Gravity-Driven Liquid Supply Pipe for dPCR Through-Holes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for filling through-holes on a substrate in digital PCR (dPCR) systems face challenges such as contamination from foreign matters, uneven filling rates, and the need for electric power, which can reduce inspection accuracy and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A liquid supply method using a pipe with a solution, air, and oil in sequence, where the pipe is angled to allow gravity-driven flow, ensuring the air remains between the solution and oil, and the solution is replaced with air before oil covers the substrate surface, eliminating the need for electric power and manual loaders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a sample loader is used to supply solution to through-holes, then the filling process can be automated, but foreign matters from the atmosphere may contaminate the solution and filling uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an oil-covered environment above the through-holes that acts as a barrier to atmospheric contamination. The oil layer isolates the solution in the through-holes from foreign matters floating in the atmosphere, while still allowing automated loading to occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the solution supply process from the atmospheric environment by using a capillary array that draws solution through its structure, separating the filling mechanism from direct atmospheric exposure.
2Extent of automation
If a sample loader is used to supply solution to through-holes, then automation is improved, but filling uniformity and inspection accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary array structure utilizes its own capillary forces to draw solution uniformly into the through-holes without requiring precise mechanical positioning or control systems. The structure serves itself by using surface tension and capillary action to achieve uniform filling.
3Extent of automation
If electric power is used to drive the solution supply system, then automated control is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the inherent capillary properties of the array structure to drive solution flow without requiring external power sources. The capillary forces automatically draw solution through the structure, eliminating the need for electric pumps or motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrically-driven mechanical pumping systems with passive capillary flow, substituting an active mechanical system with a passive physical phenomenon that requires no energy input.
4Ease of operation
If the array chip is exposed to atmosphere during solution supply, then access is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains an oil-covered inert environment over the through-holes during the entire solution supply process. The oil layer creates a barrier that prevents atmospheric contamination while still allowing the solution to be supplied through the capillary structure.
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 method ensures uniform filling of through-holes without contamination, improves inspection accuracy, and eliminates the requirement for electric power, enabling efficient and energy-saving dPCR operations.
Implementation Method 1
installing the liquid supply pipe above the array chip at an angle θ at which the solution to be inspected, the air, and the oil flow onto the front surface by gravity
Implementation Method 2
The cross-sectional area of the liquid supply pipe is designed such that air continues to be present between the solution to be inspected and the oil
Data Source
AI summary
The method includes preparing a liquid supply pipe in which the solution to be inspected, air, and oil are disposed in this order, and installing the liquid supply pipe above the substrate at an angle such that the solution to be inspected is positioned on a lowermost side and the solution to be inspected, the air, and the oil flow onto a front surface of the substrate by gravity. A cross-sectional area of the liquid supply pipe is designed such that the air continues to be present between the solution to be inspected and the oil while the solution to be inspected, the air, and the oil are flowing through the liquid supply pipe, and after the solution to be inspected is supplied to the spot, the solution to be inspected present on the front surface of the substrate is replaced with the air, and then the liquid supply progresses.