Nozzle Assembly Oval Cross-Section for BF Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nozzle assemblies with integrated suction and jetting nozzles have a large cross-sectional ratio, leading to erroneous suction of magnetic particles during BF separation, which affects measurement accuracy in immunoreaction examinations.

Innovation Solution

A nozzle assembly with two nozzles integrated in contact, featuring a recess portion filled with a filling member and an oval cross-sectional shape, where the recess portion is flattened and only partially covered, along with a water-repellent coating, to prevent capillary action and erroneous suction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a collective nozzle with integrated suction and jetting nozzles is used, then BF separation efficiency is improved, but the cross-sectional ratio of the nozzle to the reaction container increases, making it easier for magnetic particles to be erroneously suctioned

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveBF separation efficiencyVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by selectively filling only the recess portion (valley) at the contact area between nozzles with a filling member, while leaving the main body of the nozzles uncovered. This localized modification prevents capillary action at the critical interface without increasing the overall nozzle cross-sectional area, thus maintaining both BF separation efficiency and preventing erroneous suction of magnetic particles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The filling member acts as an intermediary substance that fills the recess portion between the suction nozzle and jetting nozzle. This intermediary material prevents the formation of a continuous liquid pathway that would cause capillary action, thereby blocking the harmful effect (erroneous suction) while preserving the functional integrity of both nozzles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the suction nozzle and jetting nozzle are integrated and covered with a cover, then structural stability is improved, but the cross-sectional area increases, reducing the distance to magnetically collected particles and increasing erroneous suction risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiderroneous suction of magnetic particles
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of covering the entire integrated nozzle structure, the patent applies local quality by filling only the recess portion at the contact area between nozzles. This selective approach maintains structural stability where needed while minimizing the cross-sectional footprint that would interfere with magnetically collected particles, thus preventing erroneous suction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the treatment approach by distinguishing between the recess portion (which requires filling to prevent capillary action) and the main body of the nozzles (which should remain uncovered to minimize cross-sectional area). This segmentation allows the structure to achieve stability without increasing the harmful cross-sectional ratio

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution efficiently performs BF separation while suppressing erroneous suction of magnetic particles, maintaining measurement accuracy and stability in immunoreaction examinations.

Implementation Method 1

a recess portion that is generated in a part of an outer periphery of the two nozzles in contact with each other and that has a valley at a contact portion where the nozzles are in contact with each other is flattened by being filled with a filling member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

an outer periphery of the nozzle assembly is covered with a water-repellent coating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentEP4660635A1Nozzle assembly and inspection device
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP4660635A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4660635A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4660635A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

In a nozzle assembly and an examination apparatus, the nozzle assembly is a nozzle assembly in which two nozzles with circular cross sections are integrated in a state of being brought into contact with each other, in which a recess portion that is generated in a part of an outer periphery of the two nozzles in contact with each other and that has a valley at a contact portion where the nozzles are brought into contact with each other is flattened by being filled with a filling member, and a part of the outer periphery other than the recess portion, the part including both end parts of the outer periphery in a maximum diameter direction, is not covered by the filling member.