Microchip Dispensing Probe Sealing and Restraining Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microchip processing apparatuses face challenges in handling minute sample quantities, leading to evaporation and inefficient reagent usage, with existing systems prone to human error in buffer solution measurement, resulting in wasteful consumption and poor analytical results.
Innovation Solution
A microchip processing apparatus with a dispensing probe and driving mechanism that includes a groove for atmospheric communication during sample drawing and a restraining mechanism to prevent container uplift, along with a liquid surface sensor for precise reagent quantity measurement and warning systems to prevent insufficient reagent use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sample container is left in an open state for dispensing, then the dispensing operation can be performed, but the sample evaporates due to minute quantity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a seal member (thin film) to close the container opening, allowing the dispensing probe to penetrate through it. This maintains container closure to prevent evaporation while enabling automated dispensing operations.
2Productivity
If human error occurs in measuring buffer solution quantity, then analysis can proceed, but analytical results suffer and samples are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates a liquid surface sensor that provides feedback on the buffer solution level in the container. This automated monitoring prevents insufficient reagent conditions that would otherwise lead to wasted samples and poor analytical results.
3Reliability
If excess separation buffer solution is poured into the container to avoid insufficient quantity, then analysis can proceed without interruption, but wasteful consumption of reagents occurs and reagent container size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid surface sensor provides real-time feedback on buffer solution levels, enabling precise refilling operations. This eliminates the need to add excess reagent as a safety margin, reducing waste while ensuring analysis continuity.
4Loss of substance
If the dispensing probe penetrates the seal material to draw sample, then the container remains sealed to prevent evaporation, but the container may be pulled up by friction when the probe is raised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a restraining mechanism that applies downward force to counteract the upward frictional force on the container when the dispensing probe is raised. This prevents container displacement while maintaining the sealed state for evaporation prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
A microchip processing apparatus processes a microchip with at least one main separation channel. The microchip processing apparatus includes a holding part configured to hold the microchip, a container containing a sample or a reagent, and a dispensing probe having a needle formed on a tip of the dispensing probe. The dispensing probe is actuated to be inserted into the container from above the container, to draw the sample or reagent, and to inject to a prescribed position on the held microchip. A dispensing probe driving mechanism moves the dispensing probe between prescribed positions of the microchip and the container.