Liquid Suction Instrument for Channel Chips

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing liquids from channel chips often leave residual liquids, which can contaminate subsequent reactions and prolong the process, as they either fail to reduce residual liquids away from the outlet or require longer suction times to minimize residual amounts effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a liquid suction instrument that alternates between higher and lower suction rates to efficiently remove liquids from channel chips, minimizing residual liquids without excessively prolonging the process by adjusting suction rates based on the liquid's position and volume within the channel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the suction rate for liquid is lowered to reduce residual liquid in the channel, then the amount of residual liquid is reduced, but a longer time is required for liquid removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamount of residual liquidVSAvoidtime for liquid removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The suction rate is dynamically adjusted during the liquid removal process. The method initially uses a first suction rate to rapidly remove the bulk of the liquid, then switches to a second, lower suction rate to carefully remove remaining liquid without causing division. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by optimizing the suction rate at different stages of the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid removal process is divided into distinct periodic stages: an initial high-rate suction phase followed by a low-rate suction phase. This periodic action allows the system to achieve both rapid liquid removal and minimal residual liquid by applying different suction rates at appropriate intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If the suction rate is increased to shorten liquid removal time, then the time for liquid removal is reduced, but liquid division occurs generating residual liquid in the channel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid removal speedVSAvoidamount of residual liquid
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The suction rate is dynamically adjusted based on the liquid volume and position in the channel. High suction rates are applied when liquid volume is large to maximize removal speed, while lower suction rates are applied when liquid volume is small to prevent division and residual liquid formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The method performs preliminary high-rate suction to remove the majority of the liquid before switching to low-rate suction. This preliminary action reduces the liquid volume to a level where further high-rate suction would cause division, thereby preventing residual liquid formation while maintaining overall efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 effectively reduces residual liquids in channel chips while maintaining the efficiency of liquid removal, ensuring quick and reliable operations by optimizing suction rates to prevent liquid division and minimize time consumption.

Implementation Method 1

A liquid suction instrument that alternates between higher and lower suction rates to efficiently remove liquids from channel chips

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3376234B1Method for removing liquid
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 OTSUKA PHARM CO LTD
  • EP3376234B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3376234B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3376234B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present invention provides a method for removing liquid from the interior of a flow channel tip, which enables both to reduce the amount of liquid remaining and prevent the time spent removing the liquid from being longer than necessary. The method comprises: suctioning a liquid within a flow channel, the liquid being suctioned into the interior of a liquid suction implement inserted into a first through-hole of a flow channel tip; and removing the liquid within the flow channel. This method comprises: a first suction step for suctioning some of the liquid within the flow channel at a first suction speed; and a second suction step for suctioning the liquid remaining within the flow channel at a second suction speed that is less than the first suction speed, the second suction step being performed in continuation from the first suction step.