Reagent Cartridge Floating Lid to Limit Oxygen Diffusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reagent cartridges fail to effectively prevent or reduce oxidation of reagents due to inadequate sealing, oxygen presence, or punctured seals, leading to increased oxygen diffusion and reagent degradation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating engineering control agents such as floating lids, plastic pellets, or oils on the top surface of reagent wells to minimize the exposed reagent area, thereby reducing oxygen diffusion and maintaining reagent integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cover or sealed foil is positioned over the well containing the reagent, then oxidation of the reagent is reduced or prevented, but the seal may be punctured or oxygen may still diffuse into the well
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an oxygen-scavenging material as an intermediary layer between the reagent and the cover/foil seal. This material actively consumes oxygen that diffuses through the seal, preventing oxidation of the reagent without requiring the seal to be perfectly airtight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an oxygen-depleted (inert) environment within the well by incorporating oxygen-scavenging materials. This transforms the atmosphere from oxygen-rich to oxygen-poor, protecting the reagent from oxidation even when oxygen diffusion occurs through the seal.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cartridge is designed to minimize headspace volume, then oxygen diffusion is reduced, but the cartridge design becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the headspace by introducing oxygen-scavenging materials. Instead of relying solely on minimizing physical headspace volume, the solution modifies the chemical environment to actively consume oxygen, providing protection even with larger headspace volumes.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If reagents are stored for extended periods (e.g., 36+ hours), then oxidation accumulates and reagent chemistry degrades, but frequent replacement increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating oxygen-scavenging materials into the cartridge before reagent storage begins. These materials proactively consume oxygen during the storage period, preventing oxidation accumulation and maintaining reagent stability over extended durations without requiring frequent replacement.
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 implementation of floating lids, plastic pellets, or oils in reagent cartridges significantly reduces oxidation by minimizing the reagent's surface area exposed to oxygen, ensuring reagent stability and compatibility with minimal headspace volume.
Implementation Method 1
reducing oxygen diffusion and maintaining reagent integrity
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for reducing oxidation of reagents in a reagent cartridge are disclosed. In according with an implementation, an apparatus includes a reagent cartridge comprising a plurality of side walls and an end wall that form a well. A reagent is disposed within the well and a floating lid is disposed in the well on a top surface of the reagent. The floating lid covers a majority of the top surface of the reagent.