Sample Partitioning Cartridge with Pull Tab Film Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample partitioning technologies face challenges in providing simple and user-friendly cartridges for segmenting aqueous samples into small discrete volumes, often resulting in bubble formation and complex handling procedures.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge design featuring a pouch with a stem-well film and a sealing film, where the stem-well film is mated with a removable stem film and a release liner, and a pull tab is used to separate these components, allowing for easy filling and sealing of wells within the pouch, which can then be stamped out as a coupon, managing excess sample and waste efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional sample partitioning devices are used, then sample segmentation capability is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into distinct functional components: a pouch containing liquid, a stem-well film with separable stem and well portions, a sealing film, and a pull tab. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining effective sample partitioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The stem film is designed to be removable from the well film by pulling the tab. This extraction of the stem portion eliminates the need for complex alignment and positioning mechanisms during well filling, significantly improving ease of operation while preserving the sample segmentation function
2Manufacturing precision
If wells are filled with aqueous sample, then sample partitioning is achieved, but bubble formation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The stem film is removed from the well film before filling the pouch with aqueous sample. This preliminary action creates open wells that allow air to escape during filling, preventing bubble formation while maintaining precise sample partitioning in the resulting wells
Solution Approach 2:
The pull tab serves as an intermediary mechanism that enables clean separation of the stem film from the well film. This intermediary action ensures bubble-free well formation by allowing controlled removal of the stem portion without introducing air bubbles into the sample compartments
3Ease of operation
If stem film and release liner are removed, then ease of operation improves, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pull tab is attached to both the stem film and the release liner, combining these removal actions into a single operation. Pulling the tab simultaneously detaches both films, improving ease of operation while minimizing the time required for the separation process
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 provides bubble-free, sealed wells in a compact format, facilitating convenient incubation and automated analysis, with the excess sample and waste easily disposed of, enhancing user-friendliness and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing film includes a removable release liner covering an adhesive surface thereof
Data Source
AI summary
Cartridges for sample partitioning and methods of making and using the cartridges are provided. The cartridges include a pouch to receive a mated stem-well film and a sealing film covered by a release liner. The stem film and the sealing film can be respectively separated from the well film and sealing film simultaneously by pulling a pull tab.