Liquid Handling Apparatus Capsule Interface Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid handling apparatuses for point-of-care diagnostic devices face issues such as incomplete filling of reagent capsules due to displacement by piercing structures, uncontrolled release of reagents, air bubbles in the flow, and the need for high forces to extract remaining reagents, which can damage sensitive reagents and increase device size and cost.
Innovation Solution
A liquid handling apparatus with a capsule interface mechanism that creates two openings in the capsule, allowing for controlled release of reagents without crushing, using a gas supply to expel reagents through one conduit while preventing air bubbles, and a design that minimizes the force required to create these openings, enabling efficient use of smaller capsules and reducing the risk of reagent exposure to heat sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a piercing structure is used to release liquid reagent from the capsule, then the reagent can be released from the capsule, but air bubbles are introduced into the liquid reagent flow
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing structure is extracted from the capsule interior and relocated to the exterior sealing surface. The capsule is designed with a protrusion that extends beyond the sealing surface, allowing the piercing structure to puncture the sealing film from the outside without introducing air bubbles into the reagent volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion structure serves as an intermediary element between the capsule body and the piercing structure. It provides a dedicated pathway through the sealing film that allows reagent to flow through during piercing, preventing air bubble formation while maintaining capsule integrity.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a vented chamber is added to allow air escape, then air bubbles can be removed from the reagent flow, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vented chamber function is extracted and integrated into the capsule design itself through the protrusion structure. The protrusion acts as an inherent air venting pathway during the piercing process, eliminating the need for a separate vented chamber in the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The air venting function is merged with the reagent release mechanism. The protrusion structure simultaneously serves as both the reagent delivery pathway and the air venting channel during capsule piercing, combining multiple functions into a single structural element.
3Quantity of substance
If high pressing or crushing force is applied to fully release liquid reagent, then more reagent can be extracted from the capsule, but the adhesive attachment may fail and reagent may be forced out through the join between capsule and device
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a sealed reagent storage chamber and a protruding release section. This segmentation allows the main capsule body to remain securely attached while the protrusion handles the high-force piercing operation, isolating the stress from the adhesive bond.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion is pre-positioned and pre-aligned to engage with the piercing structure. This preliminary positioning ensures that the piercing force is applied precisely to the intended location, preventing lateral forces that could compromise the adhesive attachment.
4Quantity of substance
If the capsule is completely filled with liquid reagent, then the reagent volume is maximized, but the piercing structure displaces liquid and releases it in an uncontrolled manner
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent release pathway is extended into a third dimension with the protrusion structure. This vertical extension creates a controlled gradient for reagent flow, allowing complete filling while maintaining control over the release process through the structured pathway.
5Reliability
If heat sealing is used to seal the capsule, then the capsule can be properly sealed, but sensitive reagents may be damaged by temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule sealing is applied locally only to the regions that require thermal processing, while the protrusion structure and reagent storage areas are designed to minimize heat exposure. The sealing film is heat-sealed at specific locations away from the sensitive reagent volume.
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 solution allows for the efficient removal of a large proportion of the reagent from smaller capsules, minimizing air bubbles and the force required, while protecting sensitive reagents from heat exposure, thus enhancing the operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness of point-of-care diagnostic devices.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid handling apparatus with a capsule interface mechanism that creates two openings in the capsule, allowing for controlled release of reagents without crushing, using a gas supply to expel reagents through one conduit
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to a liquid handling apparatus, comprising: a capsule configured to store a liquid reagent; a liquid handling device, comprising: a first conduit in fluidic communication with a first port; and a second conduit in fluidic communication with a second port; and a capsule interface mechanism configured to create: a first opening in the capsule in fluidic communication with the first port; and a second opening in the capsule in fluidic communication with the second port; wherein creating the first opening and the second opening allows the liquid reagent to be removed from the capsule.