Hydrophobic Sample Holder Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample holders for analyzing microscopic objects in samples are not efficient in quickly and accurately detecting and counting small objects like bioparticles, molecules, and cells.
Innovation Solution
A sample holder with a hydrophobic surface overlying part of the top periphery of the sample chamber, forming a hydrophobic surface with a contact angle exceeding 110°, which seals the sample in the chamber and prevents liquid from escaping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional sample holder structure is used, then the sample chamber is simple to manufacture, but the sample liquid leaks from the chamber during analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface energy characteristics of the upper layer through hydrophobic treatment. The contact angle is specifically controlled to exceed 110°, transforming the surface from hydrophilic to superhydrophobic. This parameter change enables the surface to repel water-based samples autonomously, achieving reliable sealing without adding mechanical complexity to the chamber structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical sealing mechanisms (such as O-rings, gaskets, or complex bonding structures) with a surface chemistry-based solution. The hydrophobic surface property substitutes for traditional mechanical sealing methods, preventing liquid leakage through surface tension effects rather than physical barriers. This substitution simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining sealing reliability.
2Reliability
If bonding patterns are used to seal the sample chamber, then liquid leakage is prevented, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophobic surface provides self-service sealing functionality. When sample liquid contacts the hydrophobic surface, it automatically repels the liquid without requiring external sealing components or complex assembly procedures. The surface itself performs the sealing function through its inherent surface properties, eliminating the need for additional bonding patterns or sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the mechanical structure and transfers it to the surface property of the upper layer. By taking out the sealing requirement from the chamber design and implementing it through hydrophobic surface treatment, the patent eliminates the need for complex bonding patterns between layers, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes.
3Reliability
If the contact angle is increased to improve sealing, then liquid repellency is enhanced, but the surface treatment becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface energy characteristics of the upper layer through hydrophobic treatment. The contact angle is specifically controlled to exceed 110°, transforming the surface from hydrophilic to superhydrophobic. This parameter change enables the surface to repel water-based samples autonomously, achieving reliable sealing without adding mechanical complexity to the chamber 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 hydrophobic surface effectively seals the sample in the sample chamber, preventing leakage and allowing for efficient analysis by maintaining the sample integrity during detection and counting processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least part of the bottom surface of the upper layer overlapping a portion of a top periphery of the sample chamber comprises a hydrophobic surface, and wherein a contact angle of a water droplet on the hydrophobic surface exceeds 110°
Implementation Method 2
the hydrophobic surface acts to seal the sample in the sample chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A sample holder (10) comprises: an upper layer (20); a lower layer (40); a middle layer (30) between the upper and lower layers; and a sample chamber (33) formed by a through-hole in the middle layer (30), covered at its upper extent by a portion of the bottom surface of the upper layer (20), and at its lower extent by a portion of the top surface of the lower layer (40), wherein at least part of the bottom surface of the upper layer (20) overlapping a portion of a top periphery of the sample chamber (33) comprises a hydrophobic surface, wherein the hydrophobic surface is sufficiently hydrophobic that a contact angle of a water droplet on the hydrophobic surface would exceed 110°.