Effluent Collection Valve for Genetic Sequencing Reagent Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current genetic sequencing systems lack efficient management and disposal of used reagents, which can lead to operational inefficiencies and potential errors due to the lack of precise control over reagent flow paths and disposal procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system with effluent flow paths, pumps, and a used reagent selector valve controlled by circuitry with processors and memory, which selects appropriate disposal paths for used reagents based on sequencing protocols, and includes a flow meter for detecting reagent flow to ensure correct disposal path usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If used reagents are disposed of without selective routing, then disposal process is simple, but operational errors increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The effluent flow path is segmented into multiple discrete disposal paths (first disposal path, second disposal path, third disposal path), each handling specific reagent types. The used reagent selector valve divides the single effluent stream into multiple routed paths based on reagent identity, enabling selective disposal that improves reliability while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular path design.
Solution Approach 2:
The used reagent selector valve acts as an intermediary device between the effluent flow path and multiple disposal paths. It receives the effluent stream and selectively routes it to appropriate disposal paths based on sequencing protocol requirements, serving as a mediator that enables reliable reagent management without requiring complex manual intervention or redesign of the entire disposal system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple disposal paths are implemented for different reagents, then disposal accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The used reagent selector valve performs multiple functions: it routes different reagent types to different disposal paths, monitors flow through integrated flow meters, and responds to control signals from the control system. This multi-functional design enables precise disposal routing without requiring separate control mechanisms for each path, thereby improving disposal accuracy while limiting the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Flow meters are integrated into the disposal paths to provide feedback on reagent flow status. The system monitors whether reagents are flowing through the selected disposal path and can detect discrepancies between the selected path and actual flow, enabling verification of correct routing and improving disposal accuracy through real-time feedback without requiring complex manual verification procedures.
3Productivity
If manual reagent disposal management is used, then system complexity is low, but operational errors increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically routes used reagents to appropriate disposal paths based on pre-programmed sequencing protocols without requiring manual intervention. The used reagent selector valve and flow meters work autonomously under control system direction to manage reagent disposal, enabling the system to serve itself in the disposal management function and thereby improving operational efficiency while implementing practical automation at the fluid control level.
Solution Approach 2:
Disposal path selection and routing logic are pre-programmed into the control system based on sequencing protocols. The system is prepared in advance with the knowledge of which reagents require which disposal paths, allowing automatic correct routing without real-time decision-making or manual input during the sequencing operation, thus improving efficiency while maintaining manageable automation levels.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system may include a flow cell through which a plurality of reagents may be pumped during a genetic sequencing operation, an effluent line that, in operation, is to conduct a used reagent, a used reagent valve to receive the used reagent from the effluent line and controllable to select one of a plurality of disposal paths for the used reagent, and control circuitry coupled to the used reagent valve that, in operation, is to control the used reagent valve to select a desired one of the disposal paths depending upon which reagent is being pumped though the flow cell.