Flexible-Cover Reagent Trays for Precise Assay Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices and methods for dispensing liquid analytical reagents into reaction cartridges suffer from imprecise and incomplete dispensing, leading to errors in analytical assays due to manual handling, which affects the accuracy of analyte detection.
Innovation Solution
An automatic liquid analytical reagent dispensing apparatus with a flexible cover affixed to a reagent tray that allows for the automatic and complete dispensing of a predetermined volume of reagent into a reaction chamber upon insertion into a diagnostic instrument, using a pivot mechanism and actuator to remove the cover and dispense the reagent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual removal of flexible cover is used to dispense reagent, then device complexity is reduced, but dispensing precision and completeness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cover is designed with a tab that automatically engages with the reaction cartridge during insertion, enabling the cover to be removed and reagent dispensed without external manual intervention. The system serves itself by utilizing the mechanical motion of cartridge insertion to drive cover removal and reagent flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cover is pre-positioned on the reagent container with a tab extending outward, and the reagent container is pre- positioned within the reaction cartridge. During cartridge insertion, the tab automatically engages with the cartridge structure, initiating cover removal and reagent dispensing before the assay begins.
2Ease of operation
If manual removal of flexible cover is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates manual cover removal by designing the flexible cover with an automatic release mechanism that engages with the reaction cartridge during insertion. The tab on the cover is pulled by the cartridge structure itself, and the reagent dispensing is driven by the mechanical motion of insertion, making the system self-operating while ensuring precise dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical connection between the flexible cover tab and the reaction cartridge creates a feedback mechanism where the insertion motion directly controls cover removal and reagent flow. The system responds to the insertion action by automatically completing the dispensing sequence, ensuring precise and complete reagent transfer.
3Manufacturing precision
If automatic dispensing apparatus is implemented, then dispensing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic dispensing system is designed to be self-operating, utilizing the mechanical motion of reaction cartridge insertion to drive flexible cover removal and reagent dispensing. No separate actuator or control mechanism is needed—the system uses its own operational motion to complete the dispensing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cover removal mechanism and reagent dispensing function are merged into a single integrated system. The tab on the flexible cover is mechanically linked to the reaction cartridge insertion motion, combining cover removal and reagent flow control into one unified action that occurs during cartridge loading.
Data Source
AI summary
Analytical assay reaction cartridges are disclosed that include a reagent tray containing a liquid reagent disposed therein and a flexible cover removably attached thereto. The flexible cover has a portion that extends beyond the reagent tray and that forms a tab portion extends through an opening in a lid member of the cartridge in order to facilitate removal of at least a portion of the cover and release of the liquid reagent. Also disclosed are analytical assay reaction kits that include the cartridges and diagnostic instruments for use with the analytical assay reaction cartridges/kits, as well as methods of making and using the cartridges/kits.