Deformable Inlet Boss for Nanopore Sequencing Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current consumable devices for sequencing systems face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively delivering fluids to nanopore-based sequencing chips, leading to uneven fluid distribution and dead zones that affect the performance of the sequencing process.
Innovation Solution
A consumable device with a sequencing chip featuring a flow cell and inlet boss system, including a deformable inlet boss and a funnel-shaped dispense tip receptacle, which allows for a fluid-tight seal and even fluid distribution across the chip, along with a method of delivering fluid using a piercing tool to create a seal and ensure consistent fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional connection interface is used between the dispensing device and consumable device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the fluid distribution becomes uneven and dead zones are created
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is divided into multiple components: a flow cell with inlet bosses, a flow cell cover with receptacles, and a dispense tip. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for fluid distribution while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet bosses extend vertically from the flow cell base, creating a three-dimensional connection interface. This vertical dimension allows the dispense tip to approach from below and form a seal at a different elevation, improving fluid distribution across the chip surface.
2Reliability
If a simple dispense tip receptacle is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the fluid-tight seal cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The dispense tip receptacle incorporates a curved or arched bottom surface that complements the shape of the dispense tip. This curvature allows the receptacle walls to converge and form a tight seal around the tip, preventing fluid leakage while maintaining a manufacturable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle is designed with thin, flexible walls that can deform slightly to conform to the dispense tip geometry. This flexibility enables reliable sealing without requiring complex machining or assembly procedures.
3Productivity
If the inlet boss lumen diameter is not optimized, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the fluid flow consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet boss lumen diameter is specifically optimized to match the dispense tip inner diameter. This parameter matching ensures consistent fluid flow from the reservoir through the tip and onto the chip, while the lumen can still be fabricated using standard molding techniques.
4Manufacturing precision
If a non-funnel shaped receptacle is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the fluid distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle features an asymmetric funnel shape with a wider opening at the top that gradually narrows toward the bottom. This asymmetric geometry guides the dispense tip into the correct position during insertion while ensuring even fluid distribution across the chip surface.
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 ensures efficient and consistent fluid delivery to all sensors on the sequencing chip, reducing dead zones and improving the sequencing process by maintaining a fluid-tight seal and optimizing fluid flow, thereby enhancing the sequencing efficiency and robustness of the system.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one inlet boss is made of a deformable material capable of conforming to the dispense tip
Data Source
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AI summary
A consumable device used in a nanopore based sequencing system can include a nanopore chip, a flow cell with one or more flow channels, and a flow cell cover. A fluidic interface can be used to deliver fluid to the flow cell. The fluid interface can include a flow cell boss and the flow cell cover can include a receptacle for receiving the flow cell boss. A dispense tip can be used to introduce fluid into the flow cell through the flow cell boss.