Flow Cell Capillary Liquid Delivery and Sealing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow cell systems face challenges in accurately delivering and managing sample and reference solutions, leading to complexities in operation, increased costs, and reduced measurement precision due to issues like injection shock and the need for skilled operators to manage liquid delivery timing and amounts.
Innovation Solution
A flow cell design with a transfer section and sealing members that allows for adjustable liquid delivery timing and amount, using capillary action and sealing mechanisms to control solution flow, eliminating the need for external pressure and reducing equipment complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external pressure from a syringe pump is used to transfer sample solution, then liquid delivery control is achieved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the external pressure source (syringe pump) from the system. Instead of using external mechanical pressure, the patent utilizes the inherent capillary action of the flow cell's porous structure to draw in and transfer the liquid sample, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining liquid delivery control
Solution Approach 2:
The flow cell structure is designed to be self-sufficient by incorporating a porous body with specific pore sizes that automatically generate capillary pressure to draw in liquid. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external pumps or pressure sources, reducing device complexity while maintaining operational control
2Measurement precision
If reference solution and sample solution are sequentially supplied to the same flow channel, then measurement comparison is enabled, but injection shock and mixing occur reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the flow cell into multiple independent flow channels, each capable of handling reference or sample solutions. This segmentation prevents mixing between different solutions and eliminates injection shock by providing separate pathways, while still enabling measurement comparison through the detecting section
Solution Approach 2:
The detecting section acts as an intermediary that receives signals from multiple independent flow channels. This mediator enables comparison between reference and sample solutions without requiring them to share the same physical flow path, thereby maintaining measurement precision while simplifying operation
3Measurement precision
If operator continuously monitors and adjusts liquid delivery timing, then solution mixing and air gaps are minimized, but operator burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary-based flow cell structure provides self-regulating liquid delivery through its porous medium. The capillary pressure automatically controls the rate and timing of liquid movement through the porous body, eliminating the need for continuous operator monitoring and adjustment while maintaining precise delivery timing and preventing air gaps
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple opening sections are provided in transfer section, then liquid delivery amount is controllable, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating multiple opening sections with different pore sizes or distributions in specific regions of the porous body. This allows different areas of the transfer section to control liquid delivery at different rates or to different extents, providing versatile liquid delivery control while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
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
This design simplifies the operation of flow cells, reduces operator burden, enhances measurement precision, and decreases equipment costs by allowing for precise control over liquid delivery, preventing issues like injection shock and enabling efficient parallel measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a porous body having a pore section communicating with the flow channel, and a liquid supply section communicating with the pore section, are provided, and opening and closing members for opening and closing the liquid supply section are attached
Data Source
AI summary
A flow cell includes: a flow channel through which a sample solution flows; an inlet section which communicates with the flow channel and to which the sample solution is supplied; a transfer section which includes a plurality of opening sections, one end side of which communicates with the flow channel and an other side of which opens to outside air, and which communicates with the flow channel, and draws in and guides the sample solution supplied into the inlet section to the flow channel; a detecting section which faces the sample solution in the flow channel; and a sealing member which unsealably seals at least either one of the opening section or the inlet section.