Gasket Sealing Mechanism for Biological Sample Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for sample analysis face challenges in accessing samples after analysis due to the difficulty in opening and reusing the sample substrates, which are often fragile and require improved mechanical stability and ease of handling.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first layer with a sample region, a gasket surrounding the region, and a housing layer, with a clamp applying force to form a liquid-tight seal, allowing for the formation of an open or enclosed flow cell with inlets and outlets for fluid communication, enhancing mechanical stability and ease of assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an enclosed flow cell is used to maintain liquid-tight seal for sample analysis, then sealing reliability is improved, but sample accessibility after analysis deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell is divided into separable components: a substrate, a gasket, and a cover. The gasket acts as an intermediary sealing element that can be detached, allowing the cover to be removed while maintaining the seal integrity of the main body. This segmentation enables sample accessibility after analysis while preserving sealing reliability during operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If a fragile sample substrate is used to achieve thin profile for imaging, then imaging quality is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a composite structure combining a thin substrate (for imaging quality) with a separate gasket material (for mechanical stability and sealing). The gasket, made from elastomeric or polymer materials, provides the necessary structural support and sealing capability without requiring the substrate itself to be thick, thus maintaining both imaging quality and mechanical stability.
3Reliability
If a clamp is used to apply force for forming liquid-tight seal, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical clamping systems with a simpler integrated gasket-based sealing mechanism. The gasket is designed to deform under minimal pressure (from a simple clamp or even manual assembly) to create a liquid-tight seal, eliminating the need for complex mechanical fastening systems while maintaining sealing reliability.
4Ease of operation
If an open flow cell is used to enable sample access, then ease of operation is improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket serves as an intermediary sealing element between the substrate and cover. It can be compressed to form a seal when closed, yet allows for easy opening and closing. The gasket's material properties enable it to maintain sealing reliability while facilitating ease of operation for sample access, acting as a mediator between these two conflicting requirements.
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 provides enhanced mechanical stability, ease of assembly and disassembly, and improved handling of biological samples, enabling efficient imaging and analysis while maintaining a secure seal for fluidic operations.
Implementation Method 1
a clamp configured to apply a force on the gasket to form a liquid tight seal against the first layer
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems for receiving a biological sample for analysis and methods for preparing and/or analyzing a biological sample. In various embodiments, a system includes a first layer comprising a first region configured to receive a sample, a gasket disposed on the first layer such that the gasket surrounds the first region, and a housing layer. The first layer is disposed between the gasket and the housing layer. The system further includes a clamp configured to apply a force on the gasket to form a liquid tight seal against the first layer.