Plasma-Treated Elastomer Sample Chamber for Contamination-Free Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample chamber manufacturing methods face challenges with energy-intensive ultrasonic welding and adhesive use, which can lead to contamination due to solvent residues and elastomer absorption or release of components into liquids.
Innovation Solution
A method involving plasma treatment of contact surfaces between elastomer and glass components to create a solvent-free, liquid-tight connection without adhesives, using atmospheric or corona plasma with reactive gases to ensure a stable and contamination-reduced sample chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If ultrasonic welding is used to connect components, then connection strength is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ultrasonic welding system with a chemical bonding system using plasma-treated surfaces. The plasma treatment creates reactive surface groups that form chemical bonds between components, eliminating the need for energy-intensive ultrasonic welding while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface energy and chemical state of components through plasma treatment. By modifying surface parameters (creating hydroxyl groups and increasing surface energy), the components achieve strong adhesion without mechanical welding, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining connection strength.
2Strength
If adhesive or tacky layers are used to connect components, then connection is achieved, but solvent residues cause contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the adhesive layer from the connection system. By using plasma-treated surfaces that bond directly to each other, the adhesive substance and its solvents are completely removed, preventing contamination while maintaining connection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma-treated surface acts as an intermediary that enables direct bonding between components. The reactive surface groups created by plasma treatment serve as chemical mediators that facilitate strong adhesion without requiring external adhesives, thus eliminating solvent contamination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If elastomer is used in contact with liquid samples, then flexibility is improved, but elastomer absorbs liquids or releases components causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions: the elastomer provides flexibility where needed, while plasma-treated glass or plastic surfaces provide chemical resistance and non-absorptive properties in contact with liquid samples. This local differentiation maintains flexibility while preventing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining elastomer with plasma-treated glass or plastic components. The composite structure leverages the flexibility of elastomer while using the chemically inert, non-absorptive properties of plasma-treated surfaces to prevent contamination of liquid samples.
4Manufacturing precision
If plasma treatment is applied to contact surfaces, then connection quality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies plasma treatment as a preliminary surface preparation step before assembly. By pre-treating surfaces to create reactive groups, the actual bonding process becomes simpler and more reliable, improving connection quality while the added step remains manageable in the manufacturing workflow.
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
This method enables a permanent, solvent-free, and liquid-tight connection between sample chamber components, reducing the risk of contamination and improving stability, while avoiding the use of energy-intensive welding and harmful solvents.
Implementation Method 1
by treating a contact surface, in particular which comprises an elastomer, with a plasma, with a plasma exhaust gas and/or with a reactive gas, a surface can be provided which enables a permanent, solvent-free and liquid-tight connection of components
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
Preparing a sample chamber, comprises (a) providing a first component (20) comprising an elastomer and a second component (30), (b) treating the elastomer in the region of a contact surface of the first component, and/or treating a contact surface of the second component with a plasma, a plasma gas and/or with a reactive gas, and (c) connecting the contact surface of the first component to the contact surface of the second component. Preparing a sample chamber, comprises (a) providing a first component (20) comprising an elastomer and a second component (30), (b) treating the elastomer in the region of a contact surface of the first component, and/or treating a contact surface of the second component with a plasma, a plasma gas and/or with a reactive gas, and (c) connecting the contact surface of the first component to the contact surface of the second component. The first component is formed such that a part of the first component, in which a part of the elastomer is arranged, extends under the connection of the first to the second component on one side surface of the second component. A reservoir is obtained by connecting the first and the second component. The first component is a side wall or a bottom of the reservoir. The first component comprises a first- and an associated second element, and only the second element comprises the elastomer. The first element is arranged such that it partially or at least covers the second element on a side facing away from the reservoir.