Frusto-Conical Elastomeric Sample Port for Microfluidics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for introducing fluid samples to microfluidic devices pose risks of biohazard or chemical hazard exposure and require multiple consumables, leading to increased waste and technician workload, as they often involve manual dispensing into open ports.
Innovation Solution
A sample introduction port system with a frusto-conical design and elastomeric material, capable of sealing various-sized devices and tubes, allowing for secure and efficient transfer of fluids to microfluidic devices, reducing exposure risks and minimizing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual dispensing of fluid samples to open ports is used, then the technician can transfer samples, but the risk of biohazard or chemical hazard exposure increases and technician workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a closed-port sample introduction system that acts as an intermediary between the sample source and the microfluidic device. The port device with sealing mechanism eliminates direct exposure to open ports, allowing sample transfer to occur through a sealed interface. This intermediary system maintains the ability to transfer samples while blocking the harmful exposure pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the open port interface from the system and replaces it with a closed sealing mechanism. By removing the exposed open port and substituting it with a sealed port device that accepts sample containers, the system eliminates the hazard exposure risk while preserving the sample introduction function.
2Ease of operation
If multiple consumables are used for sample transfer, then sample introduction can be achieved, but hazardous waste increases and exposure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sample container interface with the microfluidic device port into a single integrated sealing system. By combining these previously separate components into one closed interface, the system eliminates the need for multiple intermediate consumables, thereby reducing hazardous waste while maintaining sample introduction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The port device is designed with universal compatibility to accept various sample container types directly at the sealed interface. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized consumables for different sample types, reducing waste while preserving the ability to introduce diverse samples.
3Ease of operation
If manual dispensing to open ports is used, then samples can be introduced, but technician time is consumed and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-aligning sealing mechanism where the port device automatically seals when the sample container is placed in position. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual manipulation and complex alignment procedures, allowing technicians to quickly introduce samples without consuming excessive time, thereby improving productivity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a frusto-conical port design with multiple sealing sections is used, then sealing capability for various device sizes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested frusto-conical structure where multiple sealing sections are arranged concentrically within each other. The first frusto-conical section contains the first sealing surface, while the second frusto-conical section contains the second sealing surface. This nesting arrangement provides multiple sealing capabilities for various device sizes without requiring completely separate structures, thus managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The port device features different sealing characteristics at different locations - the first sealing section is optimized for larger diameter devices while the second sealing section is optimized for smaller diameter devices. This local differentiation of sealing properties allows the single port structure to adapt to various device sizes, achieving versatility without requiring a completely different design for each application.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample port system/device associated with a fluid collection device is provided and is configured to receive fluid-containing devices of varying diameters. A method of improving the work flow and safety involved in acquiring and/or testing fluid samples using such sample port system/device is also provided.