Fluid Metering Device Reducing Cross-Contamination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid metering devices for immunoassay tests are expensive due to the use of multiple displacement pumps and complex manifolds, which also suffer from cross-contamination issues.
Innovation Solution
A fluid metering device utilizing a single-precision metering pump, a single manifold, and a valve assembly with four valves to measure two fluids while minimizing cross-contamination, using external tubes to reduce the need for expensive layered manifolds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple displacement pumps and complex manifolds are used, then fluid separation and measurement capability is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple displacement pumps into a single pump system, and integrates multiple fluid pathways into a unified manifold structure. This consolidation maintains the ability to separate and measure multiple fluids while significantly reducing the number of components and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold is designed as a multi-functional component that handles multiple fluid types and pathways through a single integrated structure. The valve assembly serves multiple functions including fluid direction control, separation, and measurement coordination, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Measurement precision
If multiple displacement pumps are used, then fluid measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pump functions into a single pump system, reducing the total number of precision components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation maintains measurement precision through the integrated pump design while significantly lowering manufacturing costs compared to producing and assembling multiple separate displacement pumps.
3Ease of operation
If conventional manifold structures are used, then fluid communication is achieved, but cross-contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is segmented into distinct fluid pathways and channels with physical separation between different fluid types. Valves are positioned at strategic points to create isolated flow paths, preventing mixing between fluids while maintaining smooth fluid communication. This segmentation approach eliminates cross-contamination risks.
Solution Approach 2:
Valves serve as intermediary components that control and direct fluid flow between different pathways. These valves act as mediators that prevent direct contact between different fluids while still allowing them to be processed through the system, effectively preventing cross-contamination during fluid communication.
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 significantly reduces costs by eliminating the need for multiple pumps and complex manifolds while effectively minimizing cross-contamination and improving metering accuracy and precision.
Implementation Method 1
a single-precision metering pump
Implementation Method 2
a valve assembly with four valves to measure two fluids
Implementation Method 3
using external tubes to reduce the need for expensive layered manifolds
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Embodiments provide a fluid metering device, including: a first fluid supply port for receiving a first fluid; a first fluid dispense port for dispensing the first fluid; a second fluid supply port for receiving a second fluid; a second fluid dispense port for dispensing the second fluid; a waste discharge port for discharging a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid; a valve assembly including a plurality of valves; a manifold connected to the metering pump, wherein the manifold includes a plurality of fluid channels, and the manifold is used for communicating between the valve assembly and each port; a first tube connected between the second valve and the third valve for accommodating the mixture or the first fluid; and a second tube connected between the third valve and the fourth valve for accommodating the second fluid.