Recirculating Diffusion Cell with Bubble Trap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Franz Cells face issues with bubble formation in the receptor chamber, inadequate stirring, and complex sampling methods, which hinder accurate transdermal diffusion testing and data acquisition.
Innovation Solution
The recirculating diffusion cell design incorporates a conduit with a bubble trap and a magnetically driven auger and stir bar to recirculate fluid, removing bubbles from under the membrane and enhancing stirring, while allowing for easy sampling through a vertical external loop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a Franz Cell is used for transdermal diffusion testing, then diffusion measurement can be conducted, but bubbles accumulate in the receptor chamber and prevent accurate measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful bubbles from the receptor chamber by introducing a recirculating flow system with a bubble trap. The flow conduit creates a circulation path that transports bubbles away from the membrane-receptor fluid interface and collects them in a designated trap, thereby removing the harmful factor while preserving the diffusion measurement function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by establishing a recirculating fluid flow system through the receptor chamber. The flow conduit creates continuous liquid circulation that carries bubbles away from critical areas, using the fluid dynamics of the receptor chamber contents to solve the bubble accumulation problem
2Measurement precision
If manual bubble removal is performed, then measurement accuracy improves, but productivity decreases due to constant intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing an automatic recirculating flow system that continuously removes bubbles without human intervention. The magnetically driven auger and flow conduit create a self-sustaining circulation system that autonomously transports and traps bubbles, allowing the diffusion testing to proceed uninterrupted and maintaining both accuracy and productivity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a recirculating flow system is added, then bubble removal improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing components that serve multiple purposes. The flow conduit not only removes bubbles but also provides magnetic coupling for the auger and creates recirculating flow for enhanced mixing. The bubble trap serves both as a collection point and as part of the recirculation system, reducing overall device complexity while achieving effective bubble removal
4Stability of the object's composition
If magnetic stirring is used, then mixing improves, but automation compatibility decreases without external drive mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical stirring system with a magnetic field-based actuation system. The magnetically driven auger is actuated by an external magnetic field source, eliminating the need for direct mechanical connections to the sealed diffusion cell. This substitution maintains effective mixing while enabling full automation compatibility, as the magnetic drive can be controlled remotely without compromising the cell's sealed environment
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
This design effectively removes bubbles, improves stirring efficiency, and simplifies sampling, ensuring continuous fluid motion and accurate data collection without manual intervention, even in automated systems.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetically driven stir bar disposed in the receptor chamber and adapted to drive the auger
Implementation Method 2
circulation of a flow of fluid through the conduit and the receptor chamber removes at least some bubbles from underneath the membrane in the receptor chamber and transports at least some of said bubbles from the receptor chamber to the bubble trap
Implementation Method 3
a membrane between and in contact with the bottom of the donor chamber and the upper end of the receptor chamber, the membrane adapted to diffuse a portion of the media in the liquid from the donor chamber to the receptor chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A diffusion cell includes: a donor chamber having bottom; a receptor chamber below and in fluid communication with the donor chamber, and having upper and lower ends; a membrane between and in contact with the bottom of the donor chamber and upper end of the receptor chamber, and adapted to diffuse some of the media in a liquid from the donor chamber to the receptor chamber; a conduit having a first port near the lower end of the receptor chamber and a second port above the first port and near the upper end of the receptor chamber; and a bubble trap in fluid communication with the upper end of the receptor chamber and having a third port higher than the second port; wherein circulation of a flow of fluid through the conduit and the receptor chamber removes bubbles from underneath the membrane and transports bubbles to the bubble trap.