Multi-Chamber Pipette Tip Assembly for Low-Contamination Sample Prep
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional biological sample preparation methods require multiple consumable products and steps, leading to increased contamination risk, cost, and user error, while existing systems lack a simple, automated solution for sample preparation in a single consumable product.
Innovation Solution
A multi-chamber pipette tip assembly with integrated pistons and channels for automated sample preparation, allowing for collection, mixing, and processing of biological samples within a single consumable apparatus, reducing the need for intermediate steps and improving accuracy and repeatability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multi-step sample preparation methods are used, then sample processing can be performed, but contamination risk increases and preparation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sample preparation chambers (collection chamber, lysis chamber, neutralizing chamber) into a single integrated pipette tip assembly. This merging of previously separate consumable products into one unified device eliminates multiple transfer steps between containers, thereby reducing contamination risk while maintaining efficient sample processing workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The single pipette tip assembly performs multiple functions sequentially: sample collection, lysis, neutralization, and preparation for analysis. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple specialized consumable products, reducing both contamination risk from repeated handling and preparation time from multi-step procedures
2Reliability
If multiple consumable products are used for sample preparation, then sample processing can be performed, but costs increase and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of multiple separate consumable products (collection tube, lysis buffer container, neutralizing agent container) into a single integrated pipette tip assembly with internally separated chambers. This reduces the quantity of consumable products from multiple items to one, thereby reducing cost and eliminating contamination risks associated with transferring samples between multiple consumable containers
Solution Approach 2:
The single pipette tip assembly serves as a universal device that performs sample collection, lysis, and neutralization functions that previously required separate specialized consumables. This multi-functionality reduces the number of consumable products needed while maintaining all necessary sample preparation capabilities
3Measurement precision
If manual sample preparation steps are used, then sample processing can be performed, but user error increases and preparation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipette tip assembly is designed to perform sample preparation operations automatically through its internal chamber architecture and fluid communication pathways. When a piston is actuated, it automatically drives fluid through the designated channels and chambers in sequence, eliminating the need for manual intervention in each step and reducing user error while maintaining efficient processing speed
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 multi-chamber pipette tip assembly enables efficient, automated sample preparation, minimizing contamination, reducing costs, and enhancing the reliability and precision of sample processing by integrating multiple functions into a single device.
Implementation Method 1
moving a first side piston to increase a first local pressure in a first side chamber such that a first fluid medium contained within the first side chamber is directed through a primary channel into the intake chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A tip assembly comprising a body defining a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of chambers therein, the plurality of chambers comprising: an intake chamber defining an inlet a the second end for passing a biological sample and comprising an intake piston positioned at least partially in the intake chamber; an output chamber defining an outlet at the second end for passing the biological sample and comprising an output piston positioned at least partially in the chamber; a mixing chamber positioned between the intake chamber and the output chamber and comprising a mixing piston positioned at least partially in the mixing chamber; a primary channel extending between the intake chamber and the mixing chamber; and a secondary channel extending between the mixing chamber and the output chamber.