Integrated Capillary Sample Transfer Device with Interface Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for collecting and transferring biological samples, such as blood, require skilled handling to ensure accurate and even distribution on a substrate, which is time-consuming and prone to incomplete transfer due to gaps between capillary and membrane, and uneven application.
Innovation Solution
An integrated device with a capillary channel and interface assembly, comprising multiple layers with hydrophilic and adhesive materials, facilitates efficient and uniform sample transfer to a substrate by creating a fluidic connection and using patterned gaskets to ensure complete and even distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a capillary is used for sample collection and transfer, then sample collection is simplified, but incomplete transfer occurs due to gaps between capillary and membrane
Solution Approach 1:
The interface assembly is divided into multiple functional layers: a first layer with capillary receptacle, a second layer with flow path, and a third layer (substrate). This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the first layer receives the capillary, the second layer provides a controlled flow path, and the third layer receives the sample - ensuring complete transfer while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The interface assembly acts as an intermediary component between the capillary and the substrate. It includes a flow path that mediates the sample transfer process, ensuring that the sample flows completely from the capillary through the interface assembly to the substrate, eliminating the gap problem while maintaining ease of operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling is used for sample transfer, then flexibility is maintained, but uneven sample distribution occurs on substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The interface assembly serves as a mediator between manual capillary handling and substrate sample application. It includes a flow path that controls and directs the sample flow, ensuring even distribution across the substrate while allowing flexible manual operation of the capillary
Solution Approach 2:
The interface assembly provides localized control over sample distribution through its flow path design. The flow path is configured to distribute sample evenly across a specific region of the substrate, ensuring uniform local quality of sample application while maintaining overall handling flexibility
3Measurement precision
If skilled handling is required for sample transfer, then transfer accuracy can be achieved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface assembly is designed to perform the sample transfer function automatically once the capillary is placed in the first layer. The flow path self-regulates the sample flow from the capillary to the substrate without requiring continuous skilled manipulation, thereby maintaining transfer accuracy while significantly reducing operation time
Solution Approach 2:
The interface assembly is pre-configured with the flow path and substrate positioning before use. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the capillary is placed in the first layer, the sample will automatically flow through the pre-designed flow path to the substrate with accurate positioning, eliminating the need for time-consuming skilled adjustments during operation
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
Enables quick, reproducible, and uniform sample transfer to a substrate, reducing the need for skilled handling and minimizing sample coagulation, with the ability to transfer samples in under 10 seconds and maintain sample integrity for analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a capillary channel (16) disposed between a first layer (20) and a second layer (24)... transporting the fluid sample from the inlet (12) to the outlet (14) of the capillary
Implementation Method 2
the first layer comprises a hydrophilic layer comprising a fluid inlet for receiving a sample fluid to the capillary channel
Implementation Method 3
an interface assembly comprising: a third layer comprising an adhesive material
Implementation Method 4
contacting the integrated device to a substrate comprising an absorbent material
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An integrated device for a sample collection and transfer is provided. The integrated device comprises a capillary channel disposed between a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer comprises a hydrophilic layer comprising a fluid inlet for receiving a sample fluid to the capillary channel, wherein the capillary channel comprises an inner surface and an outer surface and an outlet for driving out the sample fluid. The device further comprises an interface assembly comprising: a third layer, a fourth layer, a fifth layer, and a flow path. The interface assembly is disposed on the outer surface of the capillary, at a determining position relative to the outlet, such that the capillary is in contact with the third layer of the interface assembly and the outlet is in contact with the flow path of the interface assembly for driving out the sample fluid from the integrated device.