Microfluidic Sampling Device Using Immiscible Fluid Barrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Microfluidic systems face operational challenges due to gas introduction during sample acquisition, leading to system downtime and resource wastage for purging and re-equilibration.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of counter-flow principles to maintain a continuous flow of immiscible fluid, enveloping the sampling member to prevent gas introduction, using devices and systems configured with sampling members and immiscible fluid supplies to facilitate sample acquisition and dispensing without gas entry into the microfluidic system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional sampling methods are used to acquire samples, then sample acquisition is achieved, but gas is introduced into the microfluidic system causing operational problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample acquisitionVSAvoidgas introduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An immiscible fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance between the sampling member and the microfluidic system. This fluid forms a barrier that prevents gas from entering the system while allowing the sample to be transferred. The immiscible fluid acts as a protective mediator that maintains system integrity during sampling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The microfluidic system operates within an inert environment created by the immiscible fluid barrier. This barrier establishes a gas-exclusion zone around the sampling interface, effectively creating an inert atmosphere that prevents harmful gas introduction while allowing normal sampling operations to proceed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Reliability

If the system is purged to remove introduced gas, then gas removal is achieved, but system downtime and resource wastage occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas removalVSAvoidsystem downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The immiscible fluid barrier is established beforehand to prevent gas introduction in the first place. By taking preliminary action to create the barrier before sampling occurs, the system eliminates the need for subsequent purging operations, thereby preventing system downtime and resource wastage associated with gas removal procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The immiscible fluid barrier maintains continuous protection against gas introduction throughout the sampling process. This continuous protective action eliminates interruptions for purging and re-equilibration, ensuring uninterrupted system operation and maintaining continuous useful action without downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If the system is re-equilibrated after gas introduction, then operational readiness is restored, but time and resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem re-equilibrationVSAvoidresource wastage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The immiscible fluid barrier is established in advance to prevent gas introduction before it can disrupt system equilibrium. By performing this protective action preliminarily, the system avoids the need for energy-consuming re-equilibration procedures, as the barrier prevents the disruptive condition from occurring in the first place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The immiscible fluid, which could be considered an additional component, actually provides the benefit of preventing harmful gas introduction. This converts what might be seen as an added complexity into a protective mechanism that saves energy and resources by eliminating the need for purging and re-equilibration operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 enhances microfluidic system efficiency by eliminating downtime for gas removal and re-equilibration, ensuring continuous operation and preventing gas-related detrimental effects.

Implementation Method 1

Devices and systems of the invention accomplish sample acquisition without introduction of a gas by utilizing counter-flow principles, thus providing a continuous flow of immiscible fluid to envelop a sampling member.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCounter-flow:

Implementation Method 2

The carrier fluid is immiscible with the sample droplet. The device is configured to provide a continuous flow of immiscible fluid to envelop the sampling member.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImmiscibility:

Data Source

PatentUS9387472B2Sampling device

Publication Date: 2016.07.12 STOKES BIO LTD

AI summary

The present invention generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for acquiring and/or dispensing a sample without introducing a gas into a microfluidic system, such as a liquid bridge system. An exemplary embodiment provides a sampling device including an outer sheath; a plurality of tubes within the sheath, in which at least one of the tubes acquires a sample, and at least one of the tubes expels a fluid that is immiscible with the sample, in which the at least one tube that acquires the sample is extendable beyond a distal end of the sheath and retractable to within the sheath; and a valve connected to a distal portion of the sheath, in which the valve opens when the tube extends beyond the distal end and closes when the tube retracts to within the sheath.