Liquid Handling Device with Sample Adequacy Control Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Point-of-care diagnostic devices lack effective methods to determine the presence or absence of a sufficient liquid volume, leading to uncertainty for users and potential unintentional liquid flow into other fluidic components.
Innovation Solution
A liquid handling device with a sample adequacy control chamber and a second flow path providing higher hydraulic resistance, allowing liquid to flow into the chamber instead of other components, along with a visible indicator region for user confirmation of sufficient liquid volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a viewing window is provided to allow users to verify liquid receipt, then users can visually determine liquid presence, but users still cannot determine whether a sufficient volume of liquid has been received
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate flow paths: a first flow path leading to a sample adequacy control chamber with a viewing window for visual indication, and a second flow path leading to other fluidic components. This segmentation allows the liquid volume indication function to be separated from the diagnostic testing function, enabling users to visually confirm sufficient liquid volume without affecting the actual sample processing path.
2Loss of information
If liquid fills the viewing window to provide visual indication, then users can determine liquid presence, but unintentional liquid flow occurs into other fluidic components
Solution Approach 1:
The second flow path is designed with higher hydraulic resistance compared to the first flow path. This creates a local property difference where the control chamber path offers easier flow resistance, causing liquid to preferentially fill the sample adequacy control chamber and providing visual indication without flowing into other fluidic components through the second path.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the second flow path has higher hydraulic resistance to prevent liquid flow into other components, then unintentional liquid flow is minimized, but liquid may not flow smoothly to the diagnostic device
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows dynamic control of flow path selection through pressure differential mechanisms. During initial liquid receipt, the first flow path has lower resistance and liquid preferentially flows to the control chamber. Once the control chamber is filled, pressure equalization occurs and liquid can then flow through the second path to the diagnostic device, ensuring both prevention of unintentional flow and reliable sample delivery.
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
Enables users to determine the presence of a sufficient liquid volume for diagnostic tests without unintentional liquid flow into other components, enhancing ease of use and minimizing errors.
Implementation Method 1
a second flow path in fluidic communication with the inlet conduit, wherein the second flow path is configured to provide a higher hydraulic resistance than the first flow path
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to a liquid handling device, comprising: an inlet conduit configured to receive a liquid sample; a first flow path comprising a sample adequacy control chamber in fluidic communication with the inlet conduit, wherein the sample adequacy control chamber is configured to allow the presence or absence of a volume of liquid within the sample adequacy control chamber to be determined; and a second flow path in fluidic communication with the inlet conduit, wherein the second flow path is configured to provide a higher hydraulic resistance than the first flow path.