PCR Consumable Sealing Foil for Automated Sample Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PCR sample preparation methods require multiple separate parts for sealing, leading to increased complexity, manual handling, and higher costs, while existing microfluidic devices are complex and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A consumable with integrated sealing elements, comprising a rotatable cover foil and flexible bridges, allowing for automated, air-tight sealing of multiple cavities, and enabling stackable and tolerance-compensated handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate PCR caps and tubes are used for sealing, then the sealing function is achieved, but the device complexity and handling steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing cap and the reaction tube into a single integrated consumable unit. The cap is permanently attached to the tube body, eliminating the need for separate handling and assembly of cap and tube. This integration directly reduces device complexity while maintaining the sealing function through the combined structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated consumable serves multiple functions: it provides the reaction chamber, the sealing mechanism, and the sample containment in a single unit. The cap-integrated tube design allows the same object to fulfill both containment and sealing roles, reducing the number of components needed while achieving reliable sealing.
2Device complexity
If manual sealing of cavities is performed, then the complexity of the consumable is reduced, but the productivity and automation capability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing cap is pre-integrated with the reaction tube during manufacturing, so that the sealing function is already prepared and built-in before the consumable reaches the user. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for manual sealing operations during sample preparation, enabling full automation while keeping the consumable structure relatively simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If microfluidic chips are used for sample processing, then the integration of functions is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex microfluidic chip with integrated channels and chambers, the patent applies a simple local solution: a cap that fits onto the tube opening. This localized sealing approach achieves the necessary function integration without the manufacturing complexity of microfluidic devices, maintaining ease of manufacture while providing adequate adaptability for PCR processing.
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
Facilitates fast, easy, and reliable sample preparation with reduced handling steps, lower costs, and precise thermal transfer, while allowing fluorescence measurements directly within the cavities.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one cavity is connected via a flexible bridge to the rim
Implementation Method 2
a heating element arranged below the consumable for sealing the cover foil to the consumable
Data Source
AI summary
A consumable which is a device intended for single use comprising a cavity for receiving a liquid. The disclosure provides a consumable for use in an automated analyser system for performing biochemical assays, comprising a rim surrounding at least one cavity for receiving a fluid, wherein the at least one cavity is connected via a flexible bridge to the rim; and a cover foil that is arranged on top of the consumable and above the openings of the at least one cavity, wherein the cover foil comprises holes which are configured to be arranged in an open position above the openings of all cavities, wherein the cover foil is connected rotatable at and around a centrally arranged hole.