Liquid Storage Rupture via Threshold Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for storing and handling liquids in analytical procedures are complex and require significant user interaction or production complexity, making them undesirable for cost and maintenance reduction.
Innovation Solution
A device with a liquid storage arrangement secured to an external surface, featuring a bonding layer and a first aperture that ruptures reproducibly under threshold pressure, facilitating liquid dispensing through a centrifugal microfluidic device, and includes a flow resisting arrangement within the liquid receiving chamber to manage liquid flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If liquid storage receptacles are integrated into disposable cartridges to eliminate liquid handling functions in analyzers, then device complexity and maintenance are reduced, but the complexity of production processes and user interaction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: the analyzer device and the disposable cartridge. The liquid storage receptacles are integrated into the cartridge rather than the analyzer, allowing the analyzer to remain simple while the cartridge handles all liquid storage and dispensing functions. This segmentation enables the analyzer to be a simple reading device while the cartridge contains all complex liquid handling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable cartridges that are discarded after single use, eliminating the need for complex cleaning and maintenance of liquid handling systems in the analyzer. The receptacles are designed as single-use components that are pre-filled and sealed, transferring the complexity from the permanent analyzer to the disposable cartridge.
2Extent of automation
If active elements are used to open liquid storage receptacles, then liquid dispensing is automated, but the device complexity and user interaction requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacles are pre-sealed and pre-filled during manufacturing. The sealing mechanism is designed to be broken by simple user action (pressing or peeling) rather than requiring complex automated opening mechanisms. The liquid is prepared and sealed in advance, eliminating the need for complex automated dispensing mechanisms during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. Once the user initiates the process by simple insertion or pressing, the cartridge automatically manages liquid dispensing through its internal structure without requiring additional active elements or complex user interaction. The receptacle design allows automatic liquid release through pre-defined rupture points or openings.
3Strength
If the external surface is fully covered by bonding layer, then structural integrity is improved, but reproducible rupture of liquid storage arrangement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding layer is applied selectively rather than uniformly across the entire external surface. Specific regions are left uncovered or partially covered to create predetermined rupture zones where the liquid storage arrangement can reliably break. This local variation in bonding provides both structural integrity in most areas and controlled weakness at specific points for reproducible rupture.
Solution Approach 2:
The bonding layer design incorporates regions of differential adhesion strength that cushion and guide the rupture process. By pre-designating areas with reduced bonding strength, the system ensures that rupture occurs at predictable locations without compromising the overall structural integrity of the cartridge body.
4Ease of manufacture
If simple aperture processes are used to define first aperture, then manufacturing is simplified, but sharp edges may cause premature or uncontrolled rupturing
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture design incorporates localized features such as rounded corners, chamfered edges, or specific geometric patterns in critical areas to prevent stress concentration. While the overall aperture can be created by simple stamping or punching processes, local modifications to the edge geometry eliminate premature rupture while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture design includes built-in stress distribution features that cushion against premature rupture. By designing the aperture geometry to distribute stress evenly around the opening, the system prevents localized stress concentrations that would cause uncontrolled rupturing, while still using simple manufacturing processes.
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 solution simplifies the manufacturing and operation of liquid handling devices by ensuring reproducible rupture and efficient liquid dispensing, reducing complexity and user interaction while maintaining structural integrity and preventing premature liquid ingress.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid storage arrangement is secured to the bonding layer overlapping the first aperture to dispense liquid through the first aperture when a pressure exceeding a threshold pressure is applied to the liquid storage arrangement
Implementation Method 2
The liquid handling structure comprises a liquid receiving chamber for receiving liquid from the liquid storage arrangement through the first aperture, arranged for liquid flow being driven through the liquid handling structure by virtue of a centrifugal force as the analytical cartridge is rotated about an axis of rotation
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments provide improved mechanisms for storing and introducing liquid volumes in a liquid handling device and, in particular, improved mechanisms for rupturing a liquid store to introduce liquid into the device, improvements to the stability of a liquid receiving chamber inside the device and improvements to liquid handling in the receiving chamber.