Stackable Diagnostic Consumables With Snap-Fit Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current consumables for PCR analysis, such as microplates with 96 or 384 conical wells, offer limited processing flexibility and high costs due to high percentages of unused wells, especially in low-throughput applications, and require significant manual handling, leading to inefficiencies and increased plastic waste.
Innovation Solution
A compact, stackable consumable system with a plate and separate cover featuring a snap-fit mechanism for easy connection and disconnection, optimized for automated handling, air-tight sealing, and reduced material usage, allowing for flexible and efficient PCR applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If microplates with 96 or 384 conical wells are used, then high throughput processing is enabled, but processing flexibility is limited and unused wells increase costs and plastic waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional single large microplate into multiple smaller consumables (e.g., 4x4, 8x8, or 12x12 well plates). This segmentation allows laboratories to use only the number of wells needed for each specific assay, eliminating unused wells while maintaining the ability to process multiple samples simultaneously. The modular design enables flexible configuration based on actual processing requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If consumables with lower cavity number are used, then processing flexibility is improved, but automated handling capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the smaller consumables with standardized dimensions, shapes, and attachment features that are compatible with existing automated analyser systems. The consumables incorporate universal handling features such as integrated attachment points and standardized geometries that allow them to be processed by the same automated equipment designed for larger microplates, thus maintaining automation capability while enabling flexible processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling of consumables is performed, then flexibility in processing is achieved, but time consumption increases and technicians are occupied with non-value-added tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates self-aligning and self-attaching features into the consumable design, such as integrated attachment points that automatically engage with the analyser system. The consumables are designed to be loaded and positioned without requiring manual manipulation or alignment by technicians, reducing handling time while maintaining processing flexibility through the modular well configurations.
4Reliability
If large batches of consumables are stored, then supply availability is ensured, but storage space is occupied and consumables are difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the smaller consumables to be nestable within each other or within compact containers, allowing multiple units to be stored in a space-efficient manner. The modular design enables nested storage configurations where smaller consumable units can be placed within larger storage containers or stacked vertically, significantly reducing the storage footprint while maintaining easy access and handling. This nesting approach ensures supply availability without occupying excessive storage space.
Data Source
AI summary
A container or consumable like a reaction tube for use in diagnostic assays. The present disclosure provides a system for fluid handling and transport, comprising a plate with at least one cavity for receiving a fluid which is surrounded by a rim, and a separate cover comprising a centrally arranged surface as a sealing element which is surrounded by a rim, wherein the plate or the cover comprise at least one snap-fit mechanism for connecting at least two plates, at least two covers or a plate and a cover, wherein the snap-fit mechanism extends upwards or downwards from the surrounding rim of the plate or the cover, and wherein the rim of the plate or cover which is to be connected is configured for accommodating the snap-fit mechanism of an upper or lower plate or cover in a retaining element arranged at the rim.