Reagent Container Septum Plug for Low-Evaporation Pipetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reagent containers in automated analyser systems face issues with reagent evaporation and concentration changes due to open states, complex sealing mechanisms, and costly cleaning processes, especially when using reusable needles or complex drive units.
Innovation Solution
A conical funnel-shaped plug with an embossed piercing area and sealing lip, designed for vertical movement, minimizes evaporation and oxidation by reducing the opening size and allows centralized pipetting, preventing material blockage and enabling efficient liquid handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the reagent container is left open for use in the analyser system, then the reagent can be accessed by the pipettor, but reagent evaporates and concentration changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastic septum (a flexible membrane) that can be pierced by the pipettor needle while maintaining its sealing function. The septum deforms locally to allow needle passage but returns to its original shape to maintain the seal, thus enabling reagent access while preventing evaporation.
Solution Approach 2:
The septum transitions from a closed sealing state to a pierced access state and back to a sealed state. This dynamic behavior allows the system to switch between protecting the reagent and allowing access, resolving the contradiction between sealing and usability.
2Reliability
If a foil seal is used, then the reagent container can be sealed, but the opening size is limited to the diameter of the pipettor needle
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic septum replaces the rigid foil seal. The flexibility of the septum material allows it to deform and accommodate larger opening sizes while maintaining sealing integrity, thus improving ease of operation without compromising reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the entire upper surface of the liquid is exposed, then the reagent can be accessed freely, but evaporation occurs on the entire surface
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic septum acts as a barrier membrane that covers the entire liquid surface while allowing localized access. The pipettor needle pierces the septum to access the reagent, but the rest of the liquid surface remains covered and sealed, preventing widespread evaporation.
4Reliability
If reusable needles are used with elastic septum sealing, then cleaning is required after every use, which is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recommends using disposable needle tips instead of reusable needles when working with elastic septum seals. This eliminates the need for time-consuming cleaning processes while maintaining the sealing protection benefits of the elastic septum system.
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing for a reagent container and provides a sealing plug which can be adapted to the respective reagent container. Within the meaning of the present disclosure the terms plug, and stopper will be used synonymously. A liquid which is deposited in a reagent container like a vial or tube is protected by a plug from both, evaporation, and oxidation by ambient air during its presence in the reagent container. In addition, when the reagent container is provided to the analyser, the plug reduces evaporation and oxidation of liquids like reagents. A system comprising the plug and a method for using the plug are also disclosed.