Sample Carrier With Reversible Cap And Pump Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing bodily samples, such as blood samples, face challenges in efficiently performing optical density and microscopic measurements due to issues with sample containment, mixing of diluents, and prevention of contamination, particularly in portable or non-laboratory settings.
Innovation Solution
A sample carrier with a main body and cap that irreversibly seals the sample, incorporating fluidic channels, analysis chambers, and a pump system to mix diluents with samples, while using a blister pack as a mixing chamber and bubble trap to enhance mixing and prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sample carrier uses a reversible cap design for easy opening and closing, then ease of operation is improved, but contamination risk increases and sample integrity cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is pre-configured with breaking features (breaking plane, breaking tab) that allow it to be irreversibly attached to the main body through a simple breaking motion. This preliminary design enables the cap to transition from a removable state to a permanently sealed state, ensuring sample integrity while maintaining ease of initial operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is designed as a disposable component that is broken off and discarded after sealing the sample. This disposable approach eliminates the need for complex reversible mechanisms, ensures sample containment integrity, and allows for simple, cost-effective manufacturing with breaking features.
2Ease of operation
If the analysis chambers are positioned flush with the outer surface for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The analysis chambers are positioned asymmetrically recessed into the main body rather than being flush with the outer surface. This asymmetric recessed positioning creates a protective barrier that reduces contamination risk while still allowing access to the chambers through the designed port structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed positioning of analysis chambers serves as a pre-built protective structure that cushions the chambers from direct exposure to external contaminants. This prior protective design prevents contamination before it can occur during handling and transport.
3Measurement precision
If the sample carrier includes multiple fluidic channels and mixing chambers for thorough sample mixing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing chamber and bubble trap are merged into a single integrated structure within the main body. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall fluidic system while still providing both mixing functionality and bubble trapping capability, thereby maintaining measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The port structure serves multiple functions: it provides access to analysis chambers, acts as a sealing interface, and enables fluidic connection for sample introduction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the device while maintaining precise measurement capabilities.
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 solution ensures efficient mixing and containment of bodily samples, allowing for accurate optical density and microscopic measurements, reducing contamination risks and sample loss, and facilitating transport to laboratory settings.
Implementation Method 1
a capillary tube configured to receive the bodily sample
Implementation Method 2
an optical measurement unit that includes a pump system, which is configured to pump fluid through fluidic channels defined by the sample carrier
Implementation Method 3
a blister pack as a mixing chamber and bubble trap to enhance mixing and prevent contamination
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are described for analyzing a bodily sample. A sample carrier (22), which houses the bodily sample, includes at least one fluidic channel (120), at least one analysis chamber (68), and a receptacle (92) that houses a diluent. A pump system (150) pumps the diluent from the receptacle (92) into the fluidic channel (120) in a first fluid flow direction, and subsequently, pumps the diluent and the bodily sample in a second fluid flow direction, which is a reverse of the first fluid flow direction, to thereby mix the diluent and the bodily sample within the receptacle (92). Other applications are also described.