Flow Cell Carrier with Biasing Pocket for Sequencing Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow cells for nucleic acid sequencing are challenging to handle and transport safely, leading to potential damage and contamination, and existing solutions lack ergonomic design and efficient workflow support.
Innovation Solution
A flow cell carrier with an ergonomically designed frame and handle that securely retains the flow cell, allowing for safe handling and transport, and includes features like biasing elements and an EEPROM chip for proper alignment and identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flow cells are handled directly without a carrier, then the handling process is simple, but the risk of damage and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flow cell carrier is introduced as an intermediary device between the user and the flow cell. The carrier includes a frame with a pocket to retain the flow cell, a handle for safe gripping, and biasing features for secure positioning. This mediator protects the flow cell from direct handling damage while maintaining ease of operation through the ergonomic handle design.
2Reliability
If the flow cell is retained securely in the frame, then damage risk is reduced, but the complexity of the carrier increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is segmented into distinct functional components: a frame structure, a pocket for flow cell retention, biasing features for securing, and a handle for manipulation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable and not excessively complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing features automatically engage with the flow cell when placed in the pocket, providing self-securing without requiring additional fastening mechanisms or complex assembly steps. The elastic elements naturally apply retaining force, reducing the need for complex locking mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If the flow cell surface area is maximized for optical detection, then sequencing quality improves, but the difficulty of safe handling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier frame acts as a mediator that supports the flow cell at its periphery, allowing the entire surface area of the flow cell to be exposed for optical detection while the handle provides a safe gripping point away from the detection surface. This separates the handling interface from the detection interface.
4Ease of operation
If ergonomic features are added to the carrier, then user safety and comfort improve, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple features are merged into a single injection-molded frame component: the structural frame, the pocket with biasing features, and the ergonomic handle. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts and assembly steps, simplifying manufacturing despite the complex final geometry. The handle is integrated directly into the frame structure rather than being a separate attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a flow cell carrier. The flow cell carrier may include a flow cell and a frame. The frame may include a pocket and a handle. The pocket may have at least one spring feature and at least one banking feature. The frame may be configured to retain the flow cell within the pocket such that a maximal surface area of the flow cell is exposed to an optical lens. Related methods and kits are also disclosed.