Reagent Card Flow-Stopping Structure for Sample Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reagent cards for medical diagnostics face challenges in reliably controlling the flow of liquid samples, leading to risks of leakage and failure in sample analysis.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a reagent card with a mounting body that includes a hollow needle, a sealing portion, and a gas inlet channel with a flow-stopping structure. This design allows for precise control of gas flow into the sample tube, preventing liquid sample leakage and ensuring reliable sample drawing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the gas inlet channel is opened to enable gas flow into the sample tube, then the liquid sample can be drawn into the test chamber, but the liquid sample may leak out through the gas inlet channel and contaminate the detection device
Solution Approach 1:
A flow-stopping structure is introduced as an intermediary component in the gas inlet channel. This structure selectively allows gas to pass through while blocking liquid samples, preventing contamination of the detection device while maintaining efficient sample drawing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The gas inlet channel is segmented into different functional zones: an upper portion that allows gas flow for sample drawing, and a lower portion with the flow-stopping structure that prevents liquid leakage. This segmentation enables independent control of gas and liquid flow paths
2Ease of operation
If the sample feeding channel is compressed and deformed to close it, then liquid sample flow is stopped, but the sample feeding channel may fail to restore properly causing operational failures
Solution Approach 1:
The flow-stopping structure serves as a mechanical intermediary that physically blocks the liquid sample path without requiring compression of the sample feeding channel. This eliminates the risk of improper restoration while maintaining reliable flow control
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical compression system is replaced with a flow-stopping structure that uses geometric design rather than force application to control liquid flow. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues associated with elastic restoration
3Adaptability or versatility
If the reagent card is not disconnected in time after test completion, then the liquid sample may enter the gas inlet channel due to siphonic action, but without proper blocking the sample can flow out and cause contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The flow-stopping structure is pre-positioned in the gas inlet channel to counteract the siphonic action before it can cause contamination. This preliminary protective measure automatically prevents liquid leakage even when the reagent card is left connected after testing
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 solution effectively prevents liquid sample leakage and ensures reliable sample drawing by controlling gas flow and using a flow-stopping structure, thereby improving the reliability of medical diagnostic tests.
Implementation Method 1
the gas inlet channel includes a gas outlet hole, a gas inlet hole, and a first flow-stopping structure... the first flow-stopping structure is disposed between the gas outlet hole and the gas inlet hole
Implementation Method 2
as the venting end is connected to the negative pressure generator to generate a suction force, the liquid in the sample tube can be sucked into the sample feeding channel through the hollow needle
Implementation Method 3
even if the gas inlet channel produces a siphonic action such that the liquid sample in the sample tube enters the gas inlet channel through the gas outlet hole
Data Source
AI summary
An in vitro diagnostic analyzer and a reagent card. The reagent card includes a reagent card body and a mounting body. The mounting body includes a mounting hole configured to receive a sample tube, a hollow needle disposed in the mounting hole, a sealing portion disposed in the mounting hole, and a gas inlet channel. An end of the hollow needle is capable of being inserted into the sample tube. The sealing portion is capable of being in sealing fit with an outer wall of the sample tube. The gas inlet channel includes a gas outlet hole, a gas inlet hole, and a first flow-stopping structure. The gas inlet hole is disposed in a surface of the reagent card body. The first flow-stopping structure is disposed between the gas outlet hole and the gas inlet hole. The gas outlet hole is configured to be in fluid communication with the sample tube mounted on the mounting hole. The reagent card body includes a sample feeding channel, a test chamber, and a venting end. The sample feeding channel is in fluid communication with a liquid outlet end of the hollow needle. The sample feeding channel and the venting end are both in fluid communication with the test chamber.