Microplate Pressurization via Elastomeric Membrane Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for pressurizing small volume liquid samples in microplates are not practical for automated analysis systems, as they require large and costly pressure vessels, and existing techniques for high-pressure processing of microplates are not compatible with miniaturization, leading to issues with sample cross-contamination and limited pressure control.
Innovation Solution
A pressurizable sample system with a microplate design featuring individual small pressure chambers for each sample well, where pressurizing fluid is communicated through the elastic wall of the well, allowing for parallel processing and reduced equipment size, using a carrier body with a foot for clamping and pressure distribution to maintain high pressure without the need for large vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If traditional large pressure vessels are used to pressurize microplate samples, then high pressure can be achieved, but the equipment size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pressurization function into individual pressure chambers, each corresponding to a sample well. Each chamber is a small-scale pressure cell that can be independently pressurized, eliminating the need for a single large pressure vessel. This segmentation allows high pressure to be achieved in small, manageable units that fit within the microplate format.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure chambers are nested within the microplate structure itself, with each well serving as a containment volume. The microplate acts as the housing for multiple pressure chambers, creating a hierarchical structure where small pressure cells are integrated within the larger microplate framework. This nesting eliminates the need for separate large pressure vessels.
2Stress or pressure
If traditional pressurization methods are used, then high pressure can be applied, but sample cross-contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Each sample well has its own dedicated pressure chamber and fluid communication path, creating physical isolation between samples. The elastomeric membrane seals each chamber individually, ensuring that pressurization fluid for one sample cannot contact or contaminate adjacent samples. This segmented architecture eliminates cross-contamination while maintaining high pressure capability.
3Ease of operation
If manual sample handling is used for traditional pressurization, then samples can be processed, but operator error and sample loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to interface directly with automated liquid handling systems and analytical instruments. Samples remain in the microplate throughout the pressurization process, eliminating the need for manual transfer between containers. The automated interfaces allow robots and liquid handlers to load and unload samples without human intervention, reducing operator error and sample loss.
4Stress or pressure
If large pressure vessels are used, then high pressure can be maintained, but power requirements and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple small pressure chambers instead of one large vessel, reducing the total volume of fluid that needs to be pressurized. Each chamber requires less energy to pressurize, and the distributed architecture allows for more efficient heat dissipation. The small scale of individual chambers reduces the power requirements while maintaining the ability to achieve high pressures.
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 reduces the size and power requirements of high-pressure processing equipment, enables efficient parallel processing of multiple samples, and minimizes sample cross-contamination while maintaining compatibility with downstream analytical systems.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric membrane positioned adjacent to the open end of the pressure cell and in fluid communication with the pressurizing fluid such that application of the pressurizing fluid to the elastomeric membrane deforms the elastomeric membrane and transfers at least a portion of the applied pressure to the sample mixture contained within the sample well
Data Source
AI summary
A pressurizable sample system includes a microplate having a planar plate surface and several sample wells. Each sample well has a flange positioned circumferentially around an outer surface of the sample well and against the planar plate surface. The sample system further includes a capping plate with a planar cap surface and several caps projecting from the planar cap surface. Each cap has a geometrical configuration in complementary correspondence with the configuration of the sample well.