Replaceable Ground Electrode for Electrophysiology Plenum

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrophysiology measurement apparatuses require significant downtime and skill for replacing or rejuvenating ground electrodes due to their permanent mounting in plenum assemblies, which leads to inefficient and time-consuming processes as the electrodes deteriorate from frequent use, especially since only the top surfaces can be accessed for rejuvenation.

Innovation Solution

A ground electrode assembly with a housing and electrode design that allows for individual removal and reinstallation without breaking electrical connections, featuring a receptacle for tools, a sealing member, and a spring-loaded ground circuit for non-destructive contact, enabling easier access for rejuvenation and reducing downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ground electrodes are permanently mounted to the plenum base, then electrical connections are stable and reliable, but replacement and rejuvenation require significant downtime and skill

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoiddowntime for electrode replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The plenum base is divided into multiple receptacles, each capable of holding a ground electrode assembly. The ground electrodes are segmented into individual removable assemblies rather than being permanently fixed together, allowing independent replacement of each electrode without affecting others.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ground electrode assemblies are designed to be dynamically replaceable - they can be easily inserted into and removed from the receptacles. This dynamic design allows quick rejuvenation by soaking electrodes in cleaning solution and rapid replacement without requiring soldering or complex disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If ground electrodes are permanently mounted with hermetic sealing, then electrical connections are protected, but rejuvenation fluid cannot access all electrode surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection protectionVSAvoidelectrode rejuvenation accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The ground electrode assembly is segmented into a housing that seals the electrical connection area and an exposed electrode portion. This segmentation allows the sealed portion to protect connections while the exposed portion remains accessible to rejuvenation fluid for thorough cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing acts as an intermediary structure that provides hermetic sealing for the electrical connections while allowing the electrode工作面 to be exposed. This mediator structure resolves the conflict between protection and accessibility by separating these two functions into different parts of the assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If entire plenum assemblies are replaced for electrode rejuvenation, then electrode performance is restored, but operational efficiency decreases due to frequent replacements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode performanceVSAvoidassay throughput efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The plenum base with multiple receptacles is designed as a permanent structure, while only the ground electrode assemblies are replaceable. This segmentation allows rejuvenation of individual electrodes without replacing the entire plenum assembly, maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of discarding or replacing entire plenum assemblies, the invention allows for selective rejuvenation and recovery of individual ground electrode assemblies. The electrodes can be soaked in cleaning solution to remove contaminants and then quickly reinstalled, preserving valuable assay time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Reliability

If ground wires are soldered to circuitry for permanent connections, then electrical reliability is high, but replacement requires breaking solder joints and reassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidelectrode replacement simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection system transitions from static soldered joints to dynamic removable connections. Spring-loaded contacts and conductive elements allow reliable electrical connection during use but enable easy disconnection and replacement without damaging components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The soldering mechanical process is replaced with a spring-loaded electrical contact system. This substitution maintains reliable electrical connection through mechanical pressure and conductive materials while eliminating the need for thermal processing and complex disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12085559B2Replaceable ground electrode for electrophysiology, electrode rejuvenating apparatus, and related methods and systems

Publication Date: 2024.09.10 MOLECULAR DEVICES LLC

AI summary

A plenum assembly configured for electrophysiology assays, such as patch clamp techniques, includes one or more ground electrode assemblies. The ground electrode assemblies are individually removable from a plenum base of the plenum assembly in a non-destructive manner, and may be reinstalled in the plenum base in a manner that reestablishes electrical contact with ground circuitry without requiring soldering or other additional steps. A rejuvenating apparatus is provided for rejuvenating one or more ground electrode assemblies removed from the plenum base.