Flow Element Deflects Reagent Stream in Molecular Test Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Molecular biological tests using hybridization techniques often require extended periods for results due to inefficient distribution of reagents over reference samples in reaction chambers, leading to suboptimal reaction times and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A device with a flow element positioned between the inlet area and reference patterns in the reaction chamber, which deflects and widens the flow to ensure even distribution over the reference samples, utilizing a funnel-shaped inlet area and a round cross-sectional flow element that matches or exceeds the height of the reference patterns, allowing for complete deflection and uniform reaction probability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a standard slide is used without flow elements, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the reagent flows unevenly over the reference samples leading to extended reaction times and reduced accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
A flow element is introduced as an intermediary component between the inlet area and the reference samples to mediate and optimize the flow distribution of reagents. This flow element acts as a mediator that shapes and directs the liquid flow to ensure even coverage across all reference samples, thereby reducing reaction time without requiring fundamental changes to the slide structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction chamber is segmented into distinct functional zones: an inlet area, a flow element region, and a reference sample area. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each zone - the inlet for efficient reagent introduction, the flow element for flow control, and the reference sample area for uniform distribution - thereby improving overall reaction efficiency while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If the reaction chamber is designed without flow control elements, then the device complexity is low, but the reagent distribution over reference samples is uneven causing inaccurate test results
Solution Approach 1:
The flow element is designed with locally optimized geometry to create specific flow patterns in critical areas. The element's shape and positioning are tailored to ensure uniform reagent distribution specifically over the reference sample regions, providing local flow control where it is most needed for accurate measurements without complicating the entire device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow element is positioned upstream in the inlet area to pre-condition and distribute the reagent flow before it reaches the reference samples. This preliminary action of flow shaping and distribution ensures that when the reagent reaches the reference samples, it is already evenly distributed, thereby improving measurement precision before the actual reaction occurs.
3Productivity
If reagents are introduced directly without flow optimization, then the device structure remains simple, but the reaction time is extended due to uneven flow distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes hydraulic principles to optimize liquid flow through the reaction chamber. The flow element is designed to leverage fluid dynamics to distribute reagents evenly across reference samples, improving reaction speed through efficient hydraulic flow control rather than complex mechanical or electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow element extends in the vertical dimension between the inlet area and the reference samples, creating a three-dimensional flow control structure. This vertical positioning allows the element to effectively shape and distribute flow across the horizontal plane of the reference samples, optimizing reaction speed through spatial optimization in multiple dimensions.
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 solution enables faster and more reliable molecular biological tests by ensuring that all reference patterns have an equal probability of reacting with counter-references, reducing reaction time and improving test accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the flow element... to deflect or influence the flow in such a way that, compared to a reaction chamber without a flow element, it spreads over a larger width within the flow direction
Implementation Method 2
In molecular biological tests, 'hybridization' refers to a process that is important for molecular genetic techniques, in which a more or less completely complementary DNA or RNA single strand attaches to a single strand of DNA or RNA by forming hydrogen bonds between the respective complementary nucleic bases
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for carrying out tests, in particular molecular biological tests, with a slide (26) on which a plurality of reference patterns (36), in particular molecular biological reference patterns, are fixedly arranged in an area (35) which is locally limited in particular by a width (b) and a length. These reference patterns are potentially suitable for interacting with counter-references contained in a solution. The solution is continuously passed over the area (35) by means of a pump device (17) to accelerate a reaction between the reference patterns (36) and the counter-references. The slide (26) is part of a reaction chamber (11) with an inlet area (12) and an outlet area (13) spaced apart from the area (35). The solution flows through the reaction chamber (11) from the direction of the inlet area (12) towards the outlet area (13).According to the invention, a flow element (38) is arranged between the inlet region (12) of the reaction chamber (11) and the area (35) with the reference patterns (36), which deflects the solution flowing into the area of the reaction chamber (11) via the inlet region (12) in such a way that the flow cross-section of the solution is increased so that, compared to the same reaction chamber (11) without a flow element (38), the solution flows over a greater width of the area (35) when viewed transversely to the flow direction (32) of the solution.