Integrated Sampling Unit for High-Precision Liquid Aliquoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sampling technologies for biological liquids, such as whole blood, face challenges in achieving high precision and minimizing sample loss due to long sample flow paths, which can lead to qualitative distortion and increased costs, especially when handling small volumes and open vials.
Innovation Solution
A novel sampling unit with a shear valve assembly that integrates the sampling member directly into the aliquoting chamber, reducing the sample flow path and allowing direct transfer from the container to the inlet of the flow structure, eliminating the need for long passageways and lateral movements, thus minimizing sample adherence and optimizing sample usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a long sample flow path is used in conventional sampling systems, then the sampling process can accommodate complex routing and valve operations, but sample adherence increases and sample quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sampling member tip directly with the aliquoting chamber, eliminating the intermediate flow path. This integration causes the sampling tip to be in direct communication with the aliquoting chamber, thereby removing the long passageway that causes sample adherence and quality deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the intermediate flow path and complex valve routing from the sampling system. By eliminating this intermediate section, the system achieves direct transfer from container to aliquoting chamber, minimizing sample contact with surfaces and reducing adherence losses.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional sampling systems with long passageways are used, then sample transfer can be achieved, but sample quality is compromised due to adherence and distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling member and aliquoting chamber are merged into a single integrated structure. The tip of the sampling member forms the inlet of the flow structure, creating a direct pathway that maintains sample integrity and prevents quality deterioration while still achieving complete sample transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a direct fluid communication pathway as an intermediary mechanism between the container and aliquoting chamber. This direct pathway eliminates the need for long passageways and complex routing, thereby preserving sample quality while enabling complete transfer.
3Measurement precision
If integrated sampling member design is implemented, then sample flow path is minimized and precision is improved, but device construction becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling member and aliquoting chamber are combined into a single integrated component. This merger reduces the number of separate parts and connections needed, thereby minimizing the flow path and improving dispensing precision while actually simplifying the overall device construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sampling member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the sampling probe and the inlet to the aliquoting chamber. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and complex routing, thereby improving precision without increasing construction complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to an instrument and method of use in which a sample is taken from a sample container with a sampling member (10) and is directly transferred to an inlet of a flow structure that includes a aliquoting chamber for segmenting an aliquot of the sample with high-precision. That is, there is no need to direct the sample over a long passageway in the sampling member (10) before a sample portion could be dispensed by a sampling unit.