Sealed Sample Reservoir Opening for Clean Microliter Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equipment and aids for handling liquid samples in the microliter range are often not available at the point of use, leading to unreproducible sample handling and potential contamination, especially with hazardous substances, and require complex and expensive cleaning or disposal.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sample unit and a sampler that includes an opener to raise a sealing film or plate from a reservoir opening, allowing for reproducible sample handling without additional equipment, while preventing contamination and enabling easy filling and emptying at different locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate equipment or aids (pipettes, pumps, etc.) are used for taking up liquid samples, then the sample can be transferred to analysis vessels, but the equipment is not always available at the place of use and requires complex cleaning or disposal to avoid contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines the sample taking-up function and substance mixing function into a single integrated unit. The sampler is directly connected to the substance container, eliminating the need for separate pipettes, pumps, or other transfer equipment. This integration allows the device to be used independently at the place of use without requiring additional equipment or complex cleaning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a self-contained system where the sampler automatically takes up the liquid sample and the integrated substance container provides the substance for mixing. The system serves itself without requiring external equipment or aids, making it independently operable at any location without complex setup or cleanup requirements.
2Ease of operation
If separate equipment is used for sample handling, then sample transfer can be performed, but contamination of the sample by separate equipment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the sample taking-up function and substance mixing function into a single integrated device, the invention eliminates the transfer step between separate equipment. The sampler directly accesses the substance container, preventing sample contamination that would occur with intermediate equipment like pipettes or pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the substance from a sealed container directly into the sampler at the point of use, eliminating the need for intermediate transfer equipment that could contaminate the sample. The substance is taken out only when needed and mixed directly with the sample in the integrated device.
3Ease of operation
If hazardous substances are stored in open containers for easy access, then substance can be readily mixed with samples, but contamination of the environment and uncontrolled contact occur
Solution Approach 1:
The substance is pre-stored in a sealed container within the integrated device. The sealing film or plate is broken only when the device is activated, allowing the substance to be released in a controlled manner directly into the sampler. This preliminary storage in sealed form prevents environmental contamination while maintaining ready accessibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed container with breakable sealing film acts as an intermediary between the hazardous substance and the environment. The substance remains isolated until the device is activated, at which point the sealing film breaks and the substance is released in a controlled fashion through the sampler, preventing uncontrolled environmental contact.
4Ease of operation
If the sealing film is raised perpendicular to the opening for easy opening, then the opening process is simple, but the sealing film tears uncontrollably and does not form a proper outlet
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of raising the sealing film perpendicular to the opening surface, the opener raises it at an oblique angle. This asymmetric approach allows the sealing film to be broken in a controlled manner, forming a precise outlet through which the substance can flow smoothly into the sampler without uncontrolled tearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of the opening angle from perpendicular (90 degrees) to oblique (less than 90 degrees). This parameter change transforms the opening process from one that causes uncontrolled tearing to one that creates a precise, controlled outlet for substance flow.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for taking up and handling a liquid sample and a substance are described. The device has a sample unit and a substance container. The substance container has a reservoir which is designed to keep a substance in the reservoir. The reservoir also has an opening which is closed by a sealing film or sealing plate so that substance kept in the reservoir is sealed with respect to the surroundings. The sample unit is equipped with a sample taker which is designed to take up and hold a liquid sample. It also has an opener which is designed to be at least partially inserted into the opening of the reservoir and to lift the sealing film or sealing plate from the opening.