Microplate Cover With Segmented Shutter Prevents Evaporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiwell assemblies face significant sample loss due to evaporation of fluid samples in microplates, especially during longer processing times, as the liquid in the wells can evaporate at room temperature, leading to substantial sample loss within 2 hours.
Innovation Solution
A cover for a microplate with a body and independently movable shutters that can occlude and uncover the wells, preventing evaporation by being biased to a covered position and easily moved to an uncovered position for sensor access, reducing the need for external force and maintaining biochemical coating integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the microplate is left uncovered during processing, then access to wells is easy, but sample loss due to evaporation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into multiple independent shutters, each corresponding to a row of wells. Each shutter can be independently moved between closed and open positions, allowing selective access to specific wells while maintaining coverage over other wells. This segmentation enables partial access without compromising the entire sample set, thus balancing ease of operation with evaporation prevention.
2Loss of substance
If a full cover is used to prevent evaporation, then sample loss is reduced, but access to all wells requires moving the entire cover
Solution Approach 1:
The cover transitions from a static full-coverage structure to a dynamic structure with independently movable shutters. Each shutter can be positioned independently to be either closed (preventing evaporation) or open (allowing access). This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, providing evaporation protection where required while allowing easy access where needed.
3Ease of operation
If external force is applied to move the shutter, then access is enabled, but biochemical coating integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor acts as an intermediary between the external actuation mechanism and the shutter. The sensor detects the presence or absence of analyte in the well and triggers shutter movement automatically, eliminating the need for direct manual manipulation. This intermediary mechanism reduces the application of force on the shutter and maintains coating integrity while still enabling access when needed.
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 cover effectively reduces evaporation rates, allowing for longer processing times without sample loss and ensuring accurate measurement data by maintaining the integrity of biochemical coatings and reducing the application of force on sensors.
Implementation Method 1
preventing evaporation by being biased to a covered position
Data Source
AI summary
A multiwell assembly includes a microplate and a cover. The microplate includes a set of wells. Each well defines an opening. The cover includes a body and a shutter. The body of the cover is disposed over the microplate. The shutter is mounted to the body such that the shutter is movable over a range of travel between a first position, in which the shutter occludes the openings of the set of wells, and a second position, in which the shutter is in offset relationship to the openings of the set of wells to permit access to the set of wells through the respective openings.