Compressible Reagent Container for Contamination-Free Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack efficient solutions for storing and transporting reagents while minimizing user handling and potential contamination, and they do not ensure thorough and consistent mixing of reagents in solution.
Innovation Solution
A reagent storage apparatus featuring a container with a compressible volume and passages, where external fluid pressure is used to drive fluid into the container, compressing the volume, and then decompressing to eject the fluid and reagent for mixing within a flexible enclosure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If reagents are stored in open containers for easy access, then user handling is simplified, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is nested within an enclosure, creating a hierarchical containment structure. The container holds the reagent while the enclosure provides an additional protective barrier, allowing the system to maintain both secure containment and controlled access through the integrated design of these nested components
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the reagent container. This intermediate structure provides a controlled interface that allows fluid to be introduced and mixed while protecting the reagent from direct exposure to contamination sources
2Productivity
If reagents are mixed manually, then mixing can be performed on demand, but mixing consistency and thoroughness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic pressurization and depressurization cycles to drive fluid through the container and achieve thorough mixing. This cyclic action ensures consistent and repeated mixing cycles, guaranteeing homogeneous reagent solutions without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
Fluid pressure is used to drive the mixing process. By pressurizing the fluid, the system forces it through the container containing the reagent, creating effective mixing through hydraulic action, and then depressurizing to control the ejection of the mixed solution
3Object-affected harmful factors
If reagents are stored in sealed containers, then contamination is minimized, but user handling and mixing capability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static sealed container to a dynamic system where the enclosure can be pressurized and depressurized. This dynamic capability allows the sealed container to maintain protection while enabling controlled fluid introduction and mixing operations through pressure cycling
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure serves multiple functions: it protects the container from contamination, provides a mechanism for fluid introduction, enables mixing through pressure cycling, and controls ejection of the mixed solution. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between sealing and operability
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 solution enables efficient storage, transportation, and mixing of reagents with reduced user handling and contamination risk, ensuring a well-mixed reagent solution.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure of fluid external to the container is increased to drive fluid through the passage and into the container, compressing the compressible volume
Implementation Method 2
When the pressure of the fluid is decreased, the compressible volume decompresses, driving fluid and the reagent out of the container
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for preparing a reagent solution includes an enclosure and a container disposed within the enclosure. The container defines an internal cavity having a compressible volume and defines a passage providing fluidic communication between the internal cavity and the exterior of the container. Optionally, a compressible member is disposed within the internal cavity. A reagent is disposed within the internal cavity.