Hinged Film Applicator for Microtiter Plate Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing film applicators for microtiter plates are difficult to handle and apply due to thin, wrinkle-prone plastic films, which complicates sealing and can lead to contamination and evaporation issues.
Innovation Solution
A film applicator device with a hinged housing that encloses a roll of film with an adhesive side, featuring protuberances to prevent film damage, a latch for easy access, and a ridge for smoothing, along with a projection to control unwinding, allowing for safe and convenient application of separable film sections to microtiter plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thin plastic film is used to seal microtiter plates, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but handling difficulty increases and wrinkles form
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin plastic film (2-10 microns) to seal microtiter plates, achieving effective sealing while managing the inherent flexibility and thinness through a controlled dispensing mechanism that prevents wrinkles and handling issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dispensing device as an intermediary between the user and the thin film, providing controlled dispensing that eliminates direct handling of the fragile film, thus maintaining sealing effectiveness while improving ease of operation
2Reliability
If adhesive film is used to seal microtiter plates, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but adhesive contact with user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the film into multiple individual doses, with each segment containing a controlled amount of adhesive that is dispensed only when needed, minimizing user exposure to adhesive while maintaining sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing device acts as an intermediary that controls adhesive exposure, allowing the adhesive to be applied only to the extent necessary for sealing, thereby reducing harmful adhesive contact with the user while maintaining sealing effectiveness
3Reliability
If roll of film is enclosed in housing, then film protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the film roll within a housing structure that contains a dispensing mechanism, protecting the film while enabling controlled dispensing. The compact nested design minimizes complexity by integrating multiple functions within concentric structures
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it protects the film roll, houses the dispensing mechanism, and provides a user interface. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by combining several components into a single integrated structure
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 efficiently and conveniently applies film to microtiter plates, preventing contamination and evaporation while minimizing adhesive contact and allowing for easy handling of biohazardous materials, with a portable design that ensures secure sealing and easy film management.
Implementation Method 1
A film applicator device for use on a microtiter plate utilizes a first element and a second element. The first element is hingedly or rotatably attached to the first element to form a housing. The housing includes a chamber having a mouth leading thereto when the first and second elements mate. The chamber is employed to enclose a sheet of film material having an adhesive side, wrapped about a roll.
Data Source
AI summary
A film applicator device for use on a wellplate utilizing a roll of film having an adhesive side. The applicator includes a support for a roll wound by a sheet of film material which lies within a chamber. The chamber includes a mouth with a notch to allow the grasping of the film in order to pay the film outwardly from the chamber.