Liquid Transfer System with Buffer Chamber for Degas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid transfer systems are inefficient, costly, and prone to contamination and micro gas bubbles, leading to resource waste and false readings, and require frequent reagent changes, disrupting laboratory processes.
Innovation Solution
A liquid transfer system with an inlet manifold, buffer chamber for degassing, and vented feeder chamber that continuously supplies reagents to multiple destinations, using a microcontroller to manage valve operations and sensors for level monitoring, and caps that prevent air entry, allowing continuous operation without reagent container changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate reagent transfer systems are used to deliver different liquid reagents, then each reagent can be delivered reliably, but system cost increases, laboratory space consumption increases, and reagent waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate reagent transfer systems into a single integrated liquid transfer system. The manifold structure allows multiple reagent containers to connect to a common transfer mechanism, enabling one pump and one set of transfer tubes to serve multiple reagents. This merging reduces system complexity, decreases laboratory space requirements, and lowers overall system cost while maintaining reliable reagent delivery through the manifold's multiple inlet ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid transfer system is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple different liquid reagents through a single system. The manifold structure with multiple inlet ports and the controllable pump enable the system to selectively transfer different reagents to various destinations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated transfer systems for each reagent, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Productivity
If pick-up assemblies with surfaces extending into reagent containers are used, then reagent pickup is effective, but contamination of reagents occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful pick-up assembly component that extends into the reagent container and replaces it with a cap-based sealing mechanism. The cap connects to the container opening without requiring internal surfaces that contact the reagent, eliminating the contamination source. The transfer tube then draws reagent through the sealed cap interface, maintaining pickup efficiency while preventing contamination.
3Productivity
If conventional transfer systems are used, then reagent transfer is achieved, but micro gas bubbles are introduced into the system causing false readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary degassing action to the liquid reagent before it enters the measurement system. The degassing chamber removes micro gas bubbles from the reagent in advance of its delivery to consuming stations, preventing false readings in measuring instruments. This preliminary treatment maintains transfer capability while ensuring measurement precision.
4Quantity of substance
If reagent containers are emptied and refilled in conventional systems, then reagent supply is maintained, but laboratory runs must be temporarily stopped causing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous reagent supply by implementing a system where multiple containers can be connected to the manifold, allowing seamless switching between containers. When one container is depleted, the system can switch to another container without stopping the laboratory run, maintaining continuous useful action and eliminating delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares multiple reagent containers in advance and connects them to the manifold before the laboratory run begins. This preliminary arrangement allows the system to switch between pre-prepared containers without interruption, maintaining continuous operation and eliminating the need to stop for reagent replacement.
5Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reagent transfer systems are used, then different reagents can be delivered to multiple locations, but substantial reagent waste occurs during cleansing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple transfer systems into one integrated system with a single pump and shared transfer tubes. This consolidation means that cleansing operations need to be performed on one system rather than multiple separate systems, substantially reducing reagent waste during cleansing while maintaining the flexibility to deliver different reagents to multiple locations through the manifold's routing capabilities.
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 system reduces micro gas bubbles, minimizes reagent waste, and ensures continuous laboratory operations by efficiently managing reagent supply and degassing, thereby improving accuracy and reducing resource consumption and laboratory delays.
Implementation Method 1
The lid includes a pressure port operable to subject the first chamber to a pressure and a vacuum port operable to subject the first chamber to a vacuum
Implementation Method 2
The lid includes a pressure port operable to subject the first chamber to a pressure and a vacuum port operable to subject the first chamber to a vacuum
Implementation Method 3
The first chamber is a buffer chamber designed and adapted to degas the liquid in the buffer chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid transfer system for transferring liquid from a plurality of containers to a plurality of destinations comprises a plurality of inlet valves. Each inlet valve is operable between an open position allowing liquid from a container to be drawn into the system and a closed position blocking liquid from a container from being drawn into the system. Liquid drawn from each of the liquid containers is delivered to a buffer chamber designed to degas the liquid in the buffer chamber. The buffer chamber leads to a vented feeder chamber that is also adapted to retain a volume of liquid. A chamber connection valve is provided between the buffer chamber and the feeder chamber to allow or block the flow of liquid between the buffer chamber and the feeder chamber. The feeder chamber is connected to a plurality of distribution valves operable to deliver liquid to a plurality of destinations.