Capillary Sampler and Piston Mechanism for Volumetric Dilution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for sampling and analysis lack efficient methods for volumetric collection, dilution, mixing, and dispensing of liquids for analytical testing, particularly in clinical and hygiene applications, where precise control over sample volume and reagent integration is required.
Innovation Solution
A device with a capillary sampler and a sealed chamber system that uses capillary action for sample collection, allows for penetration of a penetrable member to mix and dispense liquids, and employs a piston-like mechanism for controlled volumetric dilution and dispensing, enabling precise mixing and handling of samples and reagents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If capillary action is used for sample collection, then sample collection is automated and simple, but precise volumetric control during dilution and dispensing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a capillary sampler for automated sample collection, a sealed chamber for reagent storage, and a piston mechanism for precise volumetric control. This segmentation allows each component to excel at its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
A piston mechanism acts as an intermediary between the capillary sampler and the sealed chamber, translating the simple capillary action into precise volumetric control. The piston enables controlled dilution by regulating the transfer of liquid between chambers while maintaining accurate volume measurements.
2Reliability
If a sealed chamber system is used for reagent storage, then reagent stability and contamination prevention are improved, but mixing and integration with sample becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The piston mechanism serves multiple functions: it breaks the seal of the chamber, mixes the reagent with the sample, and controls the dispensing of the mixture. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mixing components, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining reagent stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism and mixing mechanism are merged into a single integrated system. The same piston that breaks the seal also performs the mixing function by moving back and forth, combining two operations into one mechanical action and reducing device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If a piston mechanism is used for volumetric dispensing, then dispensing precision is improved, but device complexity and operational steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The piston mechanism is designed to perform multiple operations: breaking the chamber seal, mixing the reagent-sample solution, and controlling volumetric dispensing. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the device achieves high dispensing precision without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston mechanism is designed to automatically perform its functions through a single user action. When the user activates the device, the piston self-regulates the sequence of operations (seal breaking, mixing, dispensing) without requiring separate controls or complex operational procedures, making the complexity transparent to the user.
4Reliability
If multiple chambers are used for sample and reagent separation, then contamination is prevented, but perforation and integration steps become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The piston acts as an intermediary that facilitates controlled interaction between the separated chambers. It breaks the seal in a controlled manner, allows the sample and reagent to mix in a defined sequence, and then controls the dispensing of the mixed solution, making the integration process simple and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The chambers are pre-sealed and prepared before use, with the piston already positioned to break the seal at the appropriate moment. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the device is activated, the integration of chambers occurs automatically in the correct sequence, preventing contamination while simplifying 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 accurate and efficient volumetric sampling, dilution, and dispensing of liquids, ensuring precise analytical testing by allowing for controlled sample and reagent integration, enhancing the reliability and reproducibility of analytical results.
Implementation Method 1
drawing a liquid sample into the capillary passage by capillary action
Implementation Method 2
operating said penetrable member as a piston to expel the fluid out of the sealed chamber and into the sampler and simultaneously to expel said liquid sample out of the sampler through said first end of said passage
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
Figure 8~11
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and method for easy collection, dilution, mixing and dispensing of a liquid specimen in a self-contained system. The present invention can be used in combination with numerous testing means for performing chemical, biochemical or biomedical qualitative or quantitative assays in the field of both clinical and hygiene testing.