Elastomeric Injection Nipple for Self-Venting Fluid Reservoirs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing macroscopic fluidic interfaces, such as parallel integrated bioreactor arrays, require inconvenient two-needle punctures for fluid injection and air venting, hindering the adoption of new bioreactor technology due to the need for manual air displacement during fluid injection.
Innovation Solution
A fluid injection port featuring an elastomeric injection nipple with a slit within a compression fitting, where the nipple deforms upon pipette insertion, establishing fluid communication between the pipette tip and a venting channel to automatically discharge air from the fluid reservoir, allowing for self-sealing and self-venting fluid injection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two-needle puncture method is used for fluid injection, then air venting is achieved, but operation complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the injection needle and air vent needle into a single integrated injection port structure. The elastomeric nipple with integrated channels allows both fluid injection and air venting to occur through one puncture point, eliminating the need for two separate needle insertions and simplifying the operational procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single injection port structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the fluid injection pathway and the air vent pathway. The elastomeric nipple with its internal channel configuration enables the same physical component to handle both liquid fluid delivery and gas phase venting simultaneously.
2Productivity
If manual air venting is required during fluid injection, then air discharge is achieved, but productivity decreases due to additional manual steps
Solution Approach 1:
The injection port structure enables self-venting functionality where the displaced air automatically exits through the elastomeric nipple's channels during fluid injection. The system performs the air venting function automatically without requiring external manual intervention, as the fluid displacement naturally drives air through the vent pathway.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard laboratory pipette tips are not compatible with injection ports, then specialized equipment is required, but adaptability decreases and ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The injection port is designed with universal compatibility to accept standard laboratory pipette tips in addition to syringe needles. The elastomeric nipple's opening configuration allows both types of tools to be inserted and function effectively, expanding the adaptability of the system to different laboratory workflows and user preferences.
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
Enables easy, sterile fluid injection into fluidic devices using standard laboratory pipettes or automated tools, eliminating the need for manual air venting and allowing single-pipette tip filling of closed chambers, enhancing usability and compatibility with standard laboratory equipment.
Implementation Method 1
the nipple deforms allowing the second via to be in fluid communication with space on either side of the pipette tip whereby air is discharged
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid injection port. An elastomeric injection nipple is supported within a compression fitting and the injection nipple includes a slit. A first via is provided that connects the slit in the nipple to a flow channel leading into a fluid reservoir. A venting channel is provided in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir and also in fluid communication with a second via. When a pipette is inserted into the slit in the injection nipple, the nipple deforms allowing the second via to be in fluid communication with space on either side of the pipette tip whereby air can be discharged.