Electrophoresis Chip Overflow Cavity for Stable Sample Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophoretic analyzers face issues with liquid overflow during sample loading, leading to poor image quality, electrical interference, and increased risk of biological contamination due to liquid overflow on the chip surface.
Innovation Solution
A chip design with an overflow cavity adjacent to the electrophoresis channel that collects overflowing liquid, preventing it from escaping the chip and ensuring stable electrophoresis and imaging processes, while a sample analysis device with a blocking mechanism secures the chip during transfer to prevent slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the puncture needle enters the sealed cavity filled with buffer solution and gel to load sample, then the sample can be delivered into the electrophoresis chip, but the liquid in the cavity is compressed and overflows from the chip
Solution Approach 1:
The chip is segmented into a sealed cavity and an overflow cavity. The overflow cavity is specifically designed to receive and contain the buffer solution that overflows during sample loading, separating the overflow containment function from the main electrophoresis function.
Solution Approach 2:
The overflow cavity acts as an intermediary structure between the sealed cavity and the external environment. It provides a controlled space for the overflowed liquid, preventing it from directly contaminating the external surfaces while still allowing the sample loading process to proceed.
2Device complexity
If the overflowed liquid is not contained, then the chip structure remains simple, but the liquid slides down the outer surface causing electrical interference and poor image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The chip is divided into functional zones including the sealed cavity, electrophoresis channel, and overflow cavity. This segmentation allows the overflow liquid to be contained within a specific region, preventing it from reaching the power supply contacts and imaging areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The overflow cavity converts the harmful overflow liquid into a contained element. Instead of allowing the liquid to damage external components, the overflow cavity provides a designated space for the liquid, and the chip structure uses the liquid's surface tension and gravity to keep it contained within the cavity boundaries.
3Ease of operation
If the chip has liquid on its outer surface, then the transfer mechanism may slip causing chip dropping, but adding containment structures increases chip complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The chip structure is segmented to include an integrated overflow cavity that is part of the chip body. This segmentation allows the containment function to be built into the chip structure itself rather than requiring separate external containment devices, maintaining ease of transfer while preventing slippage.
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 manages liquid overflow, ensuring reliable electrophoresis and imaging, and maintains chip stability during transfer, thereby preventing biological contamination.
Implementation Method 1
the power supply mechanism supplies power to the electrophoresis chip to achieve electrophoretic separation of the sample
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a chip and a sample analysis device. The chip includes: a cover plate; a substrate disposed on the cover plate; and an overflow cavity and an electrophoresis channel disposed between the cover plate and the substrate. The overflow cavity is disposed adjacent to the electrophoresis channel. A sample transfer mechanism for loading a sample enters the substrate, and then passes through the overflow cavity and enters the electrophoresis channel. Liquid overflowing from the electrophoresis channel enters the overflow cavity. The overflow cavity can store the liquid overflowing from the electrophoresis channel, thereby preventing the liquid from overflowing the electrophoresis chip, such that effective electrophoresis and imaging on the sample by the electrophoresis mechanism and imaging mechanism in the subsequent process are ensured, while also maintaining stable transfer of the chip during the subsequent chip transfer process, thus preventing biological contamination caused by chip dropping due to slippage.