being made of a dissolvable polymer that dissolves when submerged in a second liquid
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed to a capillary tube and a force assisted sample ejection mechanism. The capillary tube may be at least one of dissolvable or breakable. The force assisted sample ejecting mechanism releasing at least part of the sample of the first liquid from the capillary tube by at least one of abruptly shaking the capillary tube at least once or breaking the capillary tube.