Headspace-Eliminating Microtiter Lid with Radial Notches and Canted Tips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microtiter plate systems fail to effectively eliminate gaseous headspace and bubbles, leading to reduced sensitivity and increased sample volume requirements, while also being labor-intensive and prone to contamination.
Innovation Solution
A microtiter plate assembly with a lid featuring translucent projections having radial notches and canted tips, combined with specific clearance dimensions, to minimize oxygen ingress and bubble formation, allowing for reduced sample volumes and improved sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an oil layer is used to seal the sample, then headspace is eliminated and oxygen barrier is provided, but sample volume must be increased to avoid meniscus formation contacting the bottom of the well
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the headspace elimination function from the oil layer and implements it through a structured lid with radial notches and canted tips that physically remove and vent gaseous headspace, allowing effective sealing with reduced sample volumes without meniscus formation issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lid structure with radial notches and canted tips as an intermediary device between the sample and environment, which mediates headspace elimination and oxygen barrier functions without requiring increased sample volume or oil layer application
2Object-affected harmful factors
If oil is applied to each well to eliminate headspace, then headspace is reduced, but labor intensity increases and contamination risk is created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the headspace elimination function into a standardized lid structure that is applied to the entire microtiter plate at once, combining multiple well sealings into a single operational step that eliminates headspace without manual oil application to each well
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable or reusable lid structure that can be applied and removed easily, replacing the need for consumable oil layers and manual application processes, thereby reducing labor intensity and contamination risk
3Ease of operation
If traditional microtiter lids are used, then visibility and control are improved, but oxygen ingress is not limited and bubbles are not dissipated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating radial notches and canted tips at specific locations on the lid structure that locally address oxygen ingress and bubble dissipation, while maintaining overall lid transparency for visibility and control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert-like environment by designing the lid with radial notches and canted tips that actively remove oxygen-containing headspace and prevent oxygen ingress, effectively creating an oxygen-excluded environment similar to inert atmosphere conditions
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 assembly achieves reduced oxygen back-diffusion and bubble formation, enabling accurate oxygen consumption measurements at low sample volumes, facilitating sensitive and consistent readings without contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a canted tip having an angle of about 5° or greater relative to a plane of the lid
Implementation Method 2
a radial notch clearance is defined between an apex of the radial notch and the sidewall of the corresponding well
Data Source
AI summary
A microtiter plate assembly is disclosed that includes a base having a plurality of wells and a lid having a plurality of projections corresponding to the plurality of wells. Each projection contains a radial notch and a canted distal tip, providing bubble free sealing, reduced oxygen back-diffusion, and increased sensitivity even at small sample volumes.