Solid Reagent Transfer Tray With Magnetic Cartridge Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for loading solid reagents into multi-well cartridges are labor-intensive and prone to damaging the reagents, leading to inconsistent reconstituted concentrations and potential analytical errors.
Innovation Solution
A tray with depressions for holding solid reagents and a barrier wall, combined with a press plate for securing cartridges, facilitates efficient and damage-free transfer of reagents into multi-well cartridges using a frictional fit and magnetic alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual loading methods are used to transfer solid reagents into multi-well cartridges, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the loading process into distinct functional components: a tray with individual wells for holding reagent containers, a press plate with corresponding cavities for receiving the tray, and alignment features that segment the positioning task. This segmentation allows for efficient batch processing while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The press plate acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the cartridges. It provides a frictional fit mechanism that secures multiple cartridges simultaneously during the transfer process, enabling rapid loading without requiring complex automated handling systems.
2Reliability
If existing manual loading methods are used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but the risk of damaging solid reagents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The press plate is designed with cavities that provide a cushioning frictional fit to secure cartridges before the transfer operation. This pre-positioning and securing mechanism prevents movement and potential damage during the loading process, ensuring reagent integrity without requiring complex stabilization systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes controlled frictional fit parameters between the press plate and cartridges, as well as between the tray and press plate, to maintain secure positioning. By optimizing these friction parameters, the system achieves reliable reagent transfer without excessive force that could cause damage.
3Loss of time
If labor-intensive manual loading is performed, then equipment cost is reduced, but the time required for loading increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple loading operations into a single integrated process. The tray holds multiple reagent containers, the press plate secures multiple cartridges, and the frictional fit mechanism enables simultaneous transfer of all cartridges in one operation, dramatically reducing total loading time while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray and press plate are designed with pre-configured alignment features including ridges and grooves that automatically guide proper positioning. This preliminary arrangement of components eliminates the need for precise manual alignment during operation, reducing loading time without sacrificing operational simplicity.
4Measurement precision
If inconsistent reagent transfer occurs, then operational simplicity is maintained, but analytical accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical transfer mechanisms with a simple frictional fit-based transfer system. The ridges on the press plate engage with grooves on the tray, providing consistent mechanical guidance that ensures uniform reagent transfer to each cartridge without requiring complex actuation or positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes controlled friction parameters and geometric alignment parameters to ensure consistent reagent transfer. By optimizing the frictional fit between components and the geometric relationship between ridges and grooves, the system achieves high measurement precision through simple mechanical means.
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 system enables rapid, damage-free transfer of solid reagents into cartridges, ensuring consistent reconstituted concentrations and reducing the risk of analytical errors.
Implementation Method 1
The top surface may be magnetized or include a magnet(s)
Implementation Method 2
a press plate for securing cartridges, facilitates efficient and damage-free transfer of reagents into multi-well cartridges using a frictional fit
Data Source
AI summary
A tray for transferring a plurality of solid reagents to a multi-well cartridge, the tray including a top surface having a plurality of depressions formed therein, each depression being configured to receive and hold a single one of the solid reagents, and a barrier wall projecting above and substantially surrounding the top surface, where the barrier wall is discontinuous at a first end of the tray.