Sample Testing Substrate With Passive Barriers for Liquid Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing substrate systems for examining samples face challenges in preventing liquid mixing within the sample chamber, requiring large liquid containers and complex setups with pumps and valves to ensure complete liquid exchange.
Innovation Solution
A substrate with a passive blocking element that can assume a blocking or open position, allowing controlled liquid exchange between the sample chamber and liquid reservoirs, eliminating the need for external containers and pumps by using pressure to manage fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external liquid containers and pumps are used to transport liquids through the sample chamber, then liquid exchange can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and the setup becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the active pumping and valve control functions from the substrate, placing them in external equipment. The substrate itself contains only passive blocking elements (membranes or valves) that respond to pressure changes, eliminating the need for integrated pumps and active valves within the substrate structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pressure as an intermediary mechanism to control liquid flow. By applying pressure differentials across the passive blocking elements, liquid exchange is controlled without requiring active mechanical actuators within the substrate, simplifying the overall device architecture.
2Reliability
If complete liquid exchange is performed to prevent mixing, then liquid separation reliability improves, but the volume of liquid containers must be large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning passive blocking elements in specific locations within the fluid system. These elements are designed to respond to pressure changes, allowing controlled liquid exchange and separation without requiring complete system flushing, thereby reducing the total liquid volume needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If passive blocking elements are used instead of active valves, then manufacturing cost decreases, but control precision must be achieved through pressure management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active mechanical valve systems with passive blocking elements that respond to pressure differentials. This substitution eliminates complex actuation mechanisms, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining fluid control through pressure management rather than mechanical actuation.
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 design reduces the risk of liquid mixing, enables a compact and cost-effective test setup, and allows for targeted liquid exchange, making it suitable for disposable substrates and complex processes without the need for active components.
Implementation Method 1
The passive blocking element can assume a blocking position and an open position, wherein in the blocking position a liquid exchange between the sample chamber and the liquid reservoir is blocked
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a substrate for examining samples, in particular cells or molecules, wherein the substrate comprises a fluid system comprising a sample chamber formed in the substrate for storing and examining samples and at least one fluid reservoir fluidically connected to the sample chamber, and wherein the substrate comprises a passive barrier element that can assume a barrier position and a pass-through position, wherein in the barrier position fluid exchange between the sample chamber and the fluid reservoir is blocked.