Dual-Cut Sampling Nozzle Tip for Low-Chip Rubber Plug Piercing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CTS nozzles face issues with rubber chip production during insertion and extraction from rubber plugs, leading to contamination and reduced accuracy in sample dispensing, and have a short lifespan due to wear, with existing designs lacking structural balance and proper force dispersion.
Innovation Solution
A CTS nozzle with a true needle tip featuring two shaved surfaces to disperse pressure evenly and reduce friction, combined with a tapered portion and curved surface to maintain structural balance and prevent oblique insertion, thereby minimizing rubber chip production and extending nozzle lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sampling nozzle is used to collect blood samples from a vein, then the sampling function is achieved, but blood cells may adhere to the inner wall of the nozzle causing clogging and measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface properties of the nozzle by forming a hydrophilic coating layer that alters the wettability parameters. This coating layer has different surface energy characteristics compared to the base resin, creating a hydrophilic surface that prevents blood cell adhesion while maintaining blood collection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure consisting of a base resin material (such as fluororesin) and a hydrophilic coating layer. This composite material combines the chemical resistance and durability of the base resin with the anti-adhesion properties of the hydrophilic coating, achieving both reliability and prevention of blood cell adhesion
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the nozzle inner surface is made hydrophobic to prevent adhesion, then blood cell adhesion is reduced, but blood collection efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the hydrophilic parameters of the coating layer to achieve a balance between anti-adhesion and blood collection efficiency. By controlling the surface energy and wettability parameters within specific ranges, the coating prevents blood cell adhesion while maintaining sufficient blood flow through the nozzle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the hydrophilic coating layer specifically to the inner surface of the nozzle where blood contact occurs, while the outer structure maintains the properties of the base resin. This localized application ensures that only the blood-contacting surface has modified properties to prevent adhesion, while the overall nozzle structure remains intact for efficient blood collection
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a Teflon AF resin is used to reduce surface energy and prevent adhesion, then blood cell adhesion is reduced, but the nozzle becomes opaque and UV irradiation effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the nozzle structure into two functional segments: the base resin material (such as fluororesin) that provides optical transparency and UV transmission, and a separate hydrophilic coating layer that provides anti-adhesion properties. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the other, maintaining both transparency and adhesion prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure where a transparent base resin (allowing UV transmission) is combined with a hydrophilic coating layer (preventing adhesion). This composite material achieves the anti-adhesion effect without sacrificing optical transparency, as the thin coating layer does not significantly block UV light while the base resin maintains full transparency
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 effectively reduces rubber chip production and extends the nozzle's lifespan by dispersing pressure evenly and maintaining structural balance, ensuring accurate and efficient sample dispensing with reduced wear and contamination.
Implementation Method 1
treating the inner surface of the nozzle with ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 2
treating the inner surface of the nozzle with plasma
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a CTS nozzle having functions of: reducing rubber chips produced when the CTS nozzle is inserted into and extracted from a rubber plug; further inhibiting the wear of the tip of the CTS nozzle; and withstanding the repeated use thereof, the CTS nozzle piercing the rubber plug of a sample container and dispensing a sample therein. Since the CTS nozzle of the invention has two cut surfaces at its tip, the pressure applied from the rubber when the nozzle is inserted into the rubber plug is dispersed onto the two cut surfaces without being deflected onto one of the cut surfaces. A tip-side tapered portion 504 (a second surface), which is one of the two cut surfaces, has at a local position of the tip of the nozzle a curved surface that is curved in the circumferential direction of a cylindrically-shaped portion and is tilted linearly lengthwise of the nozzle. The pressure applied to the nozzle due to the resilience of the rubber pushed away by the nozzle is thus dispersed. Consequently, it becomes easier to push away the cut rubber while stably inhibiting the oblique insertion of the nozzle. Moreover, the invention makes it possible to reduce the rubber chips produced by the friction between the cut surfaces of the nozzle and the rubber. As a result of the reduced friction against the rubber, the wear of the tip of the nozzle is minimized, which enables the life of the nozzle to be longer.