Centrifugal Rotor Conduit Angled Outlet and Obstructive Features

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Solution Overview

Problem

Centrifugal rotor devices face issues with capillary-flow fronts forming along the edges of main siphon channels, which can rupture under centrifugal pressure, leading to inefficiencies in fluid delivery and mixing.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a conduit system with a coupling portion angled between the radially inward and perpendicular directions, and includes obstructive features in secondary channels to impede fluid flow, ensuring precise delivery and mixing of fluids within the rotor device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the conduit outlet is positioned at the radially outward edge of the side wall, then fluid delivery is simplified, but capillary-flow fronts form and can rupture under centrifugal pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid deliveryVSAvoidfluid flow stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the problematic radially outward edge position from the conduit outlet design. By removing the outlet from the radially outward edge and repositioning it at an angle between 0-180 degrees from the radially inward direction, the harmful capillary-flow front formation is eliminated while maintaining functional fluid delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of positioning the conduit outlet at the traditional radially outward edge, the invention inverts the approach by positioning it relative to the radially inward direction. This inversion of the reference direction fundamentally changes the flow dynamics and prevents capillary-flow front rupture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Measurement precision

If the conduit coupling portion is positioned at various angles, then fluid delivery precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid delivery precisionVSAvoidconduit configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by specifying the coupling portion angle in the local context of the first chamber geometry. The angle is defined relative to the radially inward direction of the specific chamber, allowing precision fluid delivery tailored to each chamber's local configuration without requiring complex global device redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution enhances the precision and reliability of fluid delivery and mixing in centrifugal rotor devices, preventing fluid rupture and ensuring consistent operation, thereby improving analytical procedures for various biological and chemical samples.

Implementation Method 1

bonding the first substrate and the second substrate by applying high frequency sounds to the energy director to form a weld around the channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

applying high frequency sounds to the energy director to form a weld around the channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Implementation Method 3

centrifugal rotor device that includes a rim defining a radially inward direction and a radially outward direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3474993B1Devices with modified conduits
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 ZOETIS SERVICES LLC
  • EP3474993B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3474993B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3474993B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A centrifugal rotor device includes a first chamber configured to hold a fluid, and a second chamber configured to receive the fluid from the first chamber. The centrifugal rotor device also includes a conduit coupled to the first chamber at a conduit inlet and coupled to the second chamber at a conduit outlet, the conduit configured to permit movement of the fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber. The conduit includes a first channel and a second channel formed adjacent to the first channel. The second channel is in fluid communication with the first channel and has a dimension smaller than the smallest dimension of the first channel. The conduit also includes one or more obstructive features present in the second channel configured to impede movement of the fluid in the second channel.