Dispenser Nozzle Cap Friction Seal Mitigates Reagent Dehydration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automated biological reaction systems face challenges in maintaining consistency and efficiency in applying predetermined amounts of fluid to specimen-bearing substrates, with issues of reagent accumulation and dehydration at the dispense nozzle tip affecting the accuracy and reliability of immunostaining and in situ DNA analysis processes.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser system featuring a nozzle cap with a protuberance that forms a frictional or air-tight seal with the dispense nozzle, along with a probe tool for removing accumulated material, ensures consistent fluid application by preventing reagent accumulation at the nozzle tip and maintaining a 'suck back' volume greater than the reagent meniscus, thereby mitigating evaporation and improving process reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fluid dispenser is used to apply predetermined amounts of fluid to slides, then consistency and efficiency in fluid application is improved, but reagent accumulation at the nozzle tip occurs leading to dehydration and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle cap is designed with a protrusion that contacts the interior surface of the dispense nozzle to maintain a predetermined 'suck back' volume of reagent. This preliminary action prevents the reagent meniscus from reaching the tip opening during dispensing operations, thereby preventing accumulation and dehydration before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle cap acts as an intermediary component between the dispense nozzle and the external environment. It introduces a protective volume of reagent that mediates the interaction between the dispensed fluid and atmospheric conditions, preventing direct exposure and dehydration of the reagent at the nozzle tip.
2Ease of operation
If the dispense nozzle is exposed to air during operation, then fluid dispensing is enabled, but evaporation and dehydration of reagent at the nozzle tip occur
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle cap functions as a protective shell that can be positioned to cover the dispense nozzle when not in use. This flexible protective barrier prevents direct air exposure to the reagent at the nozzle tip, reducing evaporation and dehydration while maintaining dispensing capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The design establishes a preliminary protective reagent volume through the suck back mechanism, creating a buffer that prevents atmospheric exposure effects before they can cause significant reagent loss during normal operation.
3Productivity
If reagent is dispensed continuously to maintain productivity, then fluid application consistency is improved, but reagent accumulation at the nozzle tip increases leading to dehydration
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle cap with its protrusion design establishes a predetermined suck back volume that limits the maximum extent of reagent advancement during continuous dispensing. This preliminary constraint prevents unlimited accumulation while maintaining continuous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of reagent volume distribution by creating a controlled suck back volume. This parameter change ensures that even during continuous dispensing, the reagent meniscus retreats to a predetermined position, preventing accumulation beyond safe limits.
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 system ensures consistent and efficient fluid application, reducing reagent loss and maintaining process accuracy by preventing reagent accumulation and dehydration at the nozzle tip, thus enhancing the reliability of immunostaining and DNA analysis processes.
Implementation Method 1
the nozzle cap is configured to form a frictional or air-tight seal with the dispense nozzle
Implementation Method 2
maintaining a 'suck back' volume greater than the reagent meniscus, thereby mitigating evaporation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to methods and devices for reducing or otherwise mitigating accumulated reagent material and/or fluids within a dispense nozzle of a dispenser.