Reagent Dispensing Device with Vent Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the preparation and dispensing of diagnostic and life science reagents, existing methods often result in errors due to contamination, improper mixing, and operator mistakes, leading to compromised reagent quality and potential false results in diagnostics and treatments.
Innovation Solution
A reagent preparation and dispensing device that isolates reagents from moisture and contaminants, using a mechanism with plungers and a vent path to ensure precise reconstitution and dispensing of reagents, including a frangible tip for sealed dispensing and a flushing fluid chamber for complete delivery of the reagent mixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If reagents are prepared manually at the point of use, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but preparation precision and reliability deteriorate due to operator errors and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate sealed chambers: a first chamber containing the lyophilized reagent and a second chamber containing the liquid diluent. This segmentation prevents premature mixing and contamination while allowing precise controlled mixing when needed, thus maintaining both flexibility and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The reagent is pre-lyophilized and sealed in the first chamber before use, and the diluent is pre-prepared and sealed in the second chamber. This preliminary preparation ensures that both components are ready for precise mixing at the point of use without contamination or measurement errors during the actual preparation process.
2Ease of operation
If reagents are exposed to moisture during storage and handling, then ease of operation is improved, but reagent stability and purity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The first chamber containing the lyophilized reagent is sealed to create a protected environment that excludes moisture and contaminants. This inert environment maintains reagent stability and purity while allowing the reagent to be stored and handled conveniently until the moment of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The first chamber containing the lyophilized reagent is nested within or alongside the second chamber containing the diluent, both sealed independently. This nested structure allows convenient handling of the complete reagent system while maintaining separate protected environments for each component until mixing is required.
3Manufacturing precision
If complete mixing of reagent and diluent is ensured, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a dynamic mixing mechanism where the plunger can be moved to different positions: initially keeping chambers separate for storage, then advancing to pierce the partition for mixing, and finally withdrawing to dispense. This dynamic structure achieves complete mixing without requiring complex static mixing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing process occurs in distinct periodic stages: (1) storage phase with sealed separation, (2) mixing phase where the plunger pierces the partition and forces diluent through the reagent, and (3) dispensing phase where the mixture is delivered. This periodic action ensures complete mixing while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
4Loss of substance
If full dispensing of reagent solution is achieved, then loss of substance is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional controls needed
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides tactile feedback through the plunger mechanism that indicates when the mixing is complete and when dispensing is complete. The plunger's movement through defined paths and its interaction with the chamber structures give the operator clear feedback on the status of each operation, ensuring complete dispensing while maintaining ease of use.
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 device ensures precise reconstitution and dispensing of reagents, minimizing contamination and operator errors, thereby enhancing the reliability and accuracy of diagnostic results by maintaining a sterile environment and providing affirmative feedback for complete reagent delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a vent path extending from the reaction chamber to outside of the body. The vent path vents gases from the reaction chamber displaced by the addition of the solution
Implementation Method 2
a frangible tip for sealed dispensing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A reagent preparation and dispensing device includes a body having a reaction chamber for a reagent and a solution reservoir for a solution. The solution reservoir is isolated from the reaction chamber. A plunger is movably coupled with the body. Movement of the plunger from a starting position to a seated position pushes the solution into the reaction chamber. A dispensing path extends from the reaction chamber out of the body. The dispensing path is configured to dispense a reagent mixture formed from the solution and the reagent. A vent path extends from the reaction chamber, the vent path vents reaction chamber gas displaced by the addition of the solution to the reaction chamber throughout movement of the plunger from the starting position to the seated position.