Sealing Valve Outlet Structure to Prevent Nozzle Crystallization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid outlet structures for reagent kits are cumbersome and time-consuming to operate, requiring frequent tip changes or cleaning of pipettes and syringes, and are not conducive to automation due to operator-dependent reagent dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A sealing valve with a cylindrical valve hole and frustum hole, integrated with a spray pipe and nozzle, uses a magnet bar to control the opening and closing of the nozzle, ensuring good sealing and preventing liquid crystallization, while allowing for easy automation and miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional pipette or syringe is used to draw reagents, then the reagent can be transferred, but the operation is cumbersome and time-consuming requiring frequent tip changes or cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing valve integrates the drawing, sealing, and dispensing functions into a single component. The valve body with valve hole and frustum hole combines the liquid passage and sealing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate pipette tips or syringe components that require frequent changing or cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet bar automatically seals the valve hole when not in use, and the frustum hole automatically retains liquid through capillary action. This self-sealing and self-retaining mechanism eliminates the need for manual cap replacement or cleaning operations.
2Productivity
If the nozzle is exposed to air, then liquid can be dispensed, but the liquid rapidly evaporates and crystallizes blocking the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet bar proactively seals the valve hole before liquid evaporation can occur. The frustum hole design with capillary retention prevents liquid from reaching the nozzle when not in use, acting in advance to prevent crystallization and blockage.
Solution Approach 2:
The frustum hole acts as an intermediary chamber between the liquid storage and nozzle. It uses capillary forces to retain liquid and prevent it from contacting the nozzle when not dispensing, while still allowing smooth flow when needed.
3Extent of automation
If the liquid outlet structure is simplified for automation, then automation becomes easier, but sealing performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (cap replacement, syringe cleaning) with a magnetic field-controlled system. The magnet bar responds to magnetic field changes to automatically open or close the valve, enabling integration with automated liquid handling systems while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism uses changes in magnetic field parameters to control the magnet bar position. When the magnetic field strength changes, the magnet bar moves to seal or open the valve hole, providing automated control without compromising sealing reliability.
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 sealing valve effectively controls the liquid outlet, preventing air leakage and liquid crystallization, while facilitating easy disassembly and automation, enhancing operational efficiency and precision in reagent dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet bar provided in the spray hole... The magnet bar moves along an axial direction of the spray hole
Implementation Method 2
can store a portion of liquid that is used for soaking the conical nozzle opening and preventing the liquid inside the nozzle from rapidly evaporating and crystallizing
Implementation Method 3
a conical nozzle opening provided at an end portion of the nozzle pipe such to prevent liquid from adhering to a lower end of the nozzle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A sealing valve comprises a sealing valve body (1). The sealing valve body (1) is provided with a cylindrical valve hole (2), and a bottom end of the cylindrical valve hole (2) is provided with a frustum hole (3). The frustum hole (3) is arranged coaxially with the cylindrical valve hole (2), and a small bottom end of the frustum hole (3) is in communication with the bottom end of the cylindrical valve hole (2). The sealing valve is controllable over the opening and closing of a nozzle and can prevent crystallization of a liquid at the nozzle.