Counter-flow Immiscible Fluid Sampling Device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Microfluidic systems, particularly those using liquid bridge technology, face operational challenges due to gas introduction during sample acquisition, leading to system shutdown and resource wastage for purging and re-equilibration.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of counter-flow principles to maintain a continuous flow of immiscible fluid enveloping sampling members, preventing gas introduction by using a fluid that is immiscible with the sample, thus allowing sample acquisition and dispensing without gas entry into the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If sample acquisition is performed by introducing a sample tip into a vessel, then sample can be acquired, but gas is introduced into the microfluidic system causing operational problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample acquisitionVSAvoidgas introduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An immiscible fluid acts as an intermediary medium between the sample and the microfluidic system. The sampling member is continuously enveloped by this immiscible fluid during insertion and sample acquisition, preventing direct contact with atmospheric gas. The immiscible fluid serves as a protective barrier that allows sample transfer while excluding gas from entering the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The immiscible fluid creates an inert environment around the sampling member, replacing the gaseous atmosphere with a liquid environment that prevents gas introduction. This liquid barrier maintains a gas-free zone around the sampling tip throughout the acquisition process, eliminating the harmful effect of gas entry into the microfluidic system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Productivity

If gas is introduced into the liquid bridge system, then sample acquisition can be completed, but the system must be shutdown and purged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample acquisition rateVSAvoidpurge and re-equilibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is preliminarily prepared by establishing a continuous flow of immiscible fluid enveloping the sampling member before sample acquisition begins. This preliminary configuration ensures that the sampling path is already protected against gas introduction, preventing the need for subsequent purging operations and maintaining continuous productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The continuous flow of immiscible fluid maintains an uninterrupted protective barrier around the sampling member throughout the entire operation cycle. This continuity prevents gas introduction during sample acquisition, eliminating the need for shutdowns, purges, and re-equilibration, thereby maintaining continuous useful action and maximizing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a continuous flow of immiscible fluid envelops the sampling member, then gas introduction is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas introduction preventionVSAvoidfluid flow control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The immiscible fluid serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a protective barrier against gas introduction, provides a continuous enveloping medium around the sampling member, and facilitates sample transfer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving effective gas prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach enhances microfluidic system efficiency by eliminating downtime associated with gas removal and re-equilibration, ensuring continuous operation and preventing gas-related operational issues.

Implementation Method 1

there is counter-flow of the immiscible fluid from an exterior of the sampling member to an interior of the sampling member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCounter-flow:

Implementation Method 2

a supply of a fluid that is immiscible with the sample; in which the device is configured to provide a continuous flow of immiscible fluid enveloping the sampling member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImmiscibility:

Data Source

PatentUS8697011B2Sampling device with immiscible fluid supply tube in counter-flow arrangement

Publication Date: 2014.04.15 STOKES BIO LTD

AI summary

The present invention generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for acquiring and/or dispensing a sample without introducing a gas into a microfluidic system, such as a liquid bridge system. An exemplary embodiment provides a sampling device including: a sampling member for acquiring or dispensing a sample; and a supply of a fluid that is immiscible with the sample; in which the device is configured to provide a continuous flow of immiscible fluid enveloping the sampling member.