Peripheral Recess Liquid Storage Cavity for Bubble-Free Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Point-of-care diagnostic devices face issues with air bubbles in liquid storage cavities, which can interfere with measurements and require larger storage volumes due to incomplete liquid removal, leading to real-estate constraints on these devices.
Innovation Solution
A liquid storage cavity design featuring a peripheral recess around its periphery, allowing for continuous liquid flow without air bubbles by establishing a liquid bridge, and optimized geometry to minimize liquid retention and maximize bubble-free liquid extraction, even when the cavity is upside-down.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional liquid storage cavity is used, then the cavity can store liquid, but air bubbles form in the liquid flow interfering with measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a peripheral recess around the periphery of the liquid storage cavity, creating a new dimensional feature at the boundary between the cavity interior and exterior. This recess provides an additional liquid reservoir that feeds into the outlet, ensuring continuous liquid flow and preventing air bubbles from entering the measurement system. The recess acts as a buffer zone that maintains liquid supply even when the main cavity is depleted.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the liquid storage cavity volume is increased to prevent bubble formation, then bubble-free liquid flow is achieved, but real-estate on the device is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid storage system is segmented into two distinct components: the main liquid storage cavity and the peripheral recess. The peripheral recess acts as a separate liquid reservoir that specifically addresses bubble formation at the outlet, while the main cavity stores the bulk liquid. This segmentation allows the recess to be optimized for preventing air bubbles without significantly increasing the overall storage volume, as the recess utilizes the peripheral space around the cavity rather than adding to its central volume.
3Productivity
If the cavity is designed to maximize liquid removal, then more liquid can be extracted, but liquid retention in the cavity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral recess is pre-filled with liquid before the main cavity is depleted. This preliminary liquid in the recess ensures that when liquid is being extracted from the main cavity, the recess continuously supplies liquid to the outlet, maintaining uninterrupted flow. The recess acts as a pre-positioned liquid buffer that prevents air ingress during the extraction process, allowing more complete removal of liquid from the main cavity without introducing bubbles.
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 design ensures efficient removal of bubble-free liquid, reducing storage volume needs and minimizing liquid retention, thus addressing the constraints on point-of-care diagnostic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The volume of liquid housed within the elongate peripheral recess provides a continuous fluid path around the periphery (or portion thereof) of the cavity. This means that liquid can be drawn from the elongate peripheral recess to an outlet of the cavity
Implementation Method 2
The first wall portion may define a fillet between the second wall portion and the base. The radius of the fillet defined by the first wall portion may be between 0.15 mm and 1 mm. This range of fillet radii is useful for certain liquids by maintaining a continuous liquid feed within the peripheral recess (without breakage of the liquid within the peripheral recess)
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to a liquid storage cavity, comprising: a base; one or more walls extending from the base, wherein the liquid storage cavity has a volume defined by the base and the one or more walls; and a periphery at which the one or more walls are joined to the base, wherein at least a portion of the periphery includes a peripheral recess defined by the base and at least one of the one or more walls, wherein the peripheral recess is configured to house a volume of liquid.