Fluid Manipulation Cartridge Pneumatic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid manipulation devices for diagnostic tests require user expertise and laboratory facilities for sample preparation, which complicates the device and increases manufacturing costs, and existing solutions do not efficiently integrate sample preparation and diagnostic testing in a simple, cost-effective manner.
Innovation Solution
A fluid manipulation cartridge with a chain of fluidically connected features, including voids, wells, and channels, that utilizes differential air pressure to displace liquids and reagents for sample preparation and diagnostic testing, incorporating features like elastic walls and valves to control fluid movement and pressure, allowing for integrated sample processing and analysis without complex systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sample preparation steps are incorporated on the test cartridge itself, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into distinct functional modules: sample preparation region, diagnostic test region, and fluid control features. Each region performs a specific function and is separated by physical barriers or channel divisions, allowing independent optimization while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic pressure differentials and hydraulic flow control to automate sample preparation steps. Compressed gas sources and fluid pressure gradients drive liquid movement through channels, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuators or user manual operations.
2Reliability
If existing solutions with valves and fluid reservoirs are used, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fluid control features (valves, reservoirs, channels) are merged into a single integrated cartridge structure manufactured as one piece. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components, assembly steps, and quality control checkpoints, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the reliability of the fluid manipulation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in physical parameters (pressure, volume, temperature) to control fluid movement and achieve reliable sample preparation. By manipulating pneumatic pressure differentials and fluid pressure gradients, the system achieves reliable operation without requiring expensive mechanical valves or complex control mechanisms.
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 solution enables a simple, cost-effective integration of sample preparation and diagnostic testing, reducing user expertise requirements and manufacturing complexity while ensuring reliable and repeatable fluid manipulation for diagnostic processes.
Implementation Method 1
a volume of liquid located at an initial position within said chain of fluid control features can be displaced under the action of the differential pressure between air enclosed in upstream and downstream regions of the chain
Implementation Method 2
incorporating features like elastic walls and valves to control fluid movement and pressure
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a sample processing cartridge comprising a. a sample entry location; b. a closed sample processing chamber; c. a sample analysis location comprising a sample analysis well; d. a first channel fluidly connecting the sample entry location and the sample processing chamber; e. a second channel connecting the sample analysis location and the sample processing chamber, the second channel comprising a closed or closable second channel valve; wherein the sample processing chamber comprises a second channel port providing fluid connection between the second channel and the sample processing chamber, the second channel port being positioned in a sample accumulating region of the sample processing chamber. There is also provided a sample processing system comprising the cartridge, and methods of use of the cartridge and processing system in a sample processing assay.