Sample Injection Device Surface Treatment for Drip Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample injection devices experience sample dripping due to gravitational forces and acceleration/deceleration of the syringe/needle, leading to sample discharge from the suction and discharge unit during movement.
Innovation Solution
The inner wall of the suction and discharge unit is subjected to a surface treatment to increase interfacial tension between the inner wall and the sample, preventing sample discharge by maintaining the sample within the unit, even when the unit is moved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the syringe/needle is moved to transport the sample, then the sample can be delivered to the destination, but the sample may drip from the needle due to gravity and acceleration forces
Solution Approach 1:
The inner wall of the needle is subjected to surface treatment that changes its surface properties, specifically increasing the interfacial tension between the wall and the liquid sample. This parameter change in surface energy prevents the sample from adhering to and dripping from the needle wall during movement, while still allowing the needle to transport the sample effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface treatment is applied specifically to the inner wall of the needle where the sample contacts during transport. This creates a localized region with different surface properties (higher interfacial tension) precisely where needed to prevent dripping, without affecting other parts of the needle or the sample itself.
2Reliability
If the needle inner wall is treated to increase interfacial tension, then sample dripping is prevented, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surface treatment modifies the physical-chemical parameters of the needle inner wall to achieve the desired effect. By changing surface energy characteristics through established treatment methods, the patent achieves reliable sample containment without requiring fundamental redesign of the needle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle is designed as a disposable component that can be easily manufactured with surface treatment. Rather than making the needle reusable and complex to clean and maintain, the disposable nature allows for simple surface treatment during manufacturing, achieving high reliability at low cost.
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
Significantly reduces or prevents sample dripping from the suction and discharge unit during movement by enhancing interfacial tension, ensuring the sample remains contained within the unit.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of an inner wall of the suction and discharge unit, the portion having the sample contained therewithin, is subjected to a surface treatment to increase an interfacial tension that acts between the inner wall and the sample
Data Source
AI summary
A sample injection device (100) includes a tubular suction and discharge unit (23) configured to suction a liquid sample (S), contain the sample therein, and discharge the suctioned sample, and at least a portion of an inner wall (23a) of the suction and discharge unit, the portion having the sample contained therewithin, is subjected to a surface treatment (V) to increase an interfacial tension (F) that acts between the inner wall and the sample.