Flexible Elastic Plate for Biological Sample Wetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for wetting biological samples with a liquid are complex and require multiple moving parts, making them difficult to fill and empty, and lack efficiency in liquid distribution and removal.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, elastic plate with passage openings that forms a liquid space when liquid is introduced, allowing for efficient wetting and examination of samples, with air escape and liquid removal capabilities, and optional channels for improved liquid distribution and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex device with multiple moving parts is used for wetting biological samples, then the wetting function can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane as the core component to create a liquid chamber. The membrane's elasticity allows it to expand when liquid is introduced and contract when liquid is removed, eliminating the need for complex mechanical moving parts while maintaining the wetting function. This directly resolves the contradiction by replacing multiple moving parts with a single flexible element.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane automatically performs the functions of both chamber expansion and contraction based on liquid pressure alone, without requiring external actuators or complex control mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the liquid's own pressure to drive the membrane's motion, thereby simplifying the device structure while maintaining reliable wetting operation.
2Reliability
If a complex device with multiple moving parts is used for wetting biological samples, then the wetting function can be achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in filling and emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane creates a compliant liquid chamber that can be easily filled by simple liquid introduction. When liquid enters, the membrane naturally expands to accommodate it. For emptying, the membrane's elasticity automatically contracts to expel liquid, eliminating complex filling and emptying mechanisms and greatly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid chamber transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that automatically adapts its volume. This dynamic behavior allows the chamber to expand during filling and contract during emptying without mechanical intervention, making the operation simple and intuitive.
3Volume of stationary object
If liquid is introduced into a rigid chamber, then the liquid space is formed, but the ability to easily remove liquid and air deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane allows liquid and trapped air to be easily removed by applying negative pressure or gravity. The membrane's ability to contract creates a suction effect that draws liquid back into the reservoir, and air bubbles are naturally expelled as the chamber collapses, greatly simplifying the removal process compared to rigid chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid chamber dynamically changes volume to facilitate easy removal of liquid and air. During removal, the chamber contracts, creating a pressure differential that actively draws liquid back and expels air bubbles, transforming the passive rigid structure into an active dynamic system that assists the removal process.
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 device efficiently wets and examines biological samples with minimal moving parts, allowing for easy filling and emptying, and effective liquid management, suitable for various biochemical reactions and assays.
Implementation Method 1
The plate is flexible and elastic. This allows it to expand upwards to form a liquid space when liquid is directed through one of the openings to the second side.
Implementation Method 2
When liquid is removed from the liquid space, the plate returns to its original shape due to its elastic properties.
Implementation Method 3
The plate is made of a sealing material and exhibits sealing properties when pressure is applied to a peripheral edge portion of the plate. The liquid space is sealed off from the outside by the pressure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) and a method for wetting objects, wherein the device comprises a flexible plate (3) made of elastic material and two openings (5, 6) that allow liquid and/or air to pass through. The plate is designed such that pressing the plate against the object (30) to be wetted exerts pressure on a circumferential edge region (3) of the plate (2). Liquid passing through at least one of the openings (5, 6) to the second side forms a liquid space (40) between the plate (2) and the object (30) on the second side.Furthermore, the invention relates to an arrangement for examining objects, comprising a device (1), a drive device (14; 50) for raising and/or lowering the flexible plate (2), and a pressure device (20) for generating a pressure, wherein by pressing the plate against the object to be wetted by the pressure device a pressure is exerted on a circumferential edge area (3) of the plate (2).