Diagnostic Proboscis Splash Guard and Segmented Lumen Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diagnostic instrument proboscises often clog due to sticky sample fluids that splash or coagulate, affecting metering accuracy and instrument operability.
Innovation Solution
A proboscis with an enlarged lumen and a splash guard that directs air through a tortuous path, minimizing fluid contact with the orifice and reducing clogging risks, featuring a radially recessed portion with radially disposed bores and a splash guard to prevent fluid from reaching the orifice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional proboscis with a constant diameter lumen is used, then the device structure is simple, but the lumen becomes clogged by sticky sample fluids that splash or coagulate
Solution Approach 1:
The lumen is segmented into multiple sections with different diameters: an enlarged intermediate section and a smaller distal section. This segmentation allows the lumen to resist clogging in the enlarged section while maintaining precision metering in the smaller distal section, resolving the contradiction between clogging resistance and metering accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The proboscis design adds a radial dimension to the lumen structure by creating an enlarged intermediate section that protrudes radially outward. This dimensional change provides a larger cross-sectional area for fluid flow, reducing the likelihood of clogging while maintaining the overall compact structure.
2Reliability
If the lumen diameter is enlarged to prevent clogging, then clogging resistance improves, but the metering precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lumen is divided into functional segments: an enlarged intermediate section for clogging resistance and a smaller distal section for precise metering. This segmentation allows each section to optimize for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between preventing clogs and maintaining metering accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the lumen have different diameters tailored to their specific functions. The intermediate section has a larger diameter locally to prevent clogging, while the distal section maintains a smaller, precise diameter for accurate metering. This local quality variation resolves the contradiction between clogging resistance and metering precision.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the proboscis moves smoothly in axial and lateral directions, then fluid splashing is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enlarged intermediate lumen section acts as a preliminary protective structure that prevents fluid from reaching and clogging the distal orifice, even when splashing occurs during normal operation. This preliminary anti-action reduces the need for complex motion control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The enlarged intermediate lumen section serves as an intermediary protective zone between the fluid path and the distal orifice. This intermediary structure allows fluid to pass through safely without directly contacting the critical metering orifice, reducing the impact of splashing without requiring complex motion control.
4Reliability
If a disposable tip is removably fitted on the distal end, then contamination is reduced, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A disposable tip is used at the distal end of the proboscis to prevent contamination of the main lumen and orifice. The tip is inexpensive and single-use, eliminating the need for complex cleaning or sterilization procedures while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The proboscis is segmented into a reusable main body and a disposable tip. This segmentation allows the critical metering components to remain protected and reusable while the disposable tip handles direct fluid contact, simplifying contamination control without requiring complex assembly mechanisms.
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 proboscis design minimizes clogging and maintains accuracy by preventing fluid from entering the lumen and orifice, ensuring consistent performance over time.
Implementation Method 1
The metering pump creates a partial vacuum or partial pressure within the proboscis lumen 4, and concomitantly within the disposable tip, to selectively draw into the tip or dispense therefrom a specific amount of a sample liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A proboscis for use with a diagnostic instrument includes an elongated main body having a proximal end and an opposite distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The distal end includes an orifice which is in fluid communication with the lumen. A fluid splash guard is affixed to the main body at the distal end, and provides protection for the orifice and lumen from being clogged with a sample fluid.