Conical Sample Carrier for Fluid-Tight Flow Cell Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample introduction methods for microfluidic flow cells often require manual input and subsequent closure of input ports, which can lead to sample dosing errors and inefficient handling, especially for biological samples like blood, urine, and saliva.
Innovation Solution
A sample carrier with a conical carrier element that forms a fluid-tight plug for the flow cell, utilizing capillary forces to meter and introduce sample volumes between 1 and 100 µl, allowing for direct and sealed sample input into the flow cell, eliminating the need for manual dosing and reducing handling risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual sample input and port closure is used, then sample introduction is possible, but sample dosing errors occur and handling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample carrier is pre-filled with the exact sample volume (1-100 µl) required for analysis before insertion into the flow cell. The conical support element with sample receiving area is designed to hold the precise sample amount, eliminating the need for manual dosing operations and subsequent port closure steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample introduction function is extracted from the flow cell system and integrated into the sample carrier itself. The carrier becomes a self-contained unit that both holds and introduces the sample, removing the need for separate dosing mechanisms and port closure operations in the flow cell.
2Ease of operation
If input ports remain open for sample introduction, then sample can be introduced, but exposure to external environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample carrier automatically seals the opening of the flow cell through its conical support element that forms a press fit with the opening. This self-sealing mechanism eliminates the need for separate port closure operations and ensures the flow cell remains sealed throughout the analysis process.
3Reliability
If sample carrier with conical support element is used, then fluid-tight sealing is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conical support element utilizes a conical geometry that naturally forms a fluid-tight press fit with the opening of the flow cell. The conical shape distributes sealing pressure evenly and creates an effective seal without requiring additional sealing components or complex mechanical structures.
4Measurement precision
If capillary forces are used for sample metering, then precise sample volume control is achieved, but sample volume range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sample carrier is designed to accommodate different sample volumes (1-100 µl) by varying the dimensions and geometry of the conical support element and sample receiving area. The capillary characteristics can be adjusted through material selection and dimensional parameters to maintain precise metering across the full volume range.
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
Ensures precise and reproducible sample introduction with minimized exposure to the external environment, automating the sample input process and eliminating the need for post-input port closure, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of sample analysis.
Implementation Method 1
the sample carrier, with a sample volume between 1 and 100 μl, adheres to the sample carrier in the sample receiving area by capillary forces
Implementation Method 2
the flow cell has an opening leading into a cavity in the flow cell, which the sample carrier closes fluid-tight like a plug and which forms a press fit for a conical support element of the sample carrier
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~4a
Figure 5(a)~5(g)
Figure 6(a)~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a sample carrier (7) with a region (9) for receiving a sample (18) to be analyzed, the volume of which is between 1 and 100 µl, and with a region (10) for handling the sample carrier. The sample carrier according to the invention is characterized by means for fluid-tight placement of the sample carrier (7) together with the sample (18) in an analysis device. The invention further relates to an analysis device, in particular a flow cell, with such a sample carrier.