Cartridge Liquid Feeding via Pressure States Without Rotary Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid feeding methods for compact analyzers, such as those used in blood component analysis, face challenges in reducing the size of cartridges and preventing liquid leakage due to the complexity of rotatable valves, which complicates the structure and increases the size of the analyzer.
Innovation Solution
A liquid feeding method utilizing a cartridge with a minute flow path featuring at least three flow paths connected via a connection path, where the liquid feeding direction is controlled by creating high-pressure and low-pressure states at the flow path ends, eliminating the need for rotary valves and simplifying the cartridge structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rotatable valves are provided in the cartridge to control liquid feeding direction, then liquid feeding control is achieved, but the cartridge structure becomes complicated and its size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the rotatable valve mechanism from the cartridge and relocates it to the analyzer. The cartridge now only contains the minute flow path and connection holes, while the valve assembly is provided separately in the analyzer, thereby simplifying the cartridge structure while maintaining liquid feeding control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces connection holes as intermediaries between the minute flow path and the valve assembly. These connection holes allow liquid to pass through the cartridge body to reach the valve assembly in the analyzer, enabling control without requiring complex internal valve mechanisms within the cartridge
2Ease of operation
If rotatable valves are provided in the cartridge to control liquid feeding direction, then liquid feeding control is achieved, but manufacturing becomes difficult due to leakage prevention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the rotatable valve mechanism from the cartridge and relocates it to the analyzer. The cartridge now only contains the minute flow path and connection holes, which are much simpler to manufacture without the complex sealing requirements of rotatable valves
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified cartridge structure without rotatable valves makes it suitable as a disposable component. The cartridge can be easily manufactured and discarded after use, while the expensive valve assembly is reused in the analyzer
3Ease of operation
If the analyzer is equipped with rotation drive means to rotate the valves, then liquid feeding direction control is achieved, but the analyzer structure becomes complicated and its size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the liquid feeding system into two independent parts: the cartridge containing the minute flow path and connection holes, and the analyzer containing the valve assembly and rotation drive means. This segmentation allows the analyzer to have the necessary control mechanisms while the cartridge remains simple
4Volume of moving object
If the cartridge size is reduced for frequent use, then portability and convenience are improved, but providing rotatable valves becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the rotatable valve mechanism from the cartridge and relocates it to the analyzer. This allows the cartridge to be miniaturized for frequent portable use, while the valve mechanism remains in the larger analyzer unit
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spatial arrangement by separating the valve mechanism from the cartridge dimensionally. The valve assembly is provided in the analyzer rather than within the cartridge, allowing the cartridge to be small while still providing liquid feeding control through the connection holes
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 allows for accurate and efficient liquid feeding without the need for complex rotary valves, reducing the size and manufacturing complexity of the cartridge, making it suitable for frequent use in blood analysis while maintaining analyzer hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a minute flow path for feeding liquid, wherein the minute flow path includes at least three flow paths having first ends connected to each other directly or indirectly via a connection flow path
Implementation Method 2
the minute flow path may have an inner surface which is hydrophobic with respect to the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid feeding method for feeding liquid in a minute flow path is provided. The minute flow path includes flow paths 43a, 43c, 43d connected to each other directly at respective first ends. The liquid feeding direction of blood S in the minute flow path is controlled by creating a high-pressure state at a second end of the flow path 43a located across the blood S, while creating a low-pressure state or a closed state at a second end of the flow paths 43d, 43c.