Cuvette Labyrinth Seal and Groove Design for Centrifugal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cuvettes for liquid analysis face issues with rapid wetting, bubble formation, and gas backfill during centrifugal operations, which affect detection accuracy and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The cuvette design includes an elongate groove at the backflow edge of the cuvette cavity for faster wetting and an outlet passage with a labyrinth-like sealing structure, comprising baffle blocks, to prevent gas backfill. Additionally, a calibration mark is incorporated using a photolithographic pattern for easier optical recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inlet and outlet ports are arranged in a middle cuvette region between two adjacent corners to prevent liquid overflow during centrifugal operation, then liquid overflow is prevented, but bubbles are introduced into the analysis space when liquid fills a predetermined length of the buffer channel, making normal detection impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer channel is divided into multiple sections with intermediate outlets positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows liquid to be discharged in controlled portions, preventing bubble accumulation in the analysis space while maintaining reliable detection conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate outlets are introduced as mediator structures between the inlet and the analysis space. These intermediate outlets serve as bubble release points and liquid discharge pathways, preventing direct bubble introduction into the analysis space while maintaining proper liquid flow control.
2Reliability
If the buffer channel is designed as a large-volume meandering serpentine shape to allow high-rate liquid injection without overflow, then liquid overflow is prevented, but liquid takes too long to wet the cuvette, reducing analysis efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer channel is segmented into multiple pathways with intermediate outlets, creating a distributed liquid distribution system. This segmentation maintains reliable liquid containment while accelerating the wetting process by distributing liquid flow across multiple routes simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid flow is extended into a three-dimensional distribution pattern through vertically positioned intermediate outlets. This dimensional expansion allows liquid to reach multiple regions of the cuvette simultaneously, dramatically increasing wetting speed while maintaining containment reliability.
3Loss of substance
If a curved pipette is used to draw off overflow liquid from the inlet and outlet ports, then overflow liquid is completely removed, but the pipette tip is held closer to one port applying greater suction force, possibly causing partial removal of liquid from the port and channel, affecting detection results
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful function of the ports (receiving overflow liquid) is separated from the analysis function. Intermediate outlets are extracted as dedicated overflow discharge points, allowing complete removal of overflow liquid without applying suction force to the analysis ports, thus preserving detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate outlets serve as intermediary structures that receive and discharge overflow liquid away from the analysis ports. This mediator function allows complete overflow removal while protecting the analysis ports from suction-induced liquid removal, maintaining detection accuracy.
4Device complexity
If conventional cuvette designs with shallow cuvettes or test tubes are used for optical analysis, then the structure is simple, but bubbles are introduced into the analysis space during centrifugal operation, making normal detection impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The cuvette is segmented into distinct functional zones with intermediate outlets positioned strategically. This segmentation creates dedicated pathways for liquid flow and bubble release, preventing bubble introduction into the analysis space while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate outlets are introduced as mediator structures that facilitate controlled liquid flow and bubble release. These intermediaries prevent direct bubble contact with the analysis space, ensuring reliable detection without requiring complex bubble removal mechanisms.
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 design enables faster and more efficient wetting of liquids, prevents gas backfill during sedimentation, and facilitates accurate optical analysis, making it suitable for automated production and enhanced detection results.
Implementation Method 1
the cuvette cavity is provided therein with an elongate groove... enables faster and more efficient wetting of liquids
Implementation Method 2
the cuvette cavity is provided therein with an elongate groove... facilitates faster wetting
Implementation Method 3
prevents gas backfill during sedimentation... during a centrifugal operation
Implementation Method 4
a calibration mark is incorporated using a photolithographic pattern for easier optical recognition
Data Source
AI summary
A cuvette for analysis of liquids, including a first cuvette portion and a second cuvette portion, which are joined together, with a cuvette cavity, an inlet passage and an outlet passage being formed between the first cuvette portion and the second cuvette portion, the inlet passage and the outlet passage both in communication with the cuvette cavity, wherein the outlet passage is provided therein with a labyrinth-like sealing structure, which prevents backfill of a gas that has been discharged from the outlet passage during filling of a liquid to be analyzed in the cuvette.