Sample Carrier for Microfluidic Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing systems for transferring samples from sample recovery or preparation devices to microfluidic processing devices require significant effort and lack efficiency in sample transfer.

Innovation Solution

A sample carrier that is connectable to both the sample recovery or preparation device and the processing device, allowing for automatic sample removal and transfer, utilizing capillary forces for precise sample handling and adhesion, with a design that includes a conical plug portion for fluid-tight connection and a grip portion for handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual sample transfer is used from sample recovery device to processing device, then flexibility in handling is maintained, but transfer effort and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample transfer efficiencyVSAvoidtransfer effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sample carrier automatically removes the sample from the sample recovery device through capillary forces when detached, eliminating the need for manual transfer operations. The system performs the sample transfer function autonomously via the self-service mechanism of the sample carrier's sample receiving region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sample carrier acts as an intermediary element between the sample recovery device and the processing device. It receives the sample from the recovery device and transports it to the processing device, mediating the transfer process and enabling automatic sample removal through its detachable design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If automatic sample removal is implemented, then transfer efficiency improves, but precision in sample measurement may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer efficiencyVSAvoidsample amount precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sample receiving region is designed with specific local properties including hydrophilic surfaces and precise geometric dimensions (depression depth, width, length) that are optimized to hold a precisely measurable sample amount. This local quality design ensures both automatic removal capability and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The physical parameters of the sample receiving region (such as surface hydrophilicity, depression dimensions, and contact angle) are carefully controlled to optimize capillary forces. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves precise control over the sample amount held while maintaining automatic removal functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sample carrier is designed with both connection interfaces, then versatility and reusability improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidcarrier structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sample carrier is designed with universal connection interfaces that enable it to function with both sample recovery devices and processing devices. The same carrier structure can be attached to either device type, providing multi-functionality and versatility without requiring different carrier designs for each application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Facilitates easier and more efficient sample transfer by automating the removal process, ensuring precise measurement and handling of samples, which can be further processed or analyzed in the microfluidic device.

Implementation Method 1

The sample is preferably held, at least partially exposed, on the sample receiving region of the sample carrier by adhesion forces, in particular by capillary forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary forces: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

The sample is preferably held, at least partially exposed, on the sample receiving region of the sample carrier by adhesion forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS20220323954A1Transfer system for samples, more particularly samples to be analyzed

Publication Date: 2022.10.13 THINXXS MICROTECHNOLOGY AG

AI summary

A system for transferring a sample from a sample recovery or provision device to a microfluidic processing device, more particularly an analysis device, preferably in the form of a flow cell, with a sample carrier that removes the sample from the sample recovery or provision device and can be transported to the processing device. The sample carrier can be connected to the sample recovery or provision device and can be detached from sample recovery or provision device, with the sample being automatically removed. The sample carrier connected to the sample recovery or provision device is preferably a functional component of the sample recovery or provision device, more particularly the sample carrier closes a container space of the sample recovery or provision device for receiving sample material.