Rotating Reagent Well Array for Reliable Fluid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage and dispensing devices for reagents in automated assay systems are often expensive, unreliable, and prone to mechanical failure, making them unsuitable for low-cost and rapid diagnostic applications such as genome sequencing and infectious disease detection.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, robust reagent/sample storage and dispensing device with stationary reagent wells and a valve system that allows selective dispensing without moving the wells, capable of withstanding thousands of actuations before mechanical failure, and compatible with various temperature ranges, manufactured using methods like injection molding or 3D printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve system is used to selectively dispense reagents from multiple wells, then reagent dispensing reliability is improved, but mechanical wear increases leading to frequent failure
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the valve to select different reagent wells, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the valve stationary and rotating the reagent well array. This inversion reduces mechanical wear on the valve mechanism while maintaining selective dispensing capability through the rotation of the well positions relative to the fixed valve outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The reagent storage system is segmented into multiple individual wells that can be independently positioned. By dividing the reagent storage into discrete, separable units arranged in a rotatable array, the system achieves selective dispensing without requiring the valve itself to move between different reagent sources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If reagent wells are made movable for selective dispensing, then versatility is improved, but mechanical complexity increases leading to higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional approach by making the reagent well array movable rather than the valve. This allows versatile reagent selection through rotation of the well positions while keeping the dispensing valve simple and stationary, thereby reducing overall mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable well array serves multiple functions: it enables selection of different reagents, maintains proper orientation for dispensing, and can be easily replaced or reconfigured. This single movable component provides versatility without requiring multiple separate mechanisms.
3Reliability
If a robust valve system is used to withstand thousands of actuations, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting which component moves (making the well array rotatable instead of the valve), the invention reduces the actuation requirements on the valve mechanism. The valve experiences fewer mechanical cycles, allowing for simpler, lower-cost valve designs while still achieving the required reliability through the durable rotatable well array.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for the use of simpler, potentially disposable reagent well arrays that can be replaced rather than repairing complex valve systems. This approach trades the durability of expensive mechanical components for easier-to-manufacture, replaceable consumable components.
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 provides reliable, low-cost, and disposable reagent dispensing solutions for automated systems, minimizing mechanical wear and enabling efficient sequential reactions with precise fluid control, suitable for sequencing and diagnostic applications.
Implementation Method 1
The valve may be rotated to select an individual reagent storage well to be in fluid communication with the outlet channel
Implementation Method 2
Pressurizing the internal volume or introducing pressure into the internal volume through the inlet may cause fluid to be drawn into or egress from the selected individual reagent storage well
Data Source
AI summary
A reagent storage and dispensing apparatus comprises a housing, storage wells disposed within an internal volume of the housing, and a valve. The housing comprises a shared outlet chamber. The wells can be selected to be in fluid communication with the shared outlet channel through individual outlet channels. The valve is coupled to the housing and is rotated to select a well to be in fluid communication with the shared outlet channel while preventing the remaining wells from being in fluid communication. As the valve is rotated, the wells and their individual outlet channels remain stationary. To dispense fluid from or draw fluid into the selected well, positive or negative pressure, respectively, is introduced into the internal volume. Pressurization of the internal volume also pressurizes the plurality of wells, though the valve allows only fluid flow for the selected well.