Micro-vial with Segmented Interior for Capillary Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing receptacles fail to effectively contain and manage small volumes of fluid for bio-analysis, particularly in DNA sequencing, where precise handling of micro-liters is crucial to prevent artifact generation and ensure accurate results.
Innovation Solution
A micro-vial design with axial sections of varying interior diameters, including a cylindrical sample section for holding small volumes, a wider alignment section for supporting capillary tubes, and a conical guide section to facilitate capillary tube alignment, allowing for efficient sampling and minimizing fluid volume while accommodating larger volumes for sequencing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a small volume of fluid is contained in a micro-volume receptacle, then the volume of PCR product available for sequencing is maximized, but it becomes difficult to provide access to the sample by a capillary tube
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is segmented into multiple axial sections with different interior diameters: a first section for holding the micro-volume sample, a second wider section for capillary tube access, and a third section for additional functionality. This segmentation allows the same receptacle to simultaneously accommodate both minimal sample volume and easy capillary tube insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the receptacle have different local qualities in terms of interior diameter. The first section has a smaller diameter optimized for sample containment, while the second section has a larger diameter optimized for capillary tube access. This local variation in geometry resolves the contradiction between minimizing sample volume and maximizing access ease.
2Ease of operation
If a larger volume of fluid is contained in the receptacle, then easier access and handling is achieved, but more PCR product is consumed reducing availability for sequencing
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle divides the internal volume into distinct sections: a first section with smaller capacity for the essential sample volume, and a second section with larger capacity for operational ease. This segmentation allows the system to hold the minimum necessary sample volume while providing sufficient space for easy handling and capillary tube access in the second section.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple receptacle design is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but it cannot provide multiple functionalities for sample handling and capillary tube alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is designed as a single molded piece with integrated axial sections of varying diameters, combining multiple functionalities (sample holding, capillary tube access, alignment) into one manufacturable component. This segmented design within a single piece achieves versatility without requiring assembly of multiple parts, maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle performs multiple functions within a single component: the first section holds the sample, the second section provides capillary tube access and alignment, and the third section offers additional functionality. This multi-functionality is achieved through the segmented axial sections, allowing one receptacle to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A micro-vial for handling micro-volume of sample fluids. The interior wall defined in the vial has a cylindrical sample section, a wider cylindrical alignment section, a tapered or conical guide section, and a relatively large cylindrical body section, arranged in sequence in that order along the center axis of the vial. The sample section holds a small volume of a sample fluid and receives the tip end of a capillary tube. The alignment section has a larger diameter than the sample section, receiving a cylindrical support that coaxially supports the relatively fragile capillary tube. The tip of the capillary tube dips into the micro-volume of sample fluid held in the sample section. The conical section guides the capillary tube and the support tube into the alignment section and the tip of the capillary tube into the sample section.