Sample Tube Connector for Automated Microfluidics Loading

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing method of loading sample tubes by manual pipetting is slow and does not support automation, limiting the efficiency of sample manipulation in biological processing.

Innovation Solution

A sample tube connector is designed to fluidly couple a sample tube to a microfluidics device, featuring nozzles with flow and vent channels to facilitate the transfer of fluids without the need for pipetting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual pipetting is used to load sample tubes, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but the process is slow and does not support automation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample loading speedVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A sample tube connector serves as an intermediary component that bridges the microfluidics device and the sample tube. The connector includes nozzles that interface with the microfluidics device and an opening that receives the sample tube, enabling automated fluid transfer without manual pipetting while maintaining compatibility with standard sample tubes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sample tube connector is designed to be universally compatible with standard sample tubes used in biological processing. The opening of the connector is configured to receive various types of sample tubes, and the connector can be attached to different microfluidics devices, making it a multi-functional component that supports automation across different applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a connector is designed to accommodate various sample tube shapes, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample tube shape compatibilityVSAvoidconnector fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed with an opening that can accommodate various sample tube shapes by utilizing parameter changes in the fitting interface. The opening dimensions and geometry are optimized to work with different tube outer diameters and shapes through compression fitting, allowing versatility without requiring multiple specialized connectors for each tube type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The connector incorporates flexible or elastic materials in the opening region that can deform to accommodate different sample tube shapes and sizes. This flexibility allows a single connector design to interface with various tube geometries while maintaining a sealed connection, simplifying manufacturing compared to creating multiple rigid connectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If hermetic attachment is achieved through compression fitting, then sealing reliability is improved, but the force required may damage the sample tube

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing integrityVSAvoidattachment force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The connector applies compression force locally at the fitting interface between the opening and the sample tube, rather than distributing force throughout the entire tube. This localized compression achieves hermetic sealing at the critical interface while minimizing stress on the sample tube body, preventing damage to the tube

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The connector may utilize composite materials or material combinations with different mechanical properties - a harder material for the structural body to maintain shape, and a softer or more compliant material at the opening interface to achieve sealing through controlled compression without excessive force that would damage the sample tube

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 sample tube connector enables efficient and automated transfer of samples between microfluidics devices and standard sample tubes, improving the speed and accuracy of biological sample processing.

Implementation Method 1

The flow channel is positioned substantially off-center within the one or more nozzles to allow a fluid to run down a sidewall of the sample tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the one or more nozzles comprises a vent channel configured to allow air to escape therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure equalization: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

the non-rigid material is elastomer. In some embodiments, the non-rigid material enables the sample tube connector to hermetically attach the sample tube having one or more shapes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250177973A1Sample tube connectors and methods for attaching a microfluidics device to a sample tube

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 REDBUD LABS INC

AI summary

Described herein are sample tube connectors, digital microfluidics (“DMF”) systems, and methods of using the same. The sample tube connectors of the present disclosure are configured to configured to fluidly couple a sample tube having one or more shapes to a microfluidics device fluid enabling transfer from a microfluidics device to a sample tube without the use of additional tools such as pipets.