Ribbed Cap Structure for Leak-Proof Assay Receptacle Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated molecular assay instruments face limitations in assay capabilities, particularly for sensitive assays like nucleic acid detection and amplification, leading to reduced sample throughput and flexibility, and there is a need for consumable components that minimize contamination, enhance detection, and improve system operability.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece receptacle with a cylindrical upper portion and tapered lower portion, featuring an annular ring and longitudinally oriented grooves, paired with a cap having linear ribs and locking arms, facilitates secure engagement and automated handling, while a multi-well tray and cartridge system enable efficient reagent storage and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cap is designed with internal ribs to engage with external recesses for secure attachment, then the reliability of the cap-receptacle connection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional structural features
Solution Approach 1:
The cap features asymmetric linear ribs positioned at specific locations on its inner surface, corresponding to recesses on the receptacle. This asymmetric configuration provides secure engagement while simplifying the overall design compared to symmetric multi-directional locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap integrates multiple functions into a single component: sealing engagement, mechanical attachment via ribs and recesses, and alignment features. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate parts needed while maintaining connection reliability.
2Ease of operation
If multiple linear ribs are positioned on the inner surface of the cap to correspond with recesses on the receptacle, then the ease of operation for automated handling is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The linear ribs and corresponding recesses are pre-positioned during manufacturing to establish precise alignment relationships. This preliminary action ensures that during automated handling, the cap and receptacle align correctly without requiring high-precision positioning operations at the time of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib structures concentrate engagement features at specific locations on the cap's inner surface, creating localized high-precision zones that guide alignment. This local quality approach allows manufacturing precision to be focused where it is most needed rather than distributed throughout the entire component.
3Device complexity
If a single-piece receptacle design is used with integrated annular ring and grooves, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for different assay configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The single-piece receptacle incorporates universal features such as an annular ring for sealing and longitudinally oriented grooves that can accommodate various cap types and assay configurations. These multi-functional elements allow the same receptacle design to be used across different assay types without requiring customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle is designed with distinct functional segments: an upper portion with grooves for cap engagement, an annular ring for sealing, and a lower portion for receptacle holder insertion. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function while maintaining overall design simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cap having a lower portion, an upper portion with an opening formed therein, and a plurality of longitudinally oriented ribs disposed on an inner surface of the cap. The inner surface of the cap is defined by the opening formed in the upper portion of the cap, and each rib is associated with a concave recess disposed directly opposite the rib on an outer surface of the upper portion of the cap. The recess extends along at least part of the length of the rib.