Biological Sample Cartridge Valve Cover for Low-Force Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cartridges for biological sample analysis lack a compact, cost-effective, reliable, and hygienic design for controlling fluid flow, often requiring high force for valve actuation and risking material fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge with a cylindrical valve seat and an elastically deformable cover that distributes force evenly across the valve wall, reducing the required deflection and material stress, and features a planar cover to reinforce the valve and facilitate automatic reopening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve is actuated by pressing a wall to close a channel, then fluid flow can be controlled, but high force is required and material fatigue occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a valve element as an intermediary component between the pressing force and the channel closure. The valve element is pressed against a valve seat to close the channel, rather than directly pressing the wall. This intermediary mechanism distributes the force and reduces the required pressing force while improving reliability of valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible wall that can be elastically deformed to actuate the valve. The flexible wall serves as a thin film structure that transmits force efficiently to the valve element while returning to its original position after actuation, reducing material fatigue and enabling reliable repeated operation.
2Ease of operation
If the wall is elastically deformed to actuate the valve, then the valve can be controlled, but material fatigue and damage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element acts as a mediator that receives the deforming force from the flexible wall and translates it into channel closure. The valve element is pressed against a valve seat, concentrating the force at a specific contact point rather than distributing it throughout the entire wall structure, thereby reducing material fatigue of the flexible wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies force locally to a specific region of the flexible wall that corresponds to the valve position, rather than deforming the entire wall structure. This partial action approach minimizes the overall stress on the material, reducing fatigue and damage risk while still achieving effective valve actuation.
3Productivity
If a cylindrical valve seat is used, then rapid flow control is achieved, but the required deflection of the wall increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional approach of directly deforming a large area of wall with a mechanical valve element system. The valve element is actuated by localized force application and rotates or moves to control flow, achieving rapid flow control without requiring excessive wall deflection force.
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 enables reliable, rapid, and gentle control of fluid flow with reduced force requirements, minimizing material fatigue and ensuring consistent sealing and automatic valve operation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable cover which covers a wall of the valve, where in the valve is configured to be actuated by deforming the wall
Implementation Method 2
features a planar cover to reinforce the valve and facilitate automatic reopening
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge for analyzing a biological sample, wherein the cartridge includes a fluid system having a plurality of channels and at least one valve, wherein the valve is covered on the outside by a cover, and wherein the valve is configured to be actuated by deforming a wall of the valve.