Microscale Sampling Device With Gravity-Driven Resistance Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sampling devices are unsuitable for Point of Care Testing (POCT) due to size constraints and risk of contamination, and existing microchannel devices are limited in their ability to accurately sample and dispense multiple samples, particularly for clinical samples with uncontrolled component proportions.
Innovation Solution
A self-driving sampling device with a frame, sample container, communicating channel, and resistance channels that utilize gravity and discontinuous shape changes to drive liquid samples into sampling chambers without the need for additional pressure sources, allowing for accurate and controlled sampling and dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional large equipment with three-axis robot and pipettor is used for sampling, then sampling accuracy can be achieved, but the device size becomes too large for POCT application and the sampling chamber and transferring route are open causing contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent sampling chambers (first sampling chamber, second sampling chamber, etc.) connected through communicating channels within a single integrated chip structure. This segmentation allows the device to perform multiple sampling operations simultaneously while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for POCT applications.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sampling chambers and communicating channels are integrated within a single chip housing, with the communicating channels nested within the chip structure to provide sealed transfer routes. This nesting approach enables complex sampling functionality while minimizing overall device size.
2Measurement precision
If a conventional large equipment with three-axis robot and pipettor is used for sampling, then sampling accuracy can be achieved, but the sampling chamber and transferring route are open causing contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sampling chambers and communicating channels are integrated within a single chip housing, with the communicating channels nested within the chip structure to provide sealed transfer routes. This nesting approach enables complex sampling functionality while minimizing overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The communicating channels are formed as sealed internal passages within the chip structure, creating a closed and protected environment for sample transfer. This prevents exposure to external contamination while maintaining sampling accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If electric control sampling device is used to detect polarizable liquid or particles, then a specific quantity of sample can be taken accurately, but the sample should withstand serious electric field change and be polarizable limiting application to specific sample types
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces electric field-based control with gravity-based passive flow control. The communicating channels are designed with specific orientations and the chip can be tilted to use gravity as the driving force for sample transfer, eliminating the need for samples to be polarizable and expanding compatibility to all liquid sample types.
4Measurement precision
If physical control sampling device is used to accurately take specific quantity of sample by mechanical structure, then sampling accuracy is achieved, but the device only operates single sampling and dispensing process at the same time making it unsuitable for group sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent sampling chambers (first sampling chamber, second sampling chamber, etc.) connected through communicating channels within a single integrated chip structure. This segmentation allows the device to perform multiple sampling operations simultaneously while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for POCT applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The chip structure integrates multiple sampling chambers and communicating channels into a single device that can perform multiple sampling operations simultaneously or sequentially, providing universal applicability for group sampling of various sample types without requiring separate devices for each sample.
5Ease of operation
If additional pressure sources are used to drive liquid samples into sampling chambers, then sampling can be controlled, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses passive gravity-driven flow control where the chip can be tilted to allow liquid samples to flow naturally into the sampling chambers through the communicating channels. This self-service approach eliminates the need for active pressure sources while maintaining sampling control, significantly simplifying the device structure.
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
Enables accurate and efficient sampling and dispensing of liquid samples without contamination, eliminating the need for additional pressure sources and simplifying the device structure, while accommodating multiple sampling chambers and varying sample quantities.
Implementation Method 1
A self-driving sampling device with a frame, sample container, communicating channel, and resistance channels that utilize gravity and discontinuous shape changes to drive liquid samples into sampling chambers without the need for additional pressure sources
Data Source
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AI summary
A microscale sampling device including a frame (100) is provided in the present invention, a sample container (121a), a communicating channel (111) and a resistance channel (130) are defined in the frame (100). At least one sampling chamber (112) is defined in the communicating channel (111). An end of the communicating channel (111) is communicated with the sample container (121a) and the communicating channel (111) is arranged below the sample container (121a). An end of the resistance channel (130) is communicated with the sampling chamber (112), and the other end of the resistance channel (130) is communicated to an output joint (140). The resistance channel (130) is shaped with at least one discontinuous shape change.