Fluidic Interconnect Cradle and Swing Bar Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The shipping and handling of liquid reagents in laboratory settings often result in degradation and spillage due to the labor-intensive preparation of reagent solutions, necessitating an improved reagent container and instrument interface to reduce preparation times and prevent fluid leakage.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic interconnect system featuring a first interface with a liquid port, a gas port, and a cradle, and a second interface with a liquid port, a gas port, and a swing bar that engages the cradle, allowing the container to swing into place and form a leak-tight seal, enabling efficient connection and fluid transfer between the container and instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If pre-made reagent solutions are shipped and handled in liquid form, then preparation time is reduced, but degradation and spillage occur during shipping and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent is changed from liquid to frozen state, fundamentally altering its physical parameter to prevent degradation and spillage during shipping while maintaining the benefit of pre-preparation
Solution Approach 2:
The reagent is prepared in advance and frozen in the container before shipping, eliminating the need for laboratory preparation while ensuring stability during transport
2Productivity
If a removable container interface is used to reduce preparation time, then connection speed is improved, but the risk of spillage and degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
A cradle structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the container and instrument, guiding the swing bar into proper alignment and ensuring secure engagement that prevents spillage while maintaining quick connection
Solution Approach 2:
The swing bar mechanism provides dynamic, self-aligning connection that swings into place under gravity or spring force, enabling rapid connection while the cradle ensures proper positioning to prevent leakage
3Ease of operation
If the cradle is positioned further from the panel than the liquid port, then the swing bar engagement is facilitated, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle is positioned to create a natural pivot point that allows the swing bar to engage smoothly using gravity or minimal force, equalizing the engagement process and reducing the need for complex alignment 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 system effectively reduces reagent degradation and spillage by ensuring a secure and efficient connection, facilitating the transfer of liquid reagents while minimizing handling-related issues, thus enhancing laboratory efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a weight of a container attached to one of the first or second interfaces to drive the liquid port of the first interface into connection with the liquid port of the second interface
Implementation Method 2
applying gas through the gas port to drive liquid from container through the liquid ports into the instrument
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A fluidic interconnect includes a first interface (106) including a liquid port, a gas port, and a cradle (214); a second interface including a liquid port, a gas port, and a swing bar (212) to engage the cradle (214), a weight of a container attached to one of the first or second interfaces to drive the liquid port of the first interface into connection with the liquid port of the second interface and the gas port of the first interface into connection with the gas port of the second interface.