Pipette Tip Segmentation for Hermetic Sealing in Biochemical Test Kits
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Solution Overview
Problem
In biochemical testing apparatuses using analysis chips, there are challenges in achieving reliable liquid delivery and complete liquid collection due to resistance in the microchannel, difficulties in hermetically sealing the pipette tip insertion portion, and issues with residual liquids causing bubble formation that hinder precise measurements.
Innovation Solution
The use of a test kit with a pipette tip designed to match the dimensions of the analysis chip, combined with a multi-stage liquid delivery method that ensures air permeability and prevents bubble formation, allows for reliable liquid delivery and complete collection without compromising sealability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressure is applied to the pipette tip insertion portion to deliver liquid into the microchannel, then liquid delivery is achieved, but hermetic sealing becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion hole hermetic seal is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion that maintains hermetic sealing and a second portion that facilitates liquid delivery. This segmentation allows the seal to perform both functions - maintaining reliability during sealing while enabling productivity during liquid delivery through the dedicated second portion.
2Quantity of substance
If the pipette tip is inserted deeply to collect liquid completely from the microchannel, then complete liquid collection is achieved, but residual liquid causes bubble formation that hinders measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful factor (residual liquid causing bubbles) is extracted and removed by designing the second portion of the hermetic seal to extend into the microchannel. This allows the system to reach deep into the channel to collect liquid completely while the seal structure prevents bubble formation by maintaining proper sealing even at deep insertion depths.
3Productivity
If the hole of the insertion hole hermetic seal is increased to allow pipette tip penetration, then liquid delivery is enabled, but sealability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hermetic seal is segmented into a first portion for maintaining sealability and a second portion extending into the microchannel for enabling liquid delivery. This segmentation allows the hole to be large enough for pipette tip penetration while the first portion maintains adequate sealability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the hermetic seal have different functional qualities: the first portion is optimized for sealability while the second portion is optimized for liquid delivery. This local differentiation of properties allows both sealability and liquid delivery to be achieved simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
A test kit of the present invention includes an analysis chip (3000) and a pipette tip (4001). The pipette tip (4001) includes: a first portion coming in contact with an insertion hole hermetic seal (3111) when the pipette tip (4001) is inserted into a pipette tip insertion portion (3101) so as to allow a liquid dispensation port (4002) to be positioned at or in the vicinity of a bottom surface of the pipette tip insertion portion (3101); and a second portion positioned closer to the liquid dispensation port (4002) side than the first portion. The outer diameter of the second portion is formed to be equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the first portion and any portion between the first portion and the second portion.